As of May 8, 2008:

• Construction work is currently taking place on private property near the end of Ida Lane, in Westsyde. Due to hazards associated with machinery, access to the Grasslands Community Trail from this site will be temporarily unavailable. The developer is kindly allowing access on weekends and evenings, however machinery may still be operating during these times so caution is advised.

Special Notes:

• ATVs and 4-wheel Drives - The use of ATVs and 4-wheel drives are strictly prohibited in the park. They are, however, permitted in the designated ATV area located outside of the park, to the south.
• Parking opportunities are limited on all roads in the park. Pull well off the traveled portion of the road, and lock your vehicle. Some roads are closed to vehicle traffic. Main roads are Highway designated roads on which the Motor vehicle Act applies. Long Lake road is a seasonal road and may be closed for extended periods during the spring due to breakup.
• Although it is very warm in the valley, it can be much cooler higher up in the hills. If hiking, carry appropriate clothing and rain gear.
• Permits and/or authorization must be obtained from BC Parks for most activities in Lac du Bois Grasslands Park. The area is so sensitive to disturbance that it is important to remind visitors that people who disregard the Park Act or regulations can face heavy penalties.
• Private Land - There are many parcels of private land within the boundaries of the park and adjacent to it. Lac du Bois itself and the lands beside the ponds to the north are all outside the park, and are all privately owned. Specific written permission must be obtained from the landowner before carrying out any activities on private property.

Management Planning:

• Management Planning Information - Management Plan

• Location Map

Located northwest of Kamloops, there are two main ways to reach Lac du Bois Grasslands Park by vehicle (refer to the map in the brochure):

• A: Lac du Bois Road in the east takes the visitor through the full sweep of the grasslands. From the intersection of Fortune Drive and Tranquille Road, take 8th Street north through two sets of traffic lights. At the overpass, move into the left-hand lane and turn straight ahead up the hill between the subdivisions. At the cattle guard the surface changes to gravel and is a good, but narrow, well-traveled road. Expect to meet logging trucks and school buses.
• B: In the west, Tranquille-Criss Creek Forest Service Road (also known as Red Lake Road) rises steeply to the Dewdrop Range and the deep canyon of Tranquille Valley. From the intersection of Fortune Drive and Tranquille Road, follow Tranquille Road past the airport towards Tranquille. Turn right over the railway tracks and around the fields before crossing the Tranquille River and going up the long, gradual hill. At the sharp blind 180 degree turn, there are two choices: go straight ahead to Dewdrop Flats and the red lava cliffs of Dewdrop Range; or go around the corner and up the hill to follow the spectacular Tranquille canyon. Expect to meet logging trucks and other local traffic.

Two other roads give vehicle access to the park, each leading into a different type of scenery:

• Long Lake Road: From the ATV area on the Lac du Bois Road, Long Lake Road winds its way through the grasslands to the forests past rolling hills and small ponds. It is a narrow, dirt track, steep in places; closed during winter and spring break-up or during adverse conditions that would affect the stability of the road.
• Dairy Creek Road: To get to the north edge of the park, take this logging road that runs through Douglas fir forest and beside deeply entrenched streams. It can be reached by following Westsyde Road. It is a narrow, gravel road steep in places; an alternative route when weather conditions permit. It connects to the north end of the Long Lake Road and eventually connects to the Lac du Bois Road. There are many junctions along the way so a good map is essential.

The road lying to the west of Wheeler Mountain is deeply rutted and partly washed out in places. It is not recommended for public use.

Vehicle access is limited to only those roads shown on the map; all other trails are closed to motorized vehicles. Not all roads are passable by two-wheel drive, low-clearance vehicles and weather conditions may severely change driving conditions.

