The Most Remote Shuswap Park: Anstey Hunakwa Provincial Park

Aug 31

Anstey Hunakwa Provincial Park is located at the remote north end of Shuswap Lake, British Columbia, and extends through the old-growth forest to the even more remote Hunakwa Lake. The park features 6,852 hectares of protected area, including magical old-growth forest, pristine lakes, and alpine mountain tops.

The park’s ancient forest is home to species such as Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir and interior cedar-hemlock. Within the boundaries are two lakes that do not have any kind of road access, and they are Hunakwa Lake and Wright Lake.

Our Experience

We visited Anstey Hunakwa Provincial Park in the month of August via houseboat. We were pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the beach was and also how truly remote the park was. The stand of old growth and the variety of tree species was really something to behold. We saw some great campsites with stunning views of Shuswap Lake, and not a single one was occupied. This truly is the most remote area of the Shuswap.

Camping

At the north end of Anstey Arm on Shuswap Lake is typically where one would enter the park. Here you will find Anstey Beach, a glorious stretch of white sand and crystal clear water, perfect for a dip. The beach also has several excellent campsites and hiking trails. No facilities are provided. The Anstey Beach and Four Mile Creek sites are where visitors can camp.

Wildlife

The park is home to all kinds of animals, and was established to protect wildlife like grizzly, black bear, moose, mule deer, pine marten, and Townsend's big-eared bat.

Hiking

To get from Anstey Beach to Hunakwa Lake, follow the signs and keep to the designated 3 km trail. Remember you are hiking through part of BC’s Interior Rainforest and the moist conditions can sometimes create less than perfect hiking conditions.