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Ts’ilʔos Park

Open to public access
There are no reported advisories for this park



Advisories

Camping

Total number of campsites
Total vehicle-accessible sites: 24
Total double sites: 3
Total walk-in sites: 4
Total pull-through sites: 1
Vehicle-accessible camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis; campsite reservations are not accepted. There is a variety of shaded, treed, and open sites at each campground and parking is available for extra vehicles.

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.

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: $18.00 per party/night

BC senior’s rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $9.00 per senior party/night. Read the user fees policy for information on senior camping discounts.
 
The closest store to the Nu Chugh Beniz campground is at Nemiah Valley Tl’ebayi Community Centre or at Hanceville. The closest store to the Gwe Da Ts’ih campground is at Tatla Lake.
Picnic areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area at Nu Chugh Beniz Campground only. There are a few picnic tables in this area.
Pit or flush toilets
This park only has pit toilets located at the campground. There are no flush toilets.
Drinking water
Cold water pumps are found in the campgrounds.
Boat launch

A concrete boat launch is available for trailerized boats at Gwe Da Ts’ih Campground. This boat launch closes annually on September 15th.

A natural launch, suitable for cartop boats, is located at Nu Chugh Beniz.

Campfires
While 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. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 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.
Hiking

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.

The backcountry of Ts’ilʔos Park is recommended for experienced travellers only who are equipped for trail finding, first aid, and survival situations. Hiking routes are not maintained and there are no facilities.

In order to meet budget targets, trail maintenance has been reduced on the Yohetta/Tzchaikazan loop trail in this park. Although this trail will remain open, users may encounter fallen trees and/or trail wash-outs. Extra caution is advised.

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

In order to meet budget targets, trail maintenance has been reduced on the Yohetta/Tzchaikazan Loop Trail in this park. Although this trail will remain open, users may encounter fallen trees, overgrown sections and/or trail wash-outs. Extra caution is advised, and route finding is considered challenging. 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.

Accessing the Yohetta Tchaikazan trail heads is via a rough 4wd only Wilderness road.  Expect windfallen trees, brushy road conditions and 4+ hours to travel the approximate 50km distance to the Tchaikazan trail head.  Being equipped with a chainsaw is recommended.  While 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, conditions are variable and maintenance is minimal.

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 (3-5 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.

Swimming

There are no lifeguards on duty at parks. There is no developed sandy beach, and the water is very cold.

Kayaking

Kayaking is popular on Chilko Lake. Canoeing on Chilko Lake is not recommended.

Fishing

Chilko Lake provides high-quality angling opportunities, and is one of the leading large-lake fishery resources in the Cariboo Chilcotin. 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. 

Chilko Lake supports rainbow trout, bull trout, and productive spawning areas for chinook and sockeye salmon. 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 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. To conserve stocks, the current regulations on the river include single barbless hooks, flyfishing only, a bait ban, and a catch-and-release policy. 

Pets on leash
Pets/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

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.

Horseback riding

There is horseback riding at this park, although trails are neither maintained nor marked.

Tsylos Park Lodge offers a number of recreational opportunities in this park (including horseback riding expeditions, hunting trips, and flyfishing).

Climbing
There are climbing opportunities available at the south end of Chilko Lake; however they are remote and hard to access.
Hunting
Winter recreation
It is possible to crosscountry ski and snowshoe in the park, however, there are no set trails.