Stuart River Park

Highlights in this park

This 20,984 hectare park takes in three-quarters of the 110 km long Stuart River corridor between Fort St. James and the Nechako River. Road access to the corridor exists at several points but the most efficient access is by boat. There are no facilities provided.

The river corridor provides critical habitat for Chinook and sockeye salmon, as well as the red-listed white sturgeon. It is also a high value wildlife corridor for deer and elk.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Bring your own water as there is no potable water available.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

This park takes in three-quarters of the 110 km long Stuart River corridor between Fort St. James and the Nechako River. Road access to the corridor exists at several points but the most efficient access is by boat.

(NTS Map Reference: 93J/3, 93/J/4, 93K/1, 93K/8).

Things to do

Canoeing

There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities in this park.

Kayaking

There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities in this park.

Fishing

There are fishing opportunities in this park.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

There are wildlife viewing opportunities in this park.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the B.C. Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

About this park

History

The Stuart River corridor has been used as a travel route for centuries. The river was part of Simon Fraser’s exploration route and later the New Caledonia fur trade canoes regularly traveled these waters. Before the arrival of Simon Fraser the river had been used extensively by the Carrier people. Numerous archaeological sites have been documented including the ancient Chinlac village site. In 1961 the long-abandoned village was designated as a Provincial Heritage Site.

Conservation

The park lies on the Nechako Plateau and features flat to gently rolling terrain and rounded mountains with low ridges and high bluffs along the Stuart River. The corridor has riparian areas and upland forests associated with the major river systems of the plateau.

Wildlife

Stuart River provides critical habitat for chinook and sockeye salmon as well as the endangered white sturgeon. Stuart River Park also serves as a high-value wildlife corridor providing habitat for moose, bear, smaller fur-bearers, and riparian-dependent species such as swans, eagles, and bitterns. It also includes important winter range for deer and elk.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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