Kakwa Provincial Park is considered ‘what Jasper Park was 100 years ago’ in that it is a raw, world-class backcountry. The Walker Creek Forest Service Road is the only way of entry into this BC Park from the BC side (there are alternatives on the Alberta side that may be worse depending on the year). The Great Divide Trail (GDT) ends its northern terminus at Kakwa Lake. This park has a guest cabin that can sleep 8 people comfortably, but more than that as the loft can squeeze in more depending on the size of the people.
Careful planning is required:
a) To successfully get to this park as the Walker Creek FSR can be in terrible shape (there are over 10 bridges to cross and these are in bad shape, in fact, the ministry has technically closed the road to traffic at around the 35 km mark, however, many have traveled beyond this point at their own risk). You may want to consider driving a quad or bicycle starting at the closed section, however, no motorized vehicles are allowed in park boundaries starting at the Buchanan Creek crossing (around 85 km).
b) have the best experience possible by pre-planning the trails and routes based on your experience level and time allotted.
BC Parks info for Kakwa: https://bcparks.ca/kakwa-park/
There is SO MUCH that could be discussed about this park and I plan to update this space over time, but the videos and information below share the most current details as I understand them. This park is hard to get to, but offers an unreal, raw, backcountry experience with excellent trails to explore, glaciers, ice fields, lakes, fishing, etc.
Getting to Kakwa Provincial Park:
You should plan to drive a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle. Some have successfully driven with SUV or 2-wheel drive but I have rescued families with damaged/leaking oil pans so take note, you have been warned!
Gai GPS track of the drive from Hwy 16 down the Walker Creek Forest Service Road to the Bastille Bridge: here
after the Bastille Bridge, most people will need to hike or mountain bike the rest of the way. Mountain biking may be a challenge as the quad road between Bastille Creek and Buchanan Creek is VERY muddy and you will be pushing your bike for many kilometers.
Gai GPS track of the hike or bike from the Bastille Bridge to Wishaw Lake: here
Gai GPS track of the hike or bike from Wishaw Lake to Kakwa Lake: here
Hiking in Kakwa:
GaiGPS track of the hike from Kakwa Lake to Babette Lake and Ian Munroe summit: here
(a safer version of the Ian Munroe hike: here)
GaiGPS track of the hike to Mt Ruth: here
GaiGPS track of the hike to La Glace Lake: here
More hiking options can be found here
Photos:
Kakwa history and research on the BC Park:
Videos:
August 2024 multiday backpacking trip:
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Days 4-5:
Trekking with Taz:
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Days 4-5:
May 2024 multiday jetboat trip:
September 2023 multiday trip:
Day 1:
Day 2:
Days 3-4:
Walker Forest Service Road, driving from hwy 16 to Bastille Creek:
May 2024:
August 2022:
Walker Creek Forest Service Road
August 2021:
Crossing the Buchanan Creek
Misc:
Babette Lake and Mt Ian Munroe Hike:
Mt Ruth hike:
La Glace Lake hike in Kakwa:
Preparing for a trip into Kakwa Provincial Park:
Biking from the Bastille Bridge to the Buchanan creek crossing:
July 2021:
Pommel Mountain Hike
June 2021:
May 2021:
September 2020: