Situated in the heart of Y2Y's Peace River Break Priority Area in northern British Columbia, Monkman Provincial Park is a 32,000 hectare (79,000 acre) gem of cool forests, crystal clear lakes, spectacular waterfalls, rolling alpine areas, and extensive glaciers and icefields. Located approximately 60 kilometers (36 miles) south of Tumbler Ridge, BC, the park extends from the valley bottom of the Murray River to the majestic peaks of the Continental Divide, and beyond.

Photo: Wendy Francis

Within the context of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, Monkman Provincial Park is a core refuge for key wildlife species, including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, moose and others. An area of lakes and high country in the southeast corner of the park is considered to be prime grizzly habitat.

This little-known part of the Y2Y region falls within the boundaries of Treaty 8 and is part of the traditional hunting and trapping territories of the Beaver peoples of northern BC. In the 1930s, Alex Monkman and a group of friends set out to prove that Monkman Pass was the best location for an overland commercial connection from Fort St. John to the rest of the province. They spent many years exploring and promoting a route through the low-elevation pass. Today a well-defined hiking trail leads occasional backpackers along the same route from the trailhead at Kinuseo Falls to Monkman Lake, 25 kilometers (15 miles) in. Along the way, basic camping facilities (tent pads, open-air outhouses and food storage equipment) are found at several locations.

The park boasts several highlights. The first is a series of spectacular waterfalls located along the Monkman River, approximately 17-20 kilometers (10-12 miles) from the trailhead. McGinnis Falls, Monkman Falls, Shire Falls, Brooks Falls, Upper Moore Falls and Lower Moore Falls (all named for Monkman and his intrepid crew) each would be a tourist attraction in its own right; collectively they provide plenty of inspiring moments for a day of exploring.

Photo: Wendy Francis

Monkman Lake is another beauty spot that attracts waterfowl and moose. From the campground the view across the lake takes in a corner of the vast Monkman Glacier.

From Monkman Lake, it is a 600 meter (2,000 foot) climb through forests and meadows to the spectacular alpine vistas and several small lakes called tarns. The expansive view takes in the Continental Divide as it wends its way from southeast to northwest.

Those comfortable travelling where the trail is faint to non-existent can proceed through the alpine region and beyond to descend into the forests south of the divide. From there it is several days' walk to Herrick Creek, a tributary of the Fraser, where arrangements can be made to boat or kayak to Prince George.

Protected landscapes are rare within the narrow Peace Break region, making existing parks like Monkman all the more valuable. As Y2Y works with its partners to develop a conservation vision for the Peace Break region, Monkman Provincial Park will be a key feature in an interconnected landscape connecting the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks to the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area.

Click here for more information about Monkman Provincial Park.

To see the location of Monkman Provincial Park on Y2Y's Peace River Break Priority Area map, click here.