Plan Rainbow Alley Park north of Smithers with boat access, canoeing, kayaking, world-class rainbow trout fishing, salmonid habitat, hunting, and no potable water.
Rainbow Alley Park protects water and wetland habitat between Nilkitkwa Lake and Babine Lake, about 100 kilometres north of Smithers. Water flows north from Babine Lake through Nilkitkwa Lake and into the Babine River.
BC Parks calls the area famous for world-class rainbow trout fishing.
The park was designated as a Class A provincial park in 1999 after a Bulkley Land and Resource Management Plan recommendation.
Why Visit Rainbow Alley Park
Rainbow Alley is a fishing and paddling park with important salmonid habitat. Steelhead and sockeye pass through these waters on their yearly migration to spawning grounds, and BC Parks also notes rainbow trout, pink salmon, coho salmon, and other fish species.
The park protects wetland and forest habitat in the Babine Uplands Ecosection, including breeding habitat for the blue-listed American bittern. It also contributes to the Babine River corridor habitat for mammals, including grizzly bears. Cultural context matters here too: BC Parks says the park lies in the asserted traditional territory of the Ned’u’ten people, near Wud’at, also known as Fort Babine.
Things To Do
Canoe or kayak the navigable waters, fish for rainbow trout with the proper licence, watch wetland habitat from the water, and hunt during open seasons where regulations allow.
Planning Notes
Bring drinking water because potable water is not available. The park has no boat launch; BC Parks lists outside launches at Fort Babine Lodge at the north end of Babine Lake and at Fort Babine. Access involves Babine Lake Road, the Nilkitkwa Forest Service Road, the turnoff to Fort Babine, and then boat access from Fort Babine Lodge.