Incredible natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a rich cultural history steeped in indigenous influence are three things that define British Columbia. That trifecta is central to Ningunsaw Provincial Park, part of British Columbia’s extensive provincial park system. However, despite its rugged landscape, outdoor recreational opportunities, abundant wildlife, and celebration of indigenous culture, you don’t often find Ningunsaw listed among even extensive lists of the most popular provincial parks in BC. That’s because this breathtaking backcountry park has relatively few visitors, making it an ideal escape for those who value solitude during their outdoor adventures.
The lack of visitation to Ningunsaw Provincial Park, which encompasses nearly 39,000 acres, has little to do with natural scenery or available activities. Visitors are able to camp, hunt, fish, ski, and explore a landscape filled with densely forested mountains, rivers, and wildlife. Visitors can also look forward to potentially spotting a wide range of birds and animals, including grizzly bears. The park sees relatively few visitors primarily due to its remote location, as the nearest town is about 75 miles away. Its lack of amenities is another reason, as there are no facilities of any kind, including parking spots and campsites. Even designated trails haven’t been created at Ningunsaw. However, for those who wish to experience remote, unspoiled wilderness, Ningunsaw Provincial Park and the adjacent Ningunsaw River Ecological Preserve might be the perfect destinations.
Camping and adventuring at Ningunsaw Provincial Park
Visitors wanting to overnight in Ningunsaw Provincial Park have the option of primitive forest camping. However, it is important to note that absolutely no facilities or amenities are available. There are also no prepared campsites. This is pure backcountry dispersed camping, meaning campers must pack in — and out — all of their supplies. That includes any firewood, as gathering wood within the park is not allowed. It should also be noted that this is prime bear habitat, and anyone camping in Ningunsaw Park should properly bear-proof their campsite.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities while visiting or camping at the park, including backcountry hiking, although there are no designated trails. During the warm weather months, visitors can fish in the rivers and streams within the park as well, provided they are in possession of a valid BC fishing license. Once winter sets in, the primary activities are cross-country skiing and hunting. Visitors can also hike into the Ningunsaw River Ecological Preserve, which borders the park. However, fishing, hunting, and camping are not allowed in the preserve, so it is important to know which portion of land you are on at all times. Additionally, since bears inhabit the park, it is advisable to know what to do if you see a bear before exploring either the park or preserve.
The entrance to Ningunsaw Park is located along Highway 37. Visitors can reach it by heading south from Dease Lake for around 133 miles or north from Meziadin Junction for about 65 miles. Stikine River Provincial Park, which contains the “Grand Canyon of the North,” is also located along Highway 37, between Ningunsaw Park and Dease Lake. The closest commercial airport to Ningunsaw Park is Northwest Regional Airport (YXT) in Terrace, some 155 miles south of Meziadin Junction.
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