Ministry of Environment

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Park Info:

White River Provincial Park on northern Vancouver Island is a small, undeveloped wilderness area that offers excellent fishing opportunities and protection for important Roosevelt elk and black bear habitat.

This scenic park and its old-growth forest were stunning enough for Hollywood to take notice – portions of White River were used as a film site for the movie The Scarlet Letter, filmed here in 1994. Visitors to the park today will find remnants of the film set, including wide boardwalks designed to accommodate horse-drawn carriages.

A short loop trail through the forest leads down to the White River. Along the way, visitors will be rewarded with views of some massive Douglas fir and western red cedar trees – giants which, no doubt, helped White River earn the nickname, “the Cathedral Grove of the North Island.”

This park has no facilities.

Park Size: 68 hectares

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

The approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan is available in pdf format.

Location:

Location Map

The park is located on the White River, approximately 25 km south of Sayward and 7 km west of Schoen Lake Provincial Park on northern Vancouver Island. The park is accessed by a gravel logging road off Hwy 19 from Sayward Junction.

Map/Brochure:

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

Location Map

Nature & Culture:

History - White River Provincial Park was created in 1995 as a result of recommendations made in the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan. The giant conifers at White River Park were showcased in the Hollywood film the Scarlet Letter, which was filmed in the area in 1994. Visitors to the park will find remnants of the film set, including wide boardwalks designed to accommodate horse-drawn carriages.
Conservation - In addition to the old-growth Douglas fir and Western red cedar forest, the park protects important Roosevelt elk and black bear habitat. Summer steelhead, coho, rainbow trout and anadromous (fish that spend part of their time in fresh water and part in salt water ) Dolly Varden, are all also found in this section of the White River.

Visitor Safety:

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

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Camping is not permitted at this park.

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

	Camping is not permitted in this park.
	Wilderness camping is not permitted in this park.
	Camping is not permitted in this park.
	There are no day-use or picnic facilities at this park.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. All surface water in the park must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
	No toilets.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	Fires are discouraged at this park. If you must use a campfire, please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	A short loop trail through the old-growth forest leads down to the White River. This trail is maintained and takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Visitors will be rewarded with views of some massive Douglas fir and Western red cedar trees on this trail in the park, which has been referred to as the Cathedral Gove of the North Island.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There is no designated swimming area at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
	There are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	The White River is a prime recreational area for angling and nature appreciation. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Cycling is not permitted.
	No horseback riding.
	Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. 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.
	No wildlife viewing opportunities.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.