Considered one of the “alpine gems” of B.C.’s park system, Top of the World Park is as spectacular as it sounds. Situated on a plateau with the same name that’s high in the Canadian Rockies, the provincial park may be remote, but it offers visitors truly breathtaking views all around. Most of the park sits at an incredible elevation of 2,200 metres above sea level, or higher, making dramatic mountain peaks and stunning alpine scenery a part of every visitor’s experience.
Mount Morro marks the highest point in the park, at 2,912 metres above sea level.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
While tougher to get to, this provincial park is a hotspot for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and ice fishers alike.
It’s worth noting that access to the park is via White Swan and Lussier Forest Service Roads, which are typically completely passable from late May until every October every year. However, if you’re willing to break out your snow gear, backcountry pros can still access the park between then, including to the trailhead to Fish Lake.
Wildflowers, elk, and bighorn sheep
During the warmer months, Fish Lake turns into a popular swimming hole, and in July and August, stunning wildflower meadows cover most of the Top of the World Plateau. This includes gorgeous glacier lilies, alpine forget-me-nots, and western anemone, according to BC Parks.
At lower elevations, globe flowers, Indian paintbrush, arnica, bunchberries, and yellow columbines grow, adding an extra splash of colour.
BC Parks also notes that the area is home to several species of large mammals, including occasional moose, elk, white-tailed deer, wolverine, bear, and porcupine sightings in the Lussier River and Coyote Creek watersheds. In the alpine meadows, mule deer and marmots frequent higher elevation areas, and you might just spot some bighorn sheep around Mount Doolan and Morro.
Finally, mountain goats frequent the ridges that form the western boundary of the park.
Ready to start exploring this remote destination? Top of the World Park is located 48 km northeast of the village of Kimberley. So if you’re hoping to take advantage of some last-minute spring skiing or plan ahead for the summer months, consider adding the small town to your trip itinerary.
Note that the Lussier Forest Service Road is not plowed from km 25 to the Top of the World trailhead.
So there you have it. Happy exploring – and remember to leave no trace behind.
How to get there: Drive 10 hours and 50 minutes from Vancouver to Top of the World Park via the Trans-Canada Highway E.
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