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Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park adventures

Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park Adventures

Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park is one of British Columbia’s largest protected wilderness areas, offering remote backcountry adventures and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities in a vast subalpine and boreal forest landscape.

698,000
Acres Protected
Varies; mostly unmarked wilderness routes
Miles of Trails
Estimated fewer than 2,000
Annual Visitors
1975
Year Established

About Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park

 

Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park encompasses over 698,000 acres of rugged wilderness in northern British Columbia. The park covers the unique Spatsizi Plateau and parts of the Skeena Mountains, characterized by broad lava plateaus, rolling hills, deep river valleys, and alpine meadows. The ecology is pristine, home to some of Canada’s most significant populations of mountain caribou, wild sheep, moose, and bears, including grizzly and black bears. The park’s river systems, including the Spatsizi and Stikine Rivers, support rich fish habitat notable for salmon runs. Historically, the area has been used by the Tahltan First Nation and other Indigenous peoples for centuries for hunting and gathering. Outdoor recreation focuses mainly on wilderness backcountry activities such as multi-day hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and fly-in fishing. Due to its remote location, the park is accessible primarily by floatplane, helicopter, or rugged logging roads, attracting only the most prepared and self-sufficient visitors. Major highlights include the stunning Spatsizi River valley, the ancient lava flows that blanket parts of the plateau, and extensive untouched river corridors. Visitors come here to experience solitude, witness seasonal migrations of wildlife, and enjoy a true wilderness setting far from developed infrastructure. The park’s limited facilities emphasize backcountry camping with no designated developed campgrounds, making it ideal for experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into one of British Columbia's wildest landscapes.

Highlights

Highlight

Spatsizi River Valley – Scenic river corridor known for wildlife concentration

Highlight

Extensive Mountain Caribou Habitat – One of the few remaining sanctuaries for this endangered species

Highlight

Vast Lava Plateau – Geologic formations unique to the region covering parts of the park

Highlight

Remote Wilderness Access – Ideal for floatplane entry and multi-day backcountry expeditions

Notable Natural Features

Mountain Caribou Habitat

A critical refuge for mountain caribou populations, this park offers opportunities to observe this rare, endangered species in their natural environment.

Lava Plateau

The park protects an expansive basalt lava plateau formed by ancient volcanic activity, creating distinctive geological landscapes and ecosystems.

Spatsizi River and Tributaries

The pristine river systems support abundant fish populations and serve as corridors for wildlife, making the area a notable destination for anglers and nature watchers.