• Watch for fissures on the surface. While hiking, snowshoeing or backcountry skiing, please watch for fissures on the surface. Large fissures can be impossible to see through snow cover and be upwards of 3m deep. Falling into these fissures could cause serious injury.
• Avalanches are a potential hazard to backcountry snowboarding, cross-country skiing, telemark skiing, and snowshoeing enthusiasts.
• Be Bear Aware! Check out our bear information page.
• Bring your own water. There is no potable water available at this park.

Are you prepared to travel in the backcountry?

Trails and cabins are there for your enjoyment, but they are no substitute for preparation and awareness when traveling in the backcountry.

Every year, visitors get lost in the park, usually in the subalpine/alpine areas. It can be difficult to navigate, especially if when the weather is poor and fatigue sets in. Here are some simple things you can do as a visitor to help make your visit to the park a safe and enjoyable experience.

•  Do you have any experience, training and gear? If you can’t answer this question confidently, you should think about travelling with someone who is experienced and knows the area. Consider joining a local hiking group on outings to gain experience. Pack rain gear, water and snacks. Always go prepared to spend the night in case of an emergency.
• Plan your route, even for a day hike! Many people who get lost only expected to be out for a few hours. Take the time to look at maps, guide books and Google Earth before you venture out. AdventureSmart has a great, pre-made trip planning guide.
• Have an emergency contact and tell them where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Ensure you bring maps, a compass and if you have one, a GPS. GPS locations of trailheads, cabins, and attractions as well as the mapsheets for the park can be found here: Sugarbowl/Grizzly Den Waypoints [PDF].

• It is illegal to have any outside, open fires.
• Firewood at the three cabins in Sugarbowl–Grizzly Den Park is flown in via helicopter under a cooperative agreement with the Prince George Backcountry Recreation Society. Please conserve firewood. Firewood is for use in the cabin stoves only.

History

This attractive area, developed over a number of years, is popular with both cross-country skiers and hikers. In 1973 and 1974, Northwood Pulp and Timber Ltd. built the original trails and cabins (Raven Lake and Grizzly Den). Ministry of Forests maintained the trails and cabins up until 2000, when the area was declared a Provincial Park and BC Parks is now managing the area. When harvesting was completed in the area the Hungary Creek Road was no longer plowed in the winter so the Sons of Norway built an additional cabin on the lower part of the Grizzly Den Trail in 1977. The Grand Canyon of the Fraser is also in the Park, a very dangerous spot for the river men that ran barges up and down the river. Many people lost their lives in the canyon over the years.

Cultural Heritage

The Grand Canyon of the Fraser represents a unique feature which has historic significance related to the “Overlanders” journey to the Cariboo gold field in the 1860s and the construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The Fraser river is designated as a BC Heritage River.

Wildlife

The park is a refuge for caribou and grizzly bear.

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.