Featuring fantastic recreation and an impressive balance of nature and scenic camping, Boya Lake Provincial Park (also known as Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park) is a must see RV-destination. The park, which was first established in November of 1965, lies within the traditional region of the Kaska Dene First Nation, who to this day still live in and around the settlement of Good Hope Lake. The fascinating landscape of this park was formed by glaciers around 8,000 years ago and they left gravel ridges (known as eskers) and pothole lakes in and around the area.
The natural highlight of the park is Boya Lake. This lovely body of water is one of the few lakes in the north of British Columbia that is warm enough for swimming and it is known for having a beautiful color and pristine clarity. This is due to the bottom of the lake featuring a mix of marl, silt and shell fragments. The lake is the main recreational activity hub and there are opportunities for you to go swimming, boating and fishing. Along with the lake the park also offers two short hiking trails, a mountain bike trail and countless bays and islands to discover by watercraft.
The campground at Boya Lake Provincial Park is known for being one of the best in the region for RV camping. In total there are 44 sites at this campground, three of which are disability accessible. The sites feature great spacing, are pretty level and the interior road is wide. All sites are primitive and can be reserved online. Peak season at Boya Lake Provincial Park runs from mid-May until September.
Boya Lake Provincial Park is located in the north-western region of British Columbia and is situated around 10 miles (16km) north-east miles west of Good Hope Lake. The park has one entry and exit point that is serviced by the Stewart-Cassier Highway, which runs alongside the eastern side of the park.
Since the park isn't located within close proximity to any large towns or cities we recommend that you pick up supplies and take advantage of services and amenities before driving to the park. If you want to explore around the region there are a few small towns nearby, including Good Hope Lake (around 10 miles or 16 kms away), Porter Landing (around 67 miles or 109 kms away) and Lower Post (around 82 miles or 132 kms away).
Accessing the park is a little tricky as the highway that leads you to the park is known for being gravel roads in parts and a little bumpy. The road into the campground (which is located south of the park on Wasa Lake Park Road) is also kept in very good condition and it is also very wide to allow for ease of turning. During the winter the park remains open until the snow covers the road. If you do plan on visiting the park during winter make sure you call the park in advance to confirm that there will still be access available.
There is plenty of parking available at Boya Lake Provincial Park.
Boya Lake Campground features 44 sites with a mixture of pull-through and standard sites that provide easy access to the beautiful lake.
Site Configuration: All 44 campsites are big, well-maintained, and include picnic tables and fire rings. Three sites are disability accessible, and all sites feature great spacing and level ground with wide interior roads.
Reservation System: All sites are primitive and can be reserved online. Sites cost $20 cash or credit card, payable at the kiosk or to staff who come by around 6pm.
Amenities: The campground features outhouses and delicious well water to fill bottles (but not RVs). Facilities include pit toilets and a hand pump fed by an artesian spring.
Peak season runs from mid-May until September. During warm summer months, try to arrive before midday to ensure you secure a campsite, as most people spend only a night on their way up or down the highway.
For extended northern exploration, consider these nearby camping destinations:
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Love to swim? Boya Lake is one of the few lakes in the north of British Columbia that is warm enough for swimming, so you should make the most of it! On the lake, you will find a dock at the day-use area that is known as the swimming area. Along with the day-use area, there are multiple bays you can go for a dip in if you want to do some exploring. Please be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty, so make sure that you swim to your abilities.
Boya Lake is a picture perfect picnic location that is stocked with amenities that will make your relaxing day out a lot fun. There is a day use picnic area located adjacent to Boya Lake that contains picnic tables, fire rings, and a large picnic shelter that is available for you to use free of charge. If you are looking to entertain the little ones there is also a small playground located near the picnic area. Please note that the picnic shelter is not available for reservations so make sure that you arrive early in the day to secure your spot.
Visitors to the park also have the opportunity to do boating during their stay. The lake is an incredible place to paddle or take a boat out due to the limitless choices of exploration that you will have. Another great thing about the park is that canoe and kayak rentals will be available throughout the summer months so you don't even have to bring your own watercraft! If you do bring your own boat there is a boat ramp you can use that is located south-east of the campground.
There are no public transport options that will take you to Boya Lake Provincial Park.
If you are a fan of trying to catch the big one then you will be happy with your visit to Boya Lake Provincial Park. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including lake char, round whitefish, burbot, northern suckers, and sculpins. Since the park is in a remote location if you don't already have a British Columbia fishing license we recommend you pick one up before starting your journey to the park. This is because there are limited fishing licence vendors on the Highway 37 corridor so you may not be able to get one before you make it to the park.
While there aren't any mountainous trails that will test experienced hikers there are two short interpretive walking trails suitable for seniors and children available at Boya Lake Provincial Park. Both of the trails are around one mile in length (one and a half km). The Lakeshore Trail leaves from the north end of the campground and will take you on a lovely walk near the edge of the lake. The Beaver Lodge Trail leaves from the south end of the park and will give you the chance to see more of the wooded areas of the park.
We recommend that you bring your bike to the park if you love to ride, as there is a marked mountain biking route on old ATV trails in the park. The route goes around Boya Lake and is approximate15 miles (25 km) long, so you will be able to explore a lot of the park. Please note that a small portion of the route is on Highway 37, and you must wear a helmet when riding in British Columbia. There are no guarantees that bike rentals will be available during your stay, so call ahead to the park office to double check.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more northern wilderness adventures, check out our Stone Mountain Provincial Park guide along the Alaska Highway.
