Skihist Park

A convenient 386 hectare, overnight camping spot for travelers on Highway #1, this is also a popular base camp for visitors enjoying river rafting, fishing, and exploring the Thompson River area. Awe-inspiring views of the Thompson Canyon and quiet strolls on the old Cariboo Wagon Road bring to mind the difficulties encountered by early travelers traversing the western mountain ranges. An introduced herd of elk thrives nearby. Arrangements for guided river rafting trips may be made in Lytton or Spence’s Bridge.

Skihist was established in 1956. Back then most visitors to Provincial Parks camped in tents or small trailers. Camping methods have changed and the campsites have recently been reconstructed to provide accessible accommodation for the larger camping units used today.

This Class A park protects under-represented ecosystems such as dry forests and represents north facing slopes along the Thompson River. This park was recently enlarged, which significantly enhanced the natural values of the park, including extensive use by wildlife, such as elk and deer winter range, old growth forest, a regenerating burn, cliffs, talus slopes and deep draws.

Goals:

• New management plan should be consistent with earlier plan
• Maintain natural environment while providing new recreational opportunities, such as trails for day users and campers
• Maintain winter range for elk and deer
• Protect cultural artefacts