Omineca Provincial Park and Omineca Protected Area incorporate 80 km (50 miles) of the Omineca River Valley and several mountain ranges (including the Wolverine Range, the mountains that are located northwest of Germansen Landing to Nina Lake, as well as the area to the south, including the alpine ridges at the head of Evans Creek and Germansen Lake). The park is mainly a wilderness area that offers visitors opportunities to explore the backcountry.
Omineca Provincial Park includes 132,296 hectares (511 square miles) and the Protected Area is made up of 3,138 hectares (12 square miles) and protects caribou habitat in the Wolverine Range, along with riparian habitat and wetlands along the Omineca River and important moose winter range. Within the confines of the park you will find plenty to do, regardless of the time of year. Water activities are popular. Try kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the park’s crystal-clear lakes as well as hiking and biking. Included in the park are two historic trails that can be explored during your visit. The winter months are an excellent time to engage in snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
With its gorgeous scenery, opportunities for adventure and available solitude, Omineca Provincial Park is an ideal location for your next RV vacation.
Omineca Provincial Park is about 182 km (113 miles) northwest of Mackenzie and about 219 km (136 miles) due north of Fort St. James. You can get to the park from either town, though both routes to the park require travel over industrial gravel roads. Road conditions vary by season and expect to come across large industrial trucks during your drive.
From Mackenzie, take the Finlay Forest Service Road to the 98 km (60.89 mile) marker, proceeding west onto the Finlay Manson Forest Service Road. After 31 km (19.26 miles), continue north on the Thutade Forest Service Road. At around 68 km (42.25 miles), the road splits; to the left is Germansen Lake and the right arm heads up to Germansen Landing.
From Fort St. James, take the North Road (at 22 km/13.67 miles the road becomes the Germansen Forest Service Road and eventually the North Germansen Road). About 100 km (62 miles) from Fort St. James the road connects with the Thutade Forest Service Road. Continue north to Germansen Landing. At around 68 km (42 miles), the road splits; head left to Germansen Lake and right to Germansen Landing.
Parking is available throughout Omineca Provincial Park.
Omineca Provincial Park offers six rustic vehicle-accessible camp sites that are available from June to October on a first come, first served basis. Four camping areas are located along the shore of Germansen Lake and Rainbow Cove (on the east side of the narrows) has a combination of open field sites and a few semi-private sites along the shore. There is also the Omineca River site, which is at 13-Mile Creek and provides easy access to the river. Nina Lake also has places for backcountry/walk-in camping. The road to access the sites is rough and it is recommended that you hike, rather than drive to the rustic area at the lake.
During your visit to Omineca Provincial Park, you can explore the park on foot by going on a hike. While the trails are not developed, they are perfect for getting some exercise and taking in the park’s beauty. There are two historic trails within the park; Evans Creek and an old wagon road that is east of Germansen Lake. Follow the signs that are posted for each of the hiking trails and be sure to stay on the trail. This is for your safety as well as for the preservation of plant life and soil structure.
While at Omineca Provincial Park, you can choose to spend some time on the water in a kayak or canoe. The Omineca River is a great choice for flatwater canoeing and kayaking, though it is important to keep in mind that there are logjams in the river. Another place in the park that is excellent for water exploration is Nina Lake. Though it is hard to reach, the lake offers a wild and gorgeous setting along with plenty of solitude.
A great way to spend time at Omineca Provincial Park is to engage in some water activities. Choose to jump in a lake or a creek with cool water, whether for a long swim or just to cool off for a few minutes after another activity. Swimming in the park is at your own risk, as Provincial Parks do not have lifeguards.
Another thing to do in the park is to bring along your fishing rod and see if you can catch some fish. Before casting a line, make sure to have the appropriate license on hand. While you swim or fish, make sure to soak in the beauty and solitude of the park.
Public Transportation is not available to Omineca Provincial Park.
Omineca Park may be covered in snow during the winter but that does not mean that there is nothing to do in these cooler months. In fact, the majority of the park is able to be explored on snowshoes. As you make your way through the park, your snowshoes will help you avoid sinking into the snow so that you can move at your own pace and take in the quiet winter beauty of the park. Dress in layers; you may start out feeling cold but will warm up with exertion as you explore.
Consider engaging in backcountry skiing. The park offers a myriad of opportunities to ski for those who are experienced. Marvel at the breathtaking views and solitude. Take a break in this winter wonderland away from everyone with a light snack or drink that you have packed.
During a winter visit to Omineca Provincial Park you can explore the park and its surrounding area by snowmobile. Take in the mountains and forest from the seat of the vehicle as you maneuver the snowmobile at low or higher speeds. Keep in mind that snowmobiling is not allowed in the Wolverine Range. The park and its surrounding area offer plenty to explore and a snowmobile will allow you to cover more land than you could on foot. Keep your eyes open for wildlife and enjoy the winter scenery. A camera is a must.
