Highlights in this park
Ts’ilʔos (pronounced “sigh-loss”) Park comprises rugged mountains, clear blue lakes, glaciers, alpine meadows, and waterfalls. It is bordered by the rugged peaks of the coast mountains to the west, and the dry interior plateau to the east.
The diversity and contrast in landscapes and vegetation are a result of a rainshadow effect on the east side of the mountains. While the northern and eastern portions of the park are relatively dry, the south end of Chilko Lake is characterized by moist areas of the coastal western hemlock zone.
The park was established in February of 1994 as a wilderness area set aside to protect vegetation, wildlife and fish habitats, cultural values, and special features. Ts’ilʔos Park is co-managed through a Memorandum of Understanding between BC Parks and the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government.
The diverse ecosystems in the park remain largely undisturbed by human activity, making this park an ecologically significant area in the province. Chilko Lake, the largest, natural high-elevation freshwater lake in Canada, dominates the park.
Stunningly beautiful, due to its blue-green hues and dramatic mountain backdrops, Chilko Lake is popular with boaters, kayakers, and anglers. Backcountry hiking and camping is also a cornerstone of the recreational opportunities offered by this remote park.
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- Ts’ilʔos Park is remote. Visitors must be self-sufficient and competent in order to deal with the challenges of the outdoors. BC Parks does not provide rescue services.
- Only experienced boaters and kayakers should attempt Chilko Lake, due to the unpredictable winds and other challenges such as high waves, icy waters, and a shortage of safe landing areas. Canoeing on Chilko Lake is not recommended.
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
Ts’ilʔos Park is located in a relatively undeveloped and isolated part of the Chilcotin. As the crow flies, the park is approximately 160km southwest of Williams Lake, or 250km north of Vancouver. There are two main vehicle access routes into the park, and two campgrounds, one at the end of each route. Both routes take four to six hours from Williams Lake, though travel time varies considerably depending on weather conditions. Roads are rough, and conditions vary considerably. Drive carefully and with lights on. The nearest communities to the park are Nemiah Valley, Hanceville, Tatla Lake and Williams Lake.
No scheduled flights serve the park. Several airstrips are located outside the park boundary; a Park Use Permit is required for commercial air access within the park.
Topographical map numbers 1:50,000 92N/1, 92N/8, 92O/4, 92O/5, 92N/9, 92J/13 and 92K/16 cover the park. These are necessary for hikers, horseback riders and other backcountry travellers.
Dates of operation
The park gate is open year-round
- Facility type
- Frontcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Vehicle-accessible sites: 8
- Main operating season
- 2024: May 19 to September 1
- Winter season
- No services
- Service note
- Due to bear hazards, Gwa Da Ts’ih campground may be closed during salmon spawning season (September 1 to October 31).
- Facility type
- Boat launch
- Main operating season
- 2024: May 19 to September 1
- Winter season
- No services
- Service note
- Due to bear hazards, Gwa Da Ts’ih campground may be closed during salmon spawning season (September 1 to October 31).
- Facility type
- Frontcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Vehicle-accessible sites: 16
- Double sites: 3
- Walk-in sites: 4
- Main operating season
- 2024: May 19 to October 31
- Winter season
- Not known
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Main operating season
- 2024: year-round
- Winter season
- Not known
Camping
- Total number of campsites
- Total vehicle-accessible sites: 24
- Total double sites: 3
- Total walk-in sites: 4
- Total pull-through sites: 1
Gwa Da Ts’ih, accessed via Tatla Lake, offers eight rustic campsites. Facilities at the campground include water wells with hand pumps, picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets.
Due to bear hazards, Gwa Da Ts’ih campground may be closed during salmon spawning season (mid-August to mid-September).
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first come, first served basis. Campsite reservations are not accepted.
Nu Chugh Beniz campground
The Nu Chugh Beniz campground has 16 campsites, one of which is a large pull-through, three double, and the rest are single vehicle sites. There are also four tent pads at this campground. This very scenic but often windy campground on the east side of Chilko Lake is accessed via Highway 20 to Hanceville, then 121km on gravel from Hanceville via Konni Lake and the Nemiah Valley. Supplies are available near the campground at the Nemiah Valley Tl’ebayi community centre: gas, propane, laundry, and internet service.
Gwe Da Ts’ih campground
The Gwe Da Ts’ih campground has eight single vehicle sites. To reach this small, rustic campground at the north end of Chilko Lake, take Highway 20 to Tatla Lake, then drive 63km on a gravel road from Tatla Lake to the Gwe Da Ts’ih campground. Follow signs for Chilko Lake. Lodges nearby may offer meals and some basic supplies.
