Kinaskan Lake, surrounded by mountains and thick forests, sits at the scenic gates to Canada's far north - it is a land of stone, wood and water, offering something for hikers, paddlers, anglers and campers alike.
Kinaskan's lakeside campground is a wonderful place to relax and take in the wild beauty of the Stikine Country (the territory which surrounds the Stikine River and its tributaries). Head out for a relaxing paddle using the park's conveniently located boat launch, cast a line into Kinaskan and pull up a gorgeous rainbow trout, or simply string up a hammock and enjoy the long, mild summer days.
For those seeking back-country adventure, there are plenty of options too. Hikers and backpackers can utilize the areas unmaintained trails, which dive deep into lake-spotted wildernesses. You can even make a trek all the way to neighboring Mount Edziza Provincial Park, a mountainous wonderland which dwarfs Kinaskan in size. Canoers and kayakers, whether on a day trip or a week-long journey, can wind their way across the interconnected lakes and rivers that cover the landscape.
The provincial park's campground sports 50 spots, almost all of which are suitable for RVs and trailers. Amenities are few, but the views are phenomenal!
Though Kinaskan is set in a remote part of British Columbia, its easy accessibility makes it a favorite stopover spot for those exploring Stikine Country. The campground sits just off of BC-37, which runs from British Columbia's coast all the way to the Yukon. The highway is paved, and the campground road is well-maintained crushed gravel. 37 is not too steep or windy, though it is certainly subject to the mercurial weather of northern British Columbia, so drive with caution and stay up to date on weather forecasts.
The access road to the campground is short, and spots are spacious and have ample room between them, meaning maneuvering into your spot shouldn't pose much of a challenge. Most sites can accommodate large rigs and RVs, though you can call ahead to ensure certain spots will be able to accommodate your specific rig. The lake, boat launch and the Mt. Edziza trailhead are within walking distance of the campground. For access to some of the area's other trailheads, you'll need to drive north or south along BC-37 (or you can hop in a boat and paddle to them!)
Set on the southern bank of Kinaskan Lake, the provincial park's campground is rustic but absolutely gorgeous. Spots are spacious enough to accommodate even large RVs and trailers, and thick groves of spruce and fir provide ample shade. Views of the lake and the mountains which ring it are just a few steps away, and the Mt. Edziza trailhead is close by as well. Fire rings and picnic tables are provided at each site.
Facilities, unsurprisingly, are primitive; no electric, water or sewer hookups are available here. There are a few pit toilets and several potable water spigots. For supplies or sanitary dumping stations, you'll have to head north or south for a ways along BC-37.
In total, there are fifty spots. None of these are reservable; everything here is first-come first-served. The campground is typically open from mid-May through mid-September.
Every summer, the forests and slopes around Kinaskan are bustling with activity. Berries, fish, insects, grubs and more are abundant, and permanent residents and migratory visitors alike relish the food-rich, if ephemeral, conditions. Visitors to Kinaskan may encounter megafauna such as grizzly bears, black bears and moose, or montane denizens like mountain goats or Stone sheep. Smaller critters include arctic squirrels, martens, fishers, coyotes, foxes, and a host of waterfowl, shorebirds and birds of prey.
Kinaskan Lake, a placid blue gem beset on all sides by rolling, tree-clad mountains, is a boon to photographers. Each season brings new character to the lake and its surrounds and offers new opportunities for artists to capture the place's staggering, wild beauty. Heading farther afield, to the Spectrum Mountains of Mt. Edziza Provincial Park, for instance, offers even greater photographic rewards.
Abundant fauna gives wildlife photographers plenty to be excited about too. Capture images of some of British Columbia's most emblematic species - bears, moose, eagles and more - set in their rugged native habitat.
The only trouble you'll have fishing at Kinaskan will be in choosing which wonderful lake or river to fish from. Kinaskan and Natadasleen, both rich with hefty rainbow trout, are the most popular and accessible lakes; but you can also hike, or paddle, to more far flung fishing spots should you wish. Though a catch can never be guaranteed, in this part of the country, a great view is a sure thing.
If you do end up fishing, make sure you bring a BC fishing license with you; along the remote BC-37, there are few places to purchase or print one out.
A shuttle service run the park operator is available to take visitors from the campground to the Natadasleen trailhead.
Canoes and kayaks are welcome on both Kinaskan Lake and the smaller, though no less scenic, Natadasleen Lake. Enjoy a pleasant paddle on placid waters surrounded by sky-high peaks and towering spruce. Or, if you're looking for a lengthier, more challenging paddle-trip, you can connect into several other rivers via Kinaskan Lake. The Klappan, Stikine, Dease and Spatsizi Rivers, each offer many miles of adventure through some of British Columbia's most spectacular back-country. The possibilities for multi-day treks are nearly endless!
If you've ventured all the way to remote Kinaskan, you're likely a fan of solitude and wild, open country. And though Kinaskan is a fairly small park that does not allow wilderness camping, neighboring Mt. Edziza Provincial Park, which encompasses over half a million acres, certainly does.
Using the Kaniskan campground as a base, you can trek towards Mt. Edziza via the Mt. Edziza trail. Take in some of the best views in Stikine Country, such as the orange and red tinted mountainsides of the imposing Spectrum Range.
Trails in and around Kinaskan share the character of their environment; they're gorgeous, rugged and untamed (or, rather, unmaintainted). Adventurers taking these scenic routes through forests, over rivers, and into the hearts of mountain ranges should bring along orienteering tools, and plenty of food, water and warm clothing.
The spectacular Mt. Edziza Trail leaves from near the campground and crosses the Iskut River, meandering for 15 miles (24 km) before reaching the massive and wild Mt. Edziza Provincial Park, which sports its own extensive trail network. The Todagin Mountain Trail, which branches off BC-37 about 10 miles (16 km) north of the park, offers spectacular montane views and the chance to see Stone Sheep in their summer feeding grounds. Several other smaller, though equally scenic, branch off of BC-37 in the vicinity of Kinaskan as well.
