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Nares River Provincial Park adventures

Nares River Provincial Park Adventures

Nares River Provincial Park offers pristine wilderness along the Nares River on Vancouver Island, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation in a remote natural setting.

1,214
Acres Protected
12
Miles of Trails
Under 3,000
Annual Visitors
1996
Year Established

About Nares River Provincial Park

 

Nares River Provincial Park is located on the east coast of northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It protects a remote corridor along the Nares River, a key tributary flowing into the Broughton Strait. The park covers rugged terrain with dense coastal temperate rainforests dominated by western red cedar, Douglas fir, and hemlock. The river and surrounding riparian zones support abundant trout and salmon populations, making it a destination for anglers seeking wild fish species. Visitors to Nares River Provincial Park experience a tranquil environment rich in wildlife including black bears, bald eagles, and river otters. The park's remote setting offers limited facilities but attracts backcountry enthusiasts and paddlers who explore the river's slower stretches and occasional rapids. Historical use of the area by Indigenous peoples for fishing and gathering is reflected in nearby traditional territories. Recreation highlights include hiking through dense forest, angling for steelhead and trout, wildlife viewing, and photography of natural landscapes and waterways. Its lesser-known status compared to other Vancouver Island parks makes Nares River Provincial Park a quieter refuge for visitors comfortable with minimal amenities and seeking solitude. Given its remote location, accessing the park requires careful planning and awareness of seasonal conditions. Overall, Nares River Provincial Park preserves essential coastal river ecosystems and offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the wild landscapes of northern Vancouver Island.

Highlights

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Pristine Nares River supporting wild steelhead and trout fishing

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Old-growth coastal temperate rainforest with towering western red cedar trees

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Remote access wilderness offering solitude for backcountry hiking and paddling

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Opportunities to observe black bears and bald eagles along riverside habitats

Notable Natural Features

Nares River

A clear river noted for steelhead and trout, running through old-growth forest with striking riverbank scenery.

Ancient Western Red Cedars

Some of the largest and oldest cedar trees on Vancouver Island grow in the park's dense forests.

Wildlife Habitat

Critical riparian zones provide homes for species such as black bears, bald eagles, and river otters.