There is a variety of shaded, treed, and open sites at each campground and parking is available for extra vehicles. These campgrounds run on a self-registration system and drop boxes are in place so people can pay their overnight fee. There are no pay phones at either campground.
Due to bear hazards, Gwa Da Ts’ih campground may be closed during salmon spawning season (mid-August to mid-September).
| Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $18 per party per night |
| BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $9 per senior party per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
Things to do
There are climbing opportunities available at the south end of Chilko Lake, however they are remote and hard to access.
The Ts’ilʔos management plan provides opportunities for mountain biking on designated roads and low elevation trails so that there is minimal impact on the environment or conflict with other users. Please see designated areas below:
Mountain biking is permitted on:
- The Yohetta Valley trail as far as the West end of Yohetta Lake (Olson’s Cabin)
- Existing roads and as designated in the North Chilko Lake Unit
- Existing roads in the Tsuniah Unit
- Existing roads in the Tullin Unit
At all times horses and hikers have priority.
Mountain biking is not permitted in the following areas:
- Ts’ilʔos Unit
- Lord River Unit
- Stikelan South Unit
- South Chilko Lake Unit
Please view the attached map for the different Ts’ilʔos Management Units [PDF] .
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Ts’ilʔos 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.
Chilko Lake provides high-quality angling opportunities, and is one of the leading large-lake fishery resources in the Cariboo Chilcotin.
Chilko Lake supports a productive spawning areas for chinook and sockeye salmon. The lake has long been recognized as a producer of bull trout and rainbow trout, and has gained recognition for its spectacular scenery and high catch success of native sport fish.
Bull trout, a blue-listed species, is late-maturing and doesn’t spawn until after its sixth year. As an aggressive feeder, the species is also fairly easy to catch. These two traits, combined with the difficulty in accurately inventorying stocks, make the bull trout susceptible to over-harvesting. The species’ slow growth and late maturity could result in a recovery period as long as 20 years.
BC Parks is taking a conservative approach to managing fish stocks in the park. Respect gear restrictions and lowered catch limits on bull trout. Anglers are encouraged to carefully release fish whenever possible. The current regulations on the river include single barbless hooks, fly fishing only and a bait ban.
The Chilko River is similarly highly regarded for its fisheries values, and recognized as one of the leading wilderness trout rivers in the west Chilcotin. The river supports spawning and rearing habitat for resident rainbow trout, bull trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and steelhead trout.
The Chilko River is a classified water. This means that a Classified Waters Licence must be purchased before fishing in the river.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Ts’ilʔos offers a variety of hiking opportunities from short day hikes, to extended wilderness backpacking trips.
Experienced mountaineers can plan rigorous excursions leading to the Homathko Icefields and major peaks of the Coast Mountains. The backcountry of Ts’ilʔos Park is recommended for experienced travelers only who are equipped for trail finding, first aid, and survival situations. Maintenance of hiking routes is minimal and there are no facilities.
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.
Trails
The Yohetta/Tzchaikazan loop trail in this park has reduced maintenance. Although this trail remains open, users may encounter fallen trees or trail wash-outs. Extra caution is advised and route finding is considered challenging.
Accessing the Yohetta Tchaikazan trail heads is via a rough 4wd only Wilderness road. Expect windfallen trees, brushy road conditions and over four hours to travel the approximate 50km distance to the Tchaikazan trail head. Being equipped with a chainsaw is recommended. The trail is a popular five to seven day trek that takes hikers on loop trail from Yohetta valley, over Spectrum pass into the Tchaikazan river valley.
Trail maintenance has been limited to trail clearing from the Yohetta trail head to Dorothy lake in 2022.
At the north end of Chilko Lake, the Tullin Trail begins from Gwa Da Ts’ih campground and ascends Tullin Mountain. This trail affords day hikers with some excellent views of the park (three to five hours, one way).
Hiking trails are also open to horseback riding, although trails in some areas may not be suitable due to difficult terrain and the potential for blowdown. All horse users are encouraged to use weed-free feed pellets, particularly for large groups.
There is horseback riding at this park, although trails are neither maintained nor marked.
Hunting is permitted only during an open season as described in the Wildlife Act and BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations.
Kayaking is popular on Chilko Lake. Canoeing on Chilko Lake is not recommended.
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.
Please note that there is no developed sandy beach, and the water is very cold.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Facilities
A concrete boat launch is available for trailerized boats at Gwe Da Ts’ih campground. This boat launch closes annually on September 15.
A natural launch, suitable for cartop boats, is located at Nu Chugh Beniz.
Campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead.
Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
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.
This park has a day-use and picnic area at Nu Chugh Beniz campground only. There are a few picnic tables in this area.