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

• Location Map
• Park Map (66 KB PDF)
• Brochure (286 KB PDF)
• Vehicle Access Routes in Lac Du Bois Grasslands Protected Area (pdf document)

• History - Lac du Bois Grasslands Park was established in 1996.
• Cultural Heritage - Cattle are part of the history, and the culture, of the park. Horses of the Hudson’s Bay Company roamed the area in the 1860’s and cows grazed in large numbers as the beef industry expanded in the early decades of the century. Sheep in large flocks were over-wintered in the 1940’s before being taken to summer pastures west of the Fraser River. All these activities took their toll on the fragile grassland communities.
  A fenced pasture rotation system was put in place in 1977 that controls how cattle use the grasslands. This has lead to a marked improvement in the condition of the grasslands.
  Cattle are a part of the history and culture of Lac du Bois. Remember that range cattle are easily disturbed – view them from a distance and do not harass them.
  Historical hunting and root gathering activities and historically significant pictographs and archaeological sites confirm traditional native use of the area. There are signs of early mining activity along Kamloops Lake, Bachelor Hill and gold panning on lower Tranquille Canyon. Also, historic homesteading sites are evidenced in the park.
• Conservation - Two Ecological Reserves are found within the boundaries of the park. McQueen Creek in the northeast protects a representative example of the middle grassland community. Tranquille in the west protects a small area of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir community.
  Ecological Reserves are areas set aside for their special scientific research and educational significance as representative examples of the many different ecosystems found throughout the province. Fences have been put up to keep cattle out of the reserves and maintain their natural condition. A permit is needed to visit these special areas.
• Wildlife - Species of note include California bighorn sheep, white tail and mule deer, moose, waterfowl, rattlesnake, sharp-tail grouse, flammulated owls, black bear, burrowing owls, western long-billed curlews, harriers, and waterfowl.
• General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

• Wood ticks are abundant in the grasslands in spring. Check the below safety information for details.
• Rattlesnakes are one of the many endangered species in the park. They are seldom seen but if encountered should be left alone and bypassed.

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations are not accepted at this park, all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. For parks that accept reservations or information on the reservation service, click here.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	No vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There is a small, rustic user-maintained wilderness campsite on Watching Creek, off Red Lake Road. There are Ministry of Forests Recreation Sites just north of the park at Isobel Lake and Pass Lake.
	No group campsites.
	No day-use or picnic facilities.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	No toilets.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities. The closest sani-dump facilities are in nearby Kamloops.
	No firewood is available and no fire rings are installed. If a campfire is used, please keep it small, and ensure it is completely out before you leave. Only wood that is dead and lying on the ground can be used for campfires. Camp stoves are recommended for cooking. Check for campfire bans before entering the backcountry. In some parks, campfires are not permitted at any time. Watching Creek is the only site within the park that is designated for campfires. 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.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	There are countless opportunities for exploring the park on foot, whether for any easy stroll through the grasslands or a strenuous day hike in the hills. Most trails do not have any signs, so a good map is essential. There is a designated trail that follows the edge of Dewdrop Range in the western section of the park. Expansive views of Kamloops Lake, the Thompson Valley and distant mountains are the reward for the exertion of the hike. There is a parking area at the beginning of the trail. The Grasslands Community Trail runs from Westsyde to McQueen Lake. There are a few signs along the way but a good map of the area is strongly recommended. There is one pit toilet part way along this trail. Grasslands are very fragile. Tread lightly wherever you go. Use established trails only to help minimize disturbance and prevent the spread of unwanted plant species. 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.
	This park does not have a playground.
	No swimming.
	There are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	There are rainbow trout in Deep Lake. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Mountain bikes and other cyclists must keep on established trails and not take short cuts. Be aware that bikes do have an impact, and watch out for others on the trails..
	No horseback riding.
	Pets/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.Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
	There is no viewing platform but there are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and many beautiful vistas to enjoy. Viewing opportunities include the potholes, lakes and ponds on the grasslands for viewing migrating and nesting waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. California bighorn sheep and mule deer can be observed at the Dewdrop cliffs.
	Snowshoeing provides a way to experience the park in the winter - no designated trails. There are no maintained cross-country ski trails.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting and Trapping Synopsis for regulations.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.