This 50,060-hectare park was established in 1983 to protect the diverse topography, majestic peaks and unique vegetation typical of the Selkirk Mountains. There are many opportunities here for the backcountry adventurer: beaches, boating, varied and abundant hiking and mountain climbing, fishing and wildlife viewing.
The park is located on the west shore of Slocan Lake, north of both Slocan and Castlegar, and encompasses most of the Valhalla Range of the Selkirk Mountains. The park can be accessed by water, forest industrial roads or by trail. The nearest community to the park is Slocan and Highway 6 provides access to the town and other population centres in the vicinity. Public boat launches exist in a number of towns, including Slocan, Silverton and New Denver, by which trailheads can be easily reached.
- Cultural Heritage: Pictographs in the park are evidence of early native habitation in the region. It was not until the 1850’s that prospectors and surveyors came into the area. Slocan Lake became a highway of commerce for early towns in the Kootenays and remnants of the logging flumes and other transportation routes may still be seen in the park.
- Conservation: This area protects the diverse topography, majestic peaks and unique vegetation typical of the Selkirk Mountains. The park is unique in its varying topography. Both Evans Lake and Beatrice Lake are uncommonly large for high elevation lakes in BC. Surrounding the lakes are numerous mountains with castellated peaks. As well as forests of western red cedar and western hemlock, the higher elevations contain sub-alpine and alpine vegetation.
- Hiking: There are extensive hiking areas in this park. During the winter season, the trails are under snow. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- Paddling: Canoeing and kayaking on Slocan lake is unparalleled. 9 boat accessible campsites have pit toilets, tables, beaches, creeks, waterfalls and often trails in a gorgeous forest.
- Wildlife: A variety of wildlife exists, including the grizzly and black bear, mountain goat, mule and whitetail deer, cougar, Golden Eagle and Alpine Ptarmigan.
- Camping: Camping is restricted to designated sites along established trails and on Slocan Lake beaches. This park only has pit toilets – no flush toilets. Walk-In/Wilderness Camping Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed; however, no services are provided at the marine sites. The campsites are open year round when accessible and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are facilities at Gwillim, Wicca, Drinnon, Emerald and Cahill Lakes. This park only has pit toilets – no flush toilets.
- Open fires are prohibited in Gwillam and Mulvey Basins. Campfire pits are provided at established Slocan Lakeshore sites. Drinnon, Wicca and Gwillim lakes campgrounds have cooking areas but campfires are not allowed there. Where campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided, visitors are encouraged to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
- Fishing: Higher elevation lakes have been stocked to provide additional opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
- Hunting: Hunting is allowed in Valhalla Provincial Park from September 1 to June 30 during a lawful game hunting season. Please check the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsisfor specific details.
- Public Accommodation: Currently Evans Lake Cabin, Cove Creek Cabin, Evans Beach Shelter and Iron Creek Shelter serve as public shelters and offer accommodation in each for a maximum of four persons. A full range of commercial facilities are available at Slocan, Silverton and New Denver.
- Swimming: There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Valhalla Ranges. Valhalla Provincial Park is entirely within the Valhalla Range of Mountains.
The boundaries of the range are: North – Highway 6 between Nakusp and Hills. East – Slocan Lake and River; South: Koch Creek; West: Burton Creek and north part of Koch Creek. Composed of northern and southern portions divided arbitrarily by a line running northeast-southwest between Mt Bor and Black Prince Mountain and extending east to Evans Lake.
Access is difficult but there are magnificent granite walls.
Maps: 82F/13 Burton, 82F/14 Slocan, 82K/4 Nakusp, 82K/3 Roseberry.
The government 1:50,000 maps include all mountains east and north of the Columbia River in the Valhalla Ranges. This includes the Valkyrs (west of Burton Creek) and the Norns (south of Koch Creek). I have included both these “subranges” with lower and much less visited peaks in the Valhalla Ranges.