About this park
History
Ts’ilʔos Provincial Park is part of the traditional territory of the Xeni Gwet’in, and offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the area’s cultural history. The park contains historical evidence such as archaeological and burial sites, and areas where traditional uses such as hunting, trapping, food and medicine gathering still occur. Very little information about these resources has been recorded, although a lot is known verbally through the elders. No extensive archaeological assessment has been undertaken in the park, although a heritage overview, directed by the Xeni Gwet’in has been completed.
Ts’ilʔos, the imposing peak also known as Mount Tatlow that dominates the park and gives it its name, is spiritually significant to the Xeni Gwet’in, and is celebrated in the legend of Ts’ilʔos. According to native tradition, Ts’ilʔos keeps watch over the people of the Xeni and their territory. Pointing at or climbing Ts’ilʔos are considered disrespectful, and the Xeni Gwet’in believe that doing so will offend Ts’ilʔos, resulting in severe weather changes. Please respect their beliefs by not pointing at or climbing the mountain.
The Legend of Ts’ilʔos: Long ago, before white settlers moved in, Ts’ilʔos was once a man. Ts’ilʔos had a wife named ʔEniyud. They lived in the mountains south of Konni Lake. Even though they had six children together, they had trouble getting along with one another. One day, Ts’ilʔos and ʔEniyud got into an argument. ʔEniyud threw her baby on Ts’ilʔos’ lap. She left two children with him and took the other three away. Ts’ilʔos turned into a rock, along with the two children, above Xeni Lake. You can still see the baby in his lap today.
ʔEniyud and her three children headed toward Tatlayoko Valley. On her way, she planted wild potatoes. When she arrived on the other side of Tatlayoko Valley, ʔEniyud also turned into a rock. Wherever you find wild potatoes growing, she planted them.
The Elders of Xeni Gwet’in say that if you point at Ts’ilʔos, he will make it rain or snow. He will change the weather, usually when you are on foot or horseback and far from home. ʔEniyud is the same, but meaner. The Elders say that when you try to camp around her, she will change the weather.
The legend of Ts’ilʔos has been maintained through many generations by the Elders of the Xeni Gwet’in. To them, Ts’ilʔos is a place of respect. Ts’ilʔos keeps watch over the Xeni and their territory, and his story is told here with the permission of the Xeni Gwet’in.
Conservation
Ts’ilʔos Provincial Park is located in an ecologically significant area in BC. It is located in a transition zone where plant life changes from dry interior species to coastal plain species. Because the park is situated atop the juncture of several ecosystems, it offers a great diversity of landscapes.
The special features of Ts’ilʔos include, most notably, Chilko Lake and Ts’ilʔos, or Mount Tatlow. Chilko Lake, the largest natural high elevation lake in Canada, is an outstanding park feature, with its distinctive blue waters, lagoons, surrounding volcanic dyke formations, and mountainous backdrop. Ts’ilʔos is the highest point in the Chilcotin Range; its spiritual significance is celebrated in a Xeni legend. Other special features of the park include numerous river valleys such as the Yohetta, Edmond Creek, and Tchaikazan Valleys. Five glaciers are found within the Tchaikazan Valley alone, the largest of which is the only major glacier on the extreme leeward side of the Coast Mountains.
The park’s diverse landscapes incorporate glaciers, extensive meadows, outwash plains, forests, brightly colored mountains, and river valleys. This diverse landscape protects the habitat of a number of species whose populations are under pressure from human activities, such as grizzly bear, bighorn sheep, and wolverine. Chilko Lake and its watershed also preserve the most annually consistent population of spawning salmon on all the Fraser River tributaries.
Wildlife
The mountainous terrain of Ts’ilʔos Provincial Park provides for a diversity of wildlife habitats ranging from Douglas-fir forests at lower elevations to dry alpine areas at higher elevations. Wildlife species include black bear, mule deer, moose, mountain goat, cougar, and beaver. Ecologically sensitive animal populations found in the area include California bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, fisher, wolverine, bald eagle, and amphibian species. The adjacent lands are also important habitat for Vaux’s swift, Peregrine falcon, and Townsend’s big-eared bat.
Chilko River and Chilko Lake support significant populations of sockeye, chinook, bull trout, rainbow trout, and steelhead. Various other streams and rivers feed the Chilko and Taseko systems, and support whitefish. In the fall, spawning salmon can be observed struggling up the Chilko River at the north end of Chilko Lake.
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.
Contact
Xeni-Gwet’in First Nation
xeni-gwetin.ca
Park Operator – Campground Operations
250-394-7023
Ts’ilʔos Ranger – Park patrol
250-394-7023