Cathedral Park Fully Reopens

People can once again access the dramatic alpine landscapes of Cathedral Park, as the first phase of restoration work following the Crater Creek wildfire nears completion.

The August 2023 wildfire burned most of the park, causing significant damage to several trails, the main 16-kilometre service road and two backcountry campgrounds: Lake of the Woods and Pyramid Lake. The fire also destroyed the Ashnola River bridge, which provides vehicle access to the park’s core area.

 

The park partially reopened in June 2025 for hiking and backcountry camping in select areas while restoration continued elsewhere.

 

Since then, work has included replacing the Ashnola River vehicle bridge, as well as small bridges and culverts along the main service road. Crews have also assessed and cleared hazardous trees from all trails impacted by the wildfire, and restored the staging area that provides parking for guests of Cathedral Lakes Lodge.

 

In the core area of the park, reconstruction continues at the Lake of the Woods and Pyramid Lake backcountry campgrounds, along with other backcountry trail facilities destroyed by the wildfire.

The total cost of the complete restoration is an estimated $6.5 million and is mainly covered by federal funding through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program.

 

Located southwest of Keremeos, Cathedral Park is an approximately 33,300-hectare wilderness area between the Cascade Mountains and the Okanagan Valley. The park is known for its jagged mountain peaks, azure lakes and colourful alpine meadows.

 

Backcountry camping is currently available in the core area at Quiniscoe Lake campground. Reservations are required for the campground’s 30 tent pads from June 27, 2026, to Sept. 12, 2026, and can be made through BC Parks.

 

Outside of peak season, campers must register and pay online for camping at Quiniscoe Lake. Camping is also available at the vehicle-accessible Buckhorn and Lakeview campgrounds.

 

More information about Cathedral Park is available through BC Parks. Details about backcountry reservations and permits are available on the BC Parks backcountry camping page.