Nicolum River Provincial Park
Nicolum River was designated to Provincial Park status in 1956.
It serves as the first roadside rest-stop and campground for
visitors en route from the Lower Mainland to the
Interior.
In 1846, Alexander Caulfield Anderson of the Hudson's Bay
Company explored the valley occupied by the Nicolum and Sumallo
Rivers in search of a route to the Cariboo (the Dewdney Trail). In
the process, he set up camp in the vicinity of Nicolum River
Provincial Park. The section of Highway 3 at the park was once part
of the historic trail.
The park is situated in the Coastal Western Hemlock
biogeoclimatic zone. Characteristic species associated with this
zone and presently on site include coastal western hemlock, red
cedar, and in well drained areas, Douglas-fir. The understory is
sparse and consists mainly of sword fern, bracken, salmonberry, and
moss species.
The significant wildlife species in the park are primarily
songbirds and fish. These include varied thrush, black-throated
grey warbler, red-breasted nutlatch, and Dolly Varden. Transient
species in the area include porcupine, coyote, Columbia blacktail
deer, and black bear.
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