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
- 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 is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Facilities
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
Activities
There are no developed trails at this park. Visitors adventuring into this wilderness area should be cautious.
Within the Sukunka River, arctic grayling, bull trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and rainbow trout are common.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
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.
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.
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
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.