A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Park Info
Fishing, cross-country skiing, canoeing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing are just some of the outdoor pursuits that can all be enjoyed in Bearhole Lake Provincial Park and Protected Area.
The area teems with wildlife. Watch moose wade through the marsh and lake shallows or observe beaver busily chewing bark off of willow or aspen twigs. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy seeing nesting trumpeter swans or listening to many of the warblers found in and around the area.
Whatever you choose, this clear water lake definitely has a lot to offer.
Park Size: 17,762 hectares
Special Notes:
Trumpeter swans are easily disturbed during the nesting period. Please do not approach these elegant birds or their young during this critical time
Bearhole Lake Provincial Park and Protected Area is located 25 km east of Tumbler Ridge on the Alberta Plateau. Access is via 20 km west along the Kiskatinaw Forest Service Road You can access the Forestry Road from the Heritage Highway. Please note: The Forestry Road is not usually maintained and becomes rutted and slippery after rains. Caution advised.
Nature & Culture
Cultural Heritage - Area of traditional use by First Nations of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association.
Conservation - Trumpeter swans find critical nesting habitat in and around Bearhole Lake. The area surrounding the lake contains undisturbed boreal white and black spruce forests and wetlands typical of the Kiskatinaw Plateau ecosection. The headwaters of the Kiskatinaw River are within the boundaries of the park and protected area. Low elevation caribou, moose and white-tailed deer find important winter range within the park and protected area.
Wildlife (specific to this park or area) - The lake contains yellow perch, burbot, rainbow trout, northern pike, large-scale sucker, and white sucker. Trumpeter swans use the lake and surrounding marsh to nest and fledge their young. Moose, caribou, black bear, white-tailed deer and numerous small mammals and birds all reside in the park and protected area.
For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.
Activities Available At This Park
Canoeing
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
Cycling
Bicycling is permitted in the park. Helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
There are no developed trails at this park but visitors can explore the
area. Always be prepared when venturing out in the backcountry/wilderness
area.
There are snowshoeing and backcountry skiing opportunities in the park.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
There is a boat launch in the park.
Campfires
Campfires are permitted. 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. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented and some parks may use communal fire rings. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Picnic Areas
There is a day-use area and picnic facilities in the park.
Pit or Flush Toilets
There are pit toilets in this park.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
There are vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
