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Wapiti Lake Park

Advisories

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Backcountry camping

Visitors to Wapiti Lake Park can park vehicles at the trailhead parking area which is accessed via the Ojay Main Road. Follow this road to kilometre 29 and turn right onto the 2500 road (at approximately 25 km) a road that leads to an old well site. The trail starts at the southwest corner of this site. From this point on, the park is located 13.8 km along the trail.

Prior to reaching the park boundary, there is a rustic camping area at km 11.5 along the Wapiti River and another at km 12.8 on the shores of Lost Moraine Lake. The next two camping areas are located overlooking Wapiti Lake. The first is at km 16.0 followed by another at km 17.5. At km 19.2, a BC Parks Cabin is open for public use. The cabin can accommodate four visitors. This developed site also has tent pads, a pit toilet, a fire ring and food cache. Please be prepared for tenting in the event that the cabin is being used by other visitors. 

All campsites are available on a first come, first-served basis.

Cabins and huts

At km 19.2, a BC Parks cabin is open for public use. There is no charge and firewood is provided. The cabin can accommodate four people comfortably. The cabin is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the cabin is in use, please be prepared to camp outside.

This developed area also has tent pads, a pit toilet, a fire ring and food cache. If you use the shelter, please keep it clean, remove your litter, and sign the guest book.

Winter camping
Winter camping is available to experienced backcountry recreationalists. Visitors to the area can snowshoe or ski in to the area. The cabin at 19.2 km remains open throughout the winter.
Pit or flush toilets
This park only has pit toilets; no flush toilets. A pit toilet is provided at the 19.2 km camping area.
Campfires
Campfires are permitted. Firewood and a fire ring are provided at the designated camping area and backcountry cabin located on the northwest side of Wapiti Lake. 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.
Hiking

The Wapiti Onion Trail crosses through the park. This 30 km trail is located on the East slope of the Rocky Mountains and is open for hiking and horseback riding. The first 19 km of the trail to Wapiti Lake follows the north side of the Wapiti River and the shores of a few smaller lakes. Scenic views are plentiful, especially while along lakeshores. There is a short side trail (200 metres) to Wapiti Falls at 7 km. A reasonable goal would be to reach Wapiti Lake in day one. Backpacking time to Wapiti Lake is variable and depending on your level of experience allow 6-9 hours for the one way trip to km 19.

The trail from Wapiti Lake to Onion Lake ascends steeply into the alpine. The 2 km climb above Wapiti Lake has an elevation change of 1000 metres. Between 24 and 25 km there is a terrific view of both Wapiti Lake to the south and Onion Lake to the north. At this point the trail descends 500 metres to Onion Lake. Allow 7-10 hours for the trip from Wapiti Lake to Onion Lake.

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.

Canoeing
There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park. Canoeing and kayaking opportunities exist on Wapiti Lake and along the Wapiti River. Reminder: the river has rapids and waterfalls which should be portaged around. Prior to paddling down river have detailed maps and an excellent knowledge of all water hazards. The largest of the hazards to portage around is Wapiti Falls.
Fishing

There are fishing opportunities at this park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Bull Trout and Mountain Whitefish are present in Wapiti Lake. Bull trout are a species of special concern and as such have special regulations for fishing. For current information please refer to the BC Fishing Regulation synopsis.

Wildlife viewing
A viewpoint of Wapiti Falls can be accessed via a short 200 metre trail at km 7.
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.

Horseback riding
Horseback riding is allowed in Wapiti Lake Provincial Park. Horses are permitted on the Wapiti Onion Trail. At km 19.2 an area in which horses can be tied has been established.
Hunting

Wapiti Lake Provincial Park is open to hunting. Hunters going into Wapiti Lake Provincial Park should reference the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis. Reminder: ATVs are not permitted on the trails or within the park.

Winter recreation
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities exist along the Wapiti Onion Trail.