Kitsumkalum Lake North Protected Area centres on the upper Kitsumkalum River north of Terrace. BC Parks describes it as an excellent day trip or short overnight trip for canoeing or kayaking.
Boaters can start at the confluence of the Upper Kitsumkalum River and the Cedar River, northwest of Rosswood. The closest communities are Terrace, 35 kilometres away, and Rosswood, three kilometres away.
Kitsumkalum Lake North Protected Area is a river-paddling destination. The class 1 stretch of river offers scenery and wildlife viewing as it leads to the north end of Kitsumkalum Lake, followed by a short paddle along the lake's north shore.
The protected area has practical route notes that matter. Paddlers can put in near Rosswood and take out at the northeast end of Kitsumkalum Lake where there is highway access. Camping opportunities exist on sand and gravel bars along the riverbanks, but camping is limited to boaters.
Fishing opportunities include seasonal coho salmon, Dolly Varden char, and cutthroat trout, with current freshwater and salmon regulations required. A Nature Trust of BC lease within the protected area provides refuge for waterfowl, fish, and wildlife, and that section is closed to hunting.
Plan around canoeing, kayaking, short overnight river travel, sandbar camping for boaters, swimming, wildlife viewing, seasonal fishing, and hunting only where the protected area is open.
Watch for changing water levels, changing currents, sweepers, and deadheads. Bring drinking water, expect no developed trails, and use caution throughout the river route.
