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Advisories

Camping

Total number of campsites
Total cabins: 1
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Backcountry camping

There are numerous designated campsites at Fish Lake. They function on a first come, first served basis.

Backcountry camping fee: $5 per person per night (age 6+)

The BC Parks backcountry permit registration service allows you to purchase a backcountry camping permit before leaving home. Although this does not reserve a campsite, it provides the convenience of prepaying for your trip and not having to carry cash. We encourage all visitors to register online so we can reduce the need to collect fees in the field.

  • Please use the sanitary facilities that are supplied to prevent lake pollution.
  • When toilets are not available, bury human waste at least 15 cm in soil and 30 m from water. 
  • To ensure drinking water is safe, it must be boiled for at least five minutes. 
  • Register a trip itinerary with friends, check in and check out. 
  • When practical, use impacted campsites, otherwise practice Leave No Trace camping ethics. 
  • If you have a fire, build it on rocks, or remove sod, have fire, then replace sod. 
  • Food storage facilities are available throughout the park.
Cabins and huts

The Fish Lake cabin is located on the shore of Fish Lake. The cabin is available on a first come, first served basis and accommodates 14 to 18 people on bunks along the perimeter of the cabin walls. 

A wood stove is located in the center of the cabin, but firewood is not provided from October to May. An axe is available. Use extreme caution when cutting wood. Do not split firewood inside the cabin. Trees, dead or alive, are not to be cut for any reason. 

  • There are also two tables located inside the cabin. 
  • You must bring in all other camping gear and amenities including sleeping pads and cooking and eating utensils. 
  • Please pack everything out of the park that you brought in and, when leaving ensure that the cabin is left in a tidy condition and that nothing is left inside the cabin, especially garbage and food. 
  • No pets or smoking inside the cabin. 

Cabin use fee: $15 per person per night or $30 per family per night

Winter camping

Winter camping is available depending on the accessibility to the trailhead via the Forest Service access road. 

Backcountry camping fee: $5 per person per night (age 6+)
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Campfires
Fires are allowed in fire pits only, however visitors should check with the Forest Service or at park trailheads to see if fires bans are in effect. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please do not gather firewood from the campground area or near trails. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. Use firewood that is provided at Fish Lake from June to September. Conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. This park has communal fire rings only, bring a portable stove for cooking.
Pit or flush toilets
This park has pit toilets located at the Nicol Creek trailhead, Fish Lake campground, Fish Lake cabin and Coyote Creek campsite.
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Hiking

There are several great hiking trails in this park. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Swimming

Visitors can swim at Fish Lake.

Fishing

Fishing is a major attraction at this park, particularly at Fish Lake which is surrounded by a trail. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Traditionally, most people who come to Top of the World Park angle for the cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout that thrive in Fish Lake. Cutthroat average 20 cm and Dolly Varden come in at 30 cm. 

There are special regulations covering fishing in this park which must be followed so that all visitors will be able to enjoy the park as much as possible:

  • There is a bait ban in effect at present. 
  • Angling with flies and lures is permitted. 
  • From the beginning of June until July 15, cutthroat trout are spawning. Gently release, unharmed, all dark-coloured trout during this period.
Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Cycling

Cycling is permitted at this park. Mountain bike enthusiasts may only ride the 6 km hiking and horse trail between Nicol Creek trailhead parking lot and Fish Lake. These busy trails are used by young families, therefore cyclists must use extreme caution. Bicycles must keep to pathways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

For details on e-biking within Top of the World Park, see the e-biking section.

E-Biking

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Top of the World Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is permitted on the Fish Lake horse trail, Coyote Creek trail and Galbraith Creek trails only. Overnight grazing is prohibited, except in the vicinity of Coyote Creek campsite and Sayles Meadows. Use of pellets and other feed concentrates is encouraged. Grazing should be limited to one night per party in each location. At Fish Lake, horses must be kept 100 metres away from the lake.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during an open season as described in the Wildlife Act and BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations. All guided hunts are by permit only.

Winter recreation

Depending on road accessibility to the trailhead, Top of the World provides excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities from the trailhead to Fish Lake and surrounding area.