Skeena West. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- Visitors are reminded that this is a wilderness area and that proper gear and transportation arrangements are required.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available.
- Swimming is not recommended along the rocky shoreline at Alastair Lake. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
The protected area is located approximately 50km west of Terrace on the south side of the Skeena River. The closest boat launch is located at Exchamsiks River Park. The closest communities are Terrace (50km east of the protected area), Port Edward (80km west of the protected area) and Prince Rupert (90km west of the protected area).
Camping
Cabins and huts
There is one backcountry public use cabin located on Alastair Lake. There is also a private cabin and a permit-approved private trappers cabin not authorized for public use.
Marine-accessible camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There is no road access to this protected area.
When visiting marine-accessible sites, be respectful of the sensitive wildlife habitats, and learn how to stay safe using our marine visitor guide.
Things to do
There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities in this protected area. Visitors must be experienced paddlers capable of traveling in strong river currents. Technical navigation is required. Flash flooding often occurs after rain events.
There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities in this protected area. Visitors must be experienced paddlers capable of traveling in strong river currents. Technical navigation is required. Flash flooding often occurs after rain events.
Angling enthusiasts should take note of the excellent sport fishing opportunities available in the park. At least 13 species of fish including Pacific salmon, rainbow and cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden char, and mountain whitefish occur in the area.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
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. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
Hunting is allowed in the protected area. Please check the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Facilities
No firewood or fire rings are available. If you have to make a fire, keep it minimal, make sure it is extinguished, please spread ashes and rocks about.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
About this protected area
Visitors are likely to spot moose, beaver, otter, mink and wolves in the valley bottom areas, while higher up, mountain goats may be viewed on the rock faces and slides. Birdlife includes a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, eagles, hawks, hummingbirds, swallows, thrushes, crows, woodpeckers, warblers and sparrows. It has been confirmed that the Trumpeter swans nest in the park. This is one of only three confirmed nesting sites known in the province.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
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