Chilko Lake at B.C.’s Ts’ilɂos Provincial Park is a stunning mountain lake surrounded by ancient alpine glaciers, ethereal meadows of wildflowers, and rushing waterfalls. And it also happens to be Canada’s largest natural high-elevation freshwater lake, according to B.C. Parks. As much of a mouthful as that title is, this provincial park is truly an emblem of B.C.’s beauty. In fact, the region is considered one of the most striking and unspoiled landscapes in our province today!
As the locals say, “Why go to Lake Louise when you can have Chilko Lake all to yourself?”
The largest alpine lake of its kind in Canada
The Chilko Experience Wilderness Resort refers to Chilko Lake as “the largest alpine lake in all of Canada,” complemented by the chance to explore vast evergreen forests, take part in world-class wildlife viewing tours, and stay at an idyllic wilderness resort.
With uninhabited, scenic shores and a backdrop of colourful volcanic mountains and turquoise water, it’s hard to find a place more picturesque. As pondered by locals and the wilderness resort: “Why go to Lake Louise when you can have Chilko Lake all to yourself?”
In addition to its protection of wildlife like grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, cougars, and bald eagles, Ts’ilɂos Provincial Park has boundless backcountry adventures. This includes plenty of hiking, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
“The Chilcotin is a land of unique beauty and diverse ecosystems, one of the most dramatic expanses of wilderness to be found anywhere in North America,” says the wilderness resort.
According to B.C. Parks, the remote park is situated north of Whistler, around 250 km from Vancouver — but don’t let that stop you from visiting. This spot remains largely undisturbed by human activity, making it one of B.C.’s most ecologically important areas.
Now that the weather is heating up, visitors can take a dip in its distinctive cold, blue-green waters, explore lagoons and surrounding volcanic dyke formations, and take in an incredible mountain backdrop.
As the highest point in the Chilcotin Range, Ts’ilʔos Park has a spiritual tie to the First Nations of the region, as celebrated in a Xeni legend. To the west, the park is bordered by the rugged Coast Mountains. To the east, there’s the dry interior plateau, creating an intriguing contrast in landscapes.
Camping info
In terms of camping, there are two front-country campgrounds to choose from, as well as eight rustic campsites at the back-country Gwa Da Ts’i campground (accessible via Tatla Lake). Here, facilities include water wells with hand pumps, picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets.
Note that the roads to Chilko Lake are considered “rough,” with varying weather conditions throughout the year.
Happy adventuring.
How to get there: Take Highway 20 to Tatla Lake, then drive 63 km on a gravel road from Tatla Lake to the Gwe Da Ts’ih campground, following signs for Chilko Lake.
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