Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park wilderness guide
Provincial Park · British Columbia

Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park

Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park is one of British Columbia’s largest protected wilderness areas, offering remote backcountry adventures and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities in a vast subalpine and boreal forest landscape.

Provincial Park698,0004+ Trails

Designation

Provincial Park

Total Wilderness Area

698,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park

Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park is one of British Columbia’s largest protected wilderness areas, offering remote backcountry adventures and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities in a vast subalpine and boreal forest landscape.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park encompasses over 698,000 acres of rugged wilderness in northern British Columbia. The park covers the unique Spatsizi Plateau and parts of the Skeena Mountains, characterized by broad lava plateaus, rolling hills, deep river valleys, and alpine meadows. The ecology is pristine, home to some of Canada’s most significant populations of mountain caribou, wild sheep, moose, and bears, including grizzly and black bears. The park’s river systems, including the Spatsizi and Stikine Rivers, support rich fish habitat notable for salmon runs. Historically, the area has been used by the Tahltan First Nation and other Indigenous peoples for centuries for hunting and gathering. Outdoor recreation focuses mainly on wilderness backcountry activities such as multi-day hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and fly-in fishing. Due to its remote location, the park is accessible primarily by floatplane, helicopter, or rugged logging roads, attracting only the most prepared and self-sufficient visitors. Major highlights include the stunning Spatsizi River valley, the ancient lava flows that blanket parts of the plateau, and extensive untouched river corridors. Visitors come here to experience solitude, witness seasonal migrations of wildlife, and enjoy a true wilderness setting far from developed infrastructure. The park’s limited facilities emphasize backcountry camping with no designated developed campgrounds, making it ideal for experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into one of British Columbia's wildest landscapes.

Field Guide · Provincial Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Spatsizi River Valley – Scenic river corridor known for wildlife concentrationExtensive Mountain Caribou Habitat – One of the few remaining sanctuaries for this endangered speciesVast Lava Plateau – Geologic formations unique to the region covering parts of the parkRemote Wilderness Access – Ideal for floatplane entry and multi-day backcountry expeditions
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Backcountry Camping

Available in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Fly-in Fishing

Available in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Horseback Riding

Available in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Canoeing

Available in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Snowshoeing

Available in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free day-use access, backcountry camping permits required; fly-in permits and hunting licenses regulated by BC Parks.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Wilderness & Developed Camping Regulations

Camping is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park. Most frontcountry campgrounds require advance reservations on Recreation.gov during peak season, while backcountry camping requires a wilderness permit and certified bear-resistant food canisters.

Find Campgrounds on Recreation.gov