Two of the most beloved parks in Terrace are set to be upgraded to make outdoor recreation more accessible for families, beginner hikers, and people with mobility challenges.
Crews have started on a $400,000 project to upgrade the Watson Lakes Trail and backcountry camp in Seven Sisters Park. The first kilometre of the three-kilometre trail is also being enlarged and its incline reduced to make it easier to hike. The project also includes new gravel tent pads, a trail outhouse, a bear cache, and picnic tables at the first campsite, located about one kilometre from the trailhead. Parking is also being increased, with 13 additional parking spaces for improved convenience for tourists.
Minister of Environment and Parks Tamara Davidson said the improvements are about more than just infrastructure.
“We know how important outdoor recreation is for people in British Columbia. These upgrades are about making the outdoors more welcoming for people new to hiking or exploring B.C.’s backcountry,” Davidson said.
Seven Sisters Park, between Hazelton and Terrace, offers everything from day hikes to multi-day backpacking. One of its more moderate scenic hikes is the Watson Lakes Trail with little lakes, picnic sites, and fishing areas along the way.
Meanwhile, Lakelse Lake Park will also receive a $200,000 accessibility upgrade with construction beginning in winter 2025-26. Improvements set for installation include new accessible parking, a path and mat to improve beach accessibility, accessible picnic tables, an upgraded toilet facility, and improvements to the trail between the group campsite and main camp.
Cyra Yunkws, chair of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, said the upgrades will leave a lasting impact.
“The recent upgrades to Seven Sisters Park and Lakelse Lake Park will increase access to outdoor recreation for more people while promoting physical activity, social connection, and enjoyment and appreciation of nature.”
The two parks have already experienced significant upgrading in recent years. The upgrades since 2023 at Lakelse Lake have involved trail accessibility construction, additional camp sites, and extensive infrastructure upgrades at the Furlong Bay campground.
Located in the Skeena River watershed, Lakelse Lake Park is famous for its camping, fishing, swimming, and boating, while Seven Sisters Park is world-famous for its mountain peaks as well as resident mountain goat herds.
For more information, visit the BC Parks website
