Skihist Park
386 ha
Area
1956
Established
Class A
Park class
Park
Type
About this Park
A convenient overnight camping spot for travellers on Highway 1, this is also a popular base camp for visitors enjoying river rafting, fishing, and exploring the Thompson River area. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Thompson Canyon and quiet strolls on the old Cariboo Wagon Road amongst the western mountain ranges. An introduced herd of elk thrives nearby.
Skihist Park was established in 1956. Back then most visitors to provincial parks camped in tents or small trailers. Camping methods have changed and the campsites have recently been reconstructed to provide accessible accommodation for the larger camping units used today.
Arrangements for guided river rafting trips may be made in Lytton or Spences Bridge.
Safety information
- The extremely hot, dry climate can result in over-exposure to the sun. Everyone in your party should wear sunscreen and a hat with a brim.
- Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Your legs should be protected by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well.
- Roadways can be very busy. Whether you are walking, cycling, roller-blading, skateboarding or driving, please be careful. Always yield to the slowest mode of travel (e.g., cyclists yield to walkers). Obey all traffic regulations and rules of the road.
Special notes
- Quiet Hours are 10pm to 7am. Music, generators, etc. must be shut off completely between these hours.
- Hibachis and campstoves can burn the picnic tables. Please do not use them on the tables.
- Valuables when left unattended or at night, should be stored out of sight and locked up at all times. Please report all thefts to the park staff as soon as possible.
- The speed limit within the park is 20km per hour or less.
- Motorcycles and Bicycles are permitted on park roads only. Motorcycles must be properly licenced and must be operated by a licenced driver only. Helmets must be worn. Unlicenced ATVs or dirt bikes are not permitted.
- Parking is prohibited on the side of the road. Please park on the gravelled portion of your campsite or in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parked in day-use areas after 11pm may be ticketed or towed.
- Consumption of alcohol is prohibited, except in your campsite.
Location notes
This park is situated above the Thompson River on Highway 1, 6km east of Lytton.
Activities
- 75:Hiking On the top loop of the campground there is a trailhead providing access to approximately 8km of hiking trails. These trails provide excellent views of the canyon and mountains as well as wildlife observation opportunities. One trail leads to Gladwin Lookout, where goats may sometimes be viewed on the opposite hillside. This takes about one and a half hours round trip. The second trail is a loop above the campground bringing the hiker back out onto the Cariboo Wagon Road. This takes two to three hours. Bears are known to frequent this area, so bring bear spray and make your presence known. Carry lots of water in this hot, dry climate. There is no water source on the trail.
- 75:Kayaking There are kayaking opportunities on the Thompson River. Put-ins are located along Highway 1 and at Spences Bridge.
- 75:Fishing There are opportunities for fishing at various points along Highway 1. Visitors fish for trout, steelhead and salmon.
- 75:Wildlife viewing California big horn sheep, bears and elk may be sighted in the area. Bird watching is excellent. There are spectacular views of the Thompson River canyon from the campground and the day-use area.
- 75:Pets on leash Pets and 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. Adjacent to the day-use area is a parking lot and a small area suitable for dog walking.
- 75:Cycling Bicycling is allowed only on paved roads and designated trails in this park. Visitors can cycle around the park roads but keep in mind that the campground is located on the slope of a hill and cycling may be too difficult for some. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Skihist 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.
Facilities
- 75:Picnic areas The day-use is located on the north side of Highway 1, directly across from the campground. There are 12 picnic tables located in a large grassy area surrounded by ponderosa pines offering lots of shade. Around the perimeter of the grass is a paved walkway which guides the visitor to a spectacular view of the Thompson River Canyon below. There is a paved perimeter trail allowing wheelchair access to some picnic tables. There is a water fountain, flush toilets and a pit toilet. Adjacent to the day-use area is a parking lot and a small area suitable for dog walking.Campfires are not permitted in the day-use area. Please ensure that all barbeques or campstoves are used on the ground and not set on picnic tables.
- 75:Pit or flush toilets There are three flush toilet buildings and three pit toilets in the campground. There is one toilet building and an additional one pit toilet next to the sani-station at the campground entrance.
- 75:Drinking water Cold water taps are located throughout the campgrounds.Annual Drinking Water System Report [PDF]
- 75:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for these areas of the park:CampgroundSkihist day-use site
- 75:Sani-station A sani-station and dump is available during the collecting season.Sani-station use fee: $5 per discharge
- 75:Campfires Campers may bring their own firewood or purchase firewood at the park. Firewood can be purchased from the park facility operator in some parks or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. You may pre-pay for firewood with your campsite self registration. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking. Please ensure that all barbeques or campstoves are used on the ground and not set on picnic tables.
Location
50.25289, -121.50832 · Thompson Southern Rivers
