Beautiful Schoen Lake, Vancouver Island, BC

Schoen Lake Provincial Park is located northwest of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Set in the Nimpkish Valley, Schoen Lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful parks and camping areas on Vancouver Island.

The Park protects old-growth forest, glaciers, waterways, meadows, small lakes and essential deer, elk and fish habitat. One of the best ways to experience this park is from one of the wilderness campsites on Schoen Lake.

Known for its superb scenery, the 8,430-hectare park is a popular destination for wilderness hiking, and offers great opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, backpacking, camping and climbing in a rugged, wilderness environment. There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park in 5-km long Schoen Lake. Paddlers can set in at a rough boat launching area, located at the Schoen Lake campsite.

Schoen Lake, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Hiking trails in Scheon Lake Provincial Park are barely maintained and provide numerous hiking opportunities, including the Schoen Creek Trail from the Davie Road campground and the Nisnak Lake Trail. Hikers who challenge the 1,802-metre Mt. Schoen are rewarded with great panoramic vistas of Scheon Lake and the surrounding scenery. Take topographic map #92L/01 with you for a detailed look at the crook-shaped Schoen Lake. Hikers should be aware that Schoen Lake is bear and cougar country.

Campsite at the edge of Schoen Lake

Facilities at the park include a campground with 9 vehicle/tent campsites, pit toilets, a day-use recreation area and a boat launch. The park is open year-round with self-registration fees collected May 15 to September 30. Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. The most popular spots are Schoen Creek, Nisnak Creek and upstream from Nisnak Creek toward Nisnak Meadows. Access to Nisnak Meadows is via an unmarked and unmaintained hiking route.

Access to Schoen Lake Provincial Park is on Davie Road (gravel), about 12 km south of Island Highway 19, north of Sayward. Paddlers can launch a cartop boat from the end of Davie road beside the formal campsite.