Hamber Provincial Park

This protected wilderness area covers approximately 25,000 hectares of rugged mountain terrain, featuring glaciated peaks, alpine lakes, dense coniferous forests, and pristine ecosystems that support diverse wildlife including mountain goats, black bears, and numerous bird species.

Established in 1941 and named after Lieutenant-Governor Eric W. Hamber, the park originally covered over 1 million hectares before being dramatically reduced in size during the 1960s due to forestry and hydroelectric development pressures.

The park forms part of traditional Indigenous territories used by Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, and Sinixt peoples for over 10,000 years, who relied on seasonal hunting, fishing, and gathering practices in these mountain environments.

Access requires a challenging 22-kilometer hike from Sunwapta Falls in Jasper National Park or arrival by floatplane to Fortress Lake, with no road access, developed facilities, or established campgrounds available to visitors.

Despite covering only a fraction of its original size, the park contains Mount Scott rising to 3,300 meters and serves as home to trophy-sized eastern brook trout in Fortress Lake, accessible primarily by aircraft.

Location: Columbia-Shuswap Regional District

Inception: 1941

Website: https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/hamber

GPS coordinates: 52.36810,-117.86600

Latest update: July 25, 2025 19:14