Park overview
White River Park on northern Vancouver Island is a small, undeveloped wilderness area that offers excellent fishing opportunities and protection for important Roosevelt elk and black bear habitat.
This scenic park and its old-growth forest were stunning enough for Hollywood to take notice, as portions of White River were used as a film site for the movie The Scarlet Letter, filmed here in 1994. Visitors to the park today will find remnants of the film set, including wide boardwalks designed to accommodate horse-drawn carriages.
A short loop trail through the forest leads down to the White River. Along the way, visitors will be rewarded with views of some massive Douglas fir and western red cedar trees. These giants helped White River earn the nickname, “the Cathedral Grove of the North Island.”
Advisories
Activities
A short loop trail through the old-growth forest leads down to the White River. This trail is maintained and takes approximately five minutes to complete. Visitors will be rewarded with views of some massive Douglas fir and Western red cedar trees on this trail in the park, which has been referred to as the Cathedral Grove of the North Island.
The White River is a prime recreational area for angling and nature appreciation. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
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 and under control at all times. 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.
Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
The park is located on the White River, approximately 25 km south of Sayward on northern Vancouver Island. The park is accessed by a gravel logging road off Hwy 19 from Sayward Junction.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 30, 1996
- Size: 72 hectares
Nature and culture
History
White River Park was created in 1995 as a result of recommendations made in the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan. The giant conifers at White River Park were showcased in the Hollywood film the Scarlet Letter, which was filmed in the area in 1994. Visitors to the park will find remnants of the film set, including wide boardwalks designed to accommodate horse-drawn carriages.
Conservation
In addition to the old-growth Douglas fir and Western red cedar forest, the park protects important Roosevelt elk and black bear habitat. Summer steelhead, coho, rainbow trout and anadromous (fish that spend part of their time in fresh water and part in salt water) Dolly Varden, are all also found in this section of the White River.
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.