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Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, BC

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Tweedsmuir Provincial Park was named for the 15th Governor General of Canada, John Buchan, Baron Tweedsmuir who travelled extensively throughout the Park by float aircraft and horseback. In a book, he stated in the foreword "I have now travelled over most of Canada and have seen many wonderful things, but I have seen nothing more beautiful and more wonderful than the great park which British Columbia has done me the honor to call by my name."

Before becoming Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, the area was explored by Alexander Mackenzie in 1793 and inhabited by the Bella Coola and Chilcotin Indians.

This 981,000 hectare Park is roughly triangular in shape, surrounded by the Ootsa-Whitesail Lakes, the Coast Mountains and the Interior Plateau. The landscape varies drastically from domes of eroded lava and fragmented rock in breathtaking colours of red, orange, yellow and lavender to the rugged Coast Mountains and the deep valleys and ocean fjords of the Bella Coola area. The climate and topography vary drastically throughout Tweedsmuir Provincial Park giving it many vastly different vegetation zones and animal varieties.

LOCATION: Connecting Williams Lake and Bella Coola is Highway 20, a 479 km paved and gravel road. About 360 km west of Williams Lake the highway enters the Park at Heckman Pass and descends a 20 km stretch of narrow, switch-backed road with up to 18% grades. Highway 20 is paved from the bottom of "the hill" to Bella Coola.
Wilderness Airlines provide flights from Vancouver to Bella Coola and Anahim Lake and charter air services are available to fly passengers to the lakes in the Park.

Services:

Bella Coola Grizzly Tours - The Bella Coola Valley is home to some of the worlds largest Grizzlies and Mountain Goats … and every Summer and Fall thousands of spawning Salmon return to the Bella Coola River. These spawning Salmon are a natural food source for the Grizzlies and other wildlife. We offer Grizzly Bear and Wildlife viewing, Eco Tours, Hiking Fishing, and more.

Bella Coola Valley Inn - Our three-and-one-half star hotel/motel, featuring beautifully appointed rooms, is situated in the beautiful Bella Coola Valley. Because we’re close to the ferry, shopping, and attractions … a stay at the Bella Coola Valley Inn means you can mix comfort into your wilderness experience! Rental cars are available.

Escott Bay Resort - The adventure starts with fishing, hiking, horseback trail riding, pack trips and hunting – and with the snow comes x-country skiing & snowmobiling. Located between Tweedsmuir and Itcha Ilgachuz Parks, we offer fully serviced cabins and camping facilities.

Nature Trail Wilderness Lodge - Located on the edge of Tweedsmuir Park, on Tetachuck Lake, this is a unique fly-in lodge in BC's last true wilderness. Here you can explore, go canoeing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching, or just relax in your own cozy rustic lakefront cabin. Also … be sure to check out our Whitesail Wilderness Outpost

One Eye Outfit - Ride the mountains on a horseback tour & hike with experienced professional guides. This is a professionally outfitted authentic Western experience and we have over 20 years of service. Our fly-in holidays feature outpost camps, fishing, wildlife, solitude and serenity.

Terra Nostra Guest Ranch - Bordering the majestic Chilcotin Coast Mountains we offer a variety of activities, programs, company retreats, & family getaways. Rent the entire ranch, or individual suites, as you relax in the surroundings, comfort, remoteness & peace of our guest ranch.

The Dean on Nimpo - The Dean on Nimpo, in the heart of the scenic Chilcotin, provides an excellent starting point for fishing, wilderness fly-in fishing, spectacular sight-seeing, hiking, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. Our resort has great gourmet meals … and Tweedsmuir Park, Itcha Ilgachuz Park, and the Charlotte Alplands are all within easy access.

Tweedsmuir Lodge - Abundant wildlife, rugged mountains, sparkling rivers pristine wilderness, our lodge is remotely situated on 50 acres, just steps from the Atnarko River, is nestled within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, the largest protected park in British Columbia.

PARK FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Camping - Campgrounds are located at the bottom of "the hill" at the Atnarko River (28 units) and at Fisheries Pool near Stuie (14 units). Water, toilets, wood, a sani-station and picnic areas are provided. Further tourist facilities and supplies can be found in Bella Coola, Hagensborg, Nimpo Lake and Anahim Lake.

Boating and Fishing - A boat launch is located at the Fisheries Pool. One of the most popular activities in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is angling. The Bella Coola and Atnarko Rivers are filled with steelhead, trout, coho and chinook salmon and the Dean River is renowned for fly fishing. Surrounding lakes are fished for Dolly Varden, cutthroat and rainbow trout and whitefish. Cutthroat trout fishing is excellent in the Turner Lake chain, a 19 km route of seven lakes connected with short, easy portages. (Canoes must be airlifted in or rented at Turner Lake.)

Trails - Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is filled with trails providing access to some of the Park's more notable features. Some extensive trails arethe Rainbow, Octopus Lake, Capoose, Crystal Lake, Tweedsmuir, Mackenzie Heritage, Hunlen Falls and Ptarmigan Lake. Day hike trails include the Kettle Ponds and Burnt Bridge.

Activities - Some areas of the Park are open to hunting during the fall season. A snowmobile zone is located at Heckman Pass. Guided horse trips can be arranged.

MORE On the Tweedsmuir Park Area

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