The park conserves forests of ponderosa pine at the northern limit of its range, and diverse low elevation lakes and marshes. The uplands, marshes, and lakes are rich ecosystems supporting abundant wildlife.

A spectacular display of colour illustrates the park’s rich geology in the Chasm Creek Valley and part of the Bonaparte River Valley. Successive lava flows form layers in varying tones of red, brown, yellow and purple, which have been revealed in the steep lava-layered canyon walls through erosion over the past 10 million years.

At the end of the last ice age, 10,000 years ago, water from the melting glaciers carried so much silt that it carved the 8 km long, 600-metre wide and 300-metre deep Chasm. An esker (ridge of gravel) formed by the glacier stretches 40 km upstream, northwest from the head of the Chasm.

Chasm Provincial Park protects the unique river canyon of the Chasm Creek Valley and part of the Bonaparte River Valley. In 1995, the park was recommended for expansion through the Cariboo Chilcotin Land-Use Plan. It was enlarged from 141 hectares to 3067 hectares to protect more of the area’s colourful geological formations and ponderosa pine forests. The unique features of Chasm Provincial Park offer hiking opportunities and spectacular backdrops for the avid photographer.

Facilities include a pull out viewing area and a larger parking area with a toilet.

Established Date: May 17, 1940
Park Size: 3,145 hectares