Sukunka Falls Park

Park overview

With a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the Sukunka River highlights a scenic vista as it cascades over vertical bands of bedrock layers in a series of waterfalls and rapids. Three sets of falls are located in the park, the northernmost being the most impressive of the series. Unique viewing opportunities are offered of the Sukunka Falls and rapids from roadside locations.

In addition, the river setting provides visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities, which include fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping.

Advisories

Safety info

The Sukunka River drops 50 metres from one end of the park to the other. Below the falls, the water is navigable by canoe and riverboat. Always use caution, the Sukunka River can be challenging even to experienced canoeists and boaters.
Visitors to this park are advised when travelling the Sukunka Forest Service road to use extreme caution and have the radio frequency to maintain contact with the truck traffic.

Special notes

Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) are prohibited in this park. ORVs include ATVs, off-road motorcycles, snowmobiles and side-by-sides.
Please review the backcountry and marine ethics pages prior to visiting.

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.

Facilities

Campfires

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

Activities

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Hiking

There are no developed trails at this park. Visitors adventuring into this wilderness area should be cautious.

Canoeing

The Sukunka River drops 50 metres from one end of the park to the other. Below the falls, the water is navigable by canoe and riverboat. Always use caution, the Sukunka River can be challenging even to experienced canoeists and boaters.

Fishing

Within the Sukunka River, arctic grayling, bull trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and rainbow trout are common. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing

There are wildlife viewing opportunities in the park.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Sukunka Falls Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Horseback riding

Horses and horseback riding are permitted in the park.

Sukunka Falls Park is located approximately 45 km south of Chetwynd via the Chetwynd-Tumbler Ridge Highway and the Sukunka Forest Service road. At km 21 of the Sukunka Forest Service road, there is a pullout which provides visitors with a good view of the falls, rapids and surrounding parkland.

Park and activity maps

Location Map

Learn more about this park

Park details

Date established: July 30, 1981
Size: 360 hectares

Nature and culture

History

Sikanni and Beaver First Nations are known to have occupied the Sukunka Valley during the time of European exploration in the Peace River region. Prescott Fay, in 1914 wrote: “At this point the river goes through a rocky canyon, above which are a series of very pretty cascades and small, symmetrical falls, so much so as to be almost artificial.” In 1966 a reserve was established to preserve the scenic upper falls viewpoint and in 1972 it was expanded to include the lower falls. Sukunka Falls was established as a provincial park in 1981.

Cultural Heritage

The Sikanni and Beaver First Nations have traditionally used the area.

Conservation

Boreal white and black spruce is characteristic of the valley bottom with stands of aspen, cottonwood, and poplar. The Sukunka valley has been identified as key winter range for moose and deer.

Wildlife

Wildlife species inhabiting the park area include moose, black bear, lynx, wolf, and hare as well as a wide variety of avian species such as loons, grebes, spruce grouse and bald eagles. Within the Sukunka River arctic grayling, bull trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and rainbow trout are common.

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.