Swan Lake Kispiox River Provincial Park
About This Park
This wilderness park is situated in old growth forest, and is an attraction for those people who have planned for backcountry adventure. There is opportunity for solitude and isolation here, as activities are usually out of sight and sound of other users.
Park Size: 62,319 hectares
Stay Safe:
- Swan Lake is a large lake with unpredictable weather patterns and frequent strong winds. Never overestimate your paddling abilities in high wind and waves.
- There are dangerous rocks at the entrance to Club Lake. Exercise caution at this location and around the many islands of Swan Lake that have submerged reefs.
Location and Maps
Swan Lake / Kispiox River Provincial Park is located about 75 km northwest of Hazelton. The main access is via Highway 37, which heads north from Highway 16 at Kitwanga Junction. The turn-off on the east side of the highway is Brown Bear Forest Service Road. Follow this road for approximately 14 km until you see Brown Bear Lake sign. Turn right on this road and follow it for 3km to the parking area and information shelter. The majority of the park is inaccessible by foot or vehicle.
Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Park Map with contours - (pdf)
Management Planning
Management Planning Information
- The approved Management Direction Statement document (pdf).
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Canoe/Kayak Swan Lake/Kispiox River Park offers a spectacular chain of lakes ideal for a canoe portage trip. Access is from the north end of Brown Bear Lake leading through Swan, Club and Stephens Lakes. Numerous rustic campsites are located along the lakes.
Footsore and Hodder Lakes offer beautiful settings for canoeing or kayaking and are accessible from the southeast of the park.
Electric Motors Only Brown Bear and Swan Lakes permit 'Electric Motors Only'. No boat launch available.
Footsore and Hodder Lakes offer beautiful settings for canoeing or kayaking and are accessible from the southeast of the park.
Electric Motors Only Brown Bear and Swan Lakes permit 'Electric Motors Only'. No boat launch available.
Fishing
Lakes:. This lake complex provides spawning and rearing habitat for Coho, Chinook, Sockeye, Chum, Pink and Steelhead that migrate up the Kispiox River each summer. As well, the lakes support a healthy population of resident Rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden char and Whitefish.
Rivers: The Kispiox River offers world class Steelhead fishing. Here is additional information from the
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Rivers: The Kispiox River offers world class Steelhead fishing. Here is additional information from the
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
At the southeast end of Brown Bear Lake there is a 1.4 km portage trail to Swan Lake. 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.
Pets on Leash
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.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Wildlife Viewing
Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the Swan Lake/Kispiox River Park. The lake chain in the southwest portion of the park contains a large diversity of wildlife and fish habitats. This lake complex provides spawning and rearing habitat for Coho, Chinook, Sockeye, Chum, Pink and Steelhead that migrate up the Kispiox River each summer. As well, the lakes support a healthy population of resident Rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden char and Whitefish. The abundant population of salmon helps attract and support a significant population of grizzly bears. This area is also excellent for black bears, mountain goats, wolves, moose, beaver, river otter and mink. Many forest bird species are present. Sightings of bald eagles and osprey are common. Gulls, terns and loons are abundant as well as waterfowl such as swans, buffleheads, goldeneyes, and common mergansers. Trumpeter swans are known to winter on Club Creek, given its open water conditions in most years.
Facilities Available at this Park
Campfires
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness and backcountry camping is allowed in Swan Lake/Kispiox River Park although no facilities exist.
