Arctic Pacific Lakes Park
About this Park
The main feature of the 13,887 hectare park is three small lakes that straddle the Continental Divide in a narrow, steep-sided glacial overflow channel. Arctic Lake is located in the headwaters of the Parsnip River that eventually drains into the Arctic Ocean.
Portage and Pacific Lakes drain via James Creek into Herrick Creek and the McGregor River, which empties into the Fraser River on the way to the Pacific. This is a unique watershed as water flows to the Pacific and also to the Arctic Ocean.
The lakes are a beautiful turquoise colour, and situated in a very scenic area, with alpine peaks and ridges as a distant backdrop. Situated in an area of limestone bedrock, some watercourses drain underground. Valley bottoms alongside the lakes support wet meadows and mixed forest. Valley sides include extensive avalanche chutes and small, picturesque waterfalls.
The park protects very high value fall and spring grizzly habitat, and year-round caribou habitat. Lakes and streams support diverse fish populations, and provide excellent opportunities for fishing. Diverse fish populations including lake trout, bull trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, Dolly Varden, mountain whitefish, redside shiner, lake char, and chinook salmon, and arctic grayling in Arctic Lake.
This protected area contains an old aboriginal route that was followed by Alexander Mackenzie in 1793 during the first crossing of the continent to the Pacific Ocean.
Safety information
- There is potential for human and bear conflicts. This area is excellent black and grizzly bear habitat. Users of the area must be knowledgeable about wilderness travel and the necessary precautions. See the general visitor safety information below.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Location notes
This protected area is located in a remote area 90 km Northeast of Prince George. A logging road in the Parsnip Valley provides access to within a short distance of the park, boat access is also possible via the Parsnip River and Arctic Creek. The closest community is Prince George.
Activities
- 9453:Hiking 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. The only trails in the park are the portage trails from the parking lot to Arctic Creek and from Arctic Lake to Portage Lake. To get trail and park maps, see maps and location.
- 9453:Canoeing There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. Access to Arctic Lake via the Parsnip River and Arctic Creek is possible. The route down James Creek is not recommended due to the many log jams and rapids.
- 9453:Swimming The lakes are extremely cold due to the elevation and a short season.
- 9453:Fishing Check the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for site specific regulations.
- 9453:Kayaking There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. Access to Arctic Lake via the Parsnip River and Arctic Creek is possible. The route down James Creek is not recommended due to the many log jams and rapids.
- 9453:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
Location
54.37960, -121.54509 · Upper Fraser
