Welcome to Paarens Beach Provincial Park. Situated on the south-west shore of beautiful Stuart Lake, Paarens Beach is a delightful small provincial park that few people outside of the area seem to know about. With an uncrowded campground, large beach and boat launch, it is an ideal base from which to explore the rich history and enjoy the multitude of recreational opportunities around Stuart Lake and the nearby community of Fort St. James.

If relaxing on the beach or around your campfire at Paarens Beach is not enough, there is plenty to see and do in the Fort St. James area. The Fort St James Visitor Info Centre can provide the visitor with maps, directions and information on things to do and see in and around the community.

There are close to twenty lodges and resorts on various lakes or rivers, canoeing opportunities on the Nation Lakes Chain (there is an Arctic grayling catch and release fishery here!), and houseboats available on Takla Lake.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the campground at Paarens Beach is extremely attractive. Each of the 39 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. A number of campsites at Paarens Beach are available for reservation. To reserve a site, use the BC Parks reservations system.

A large day-use/picnic area is located on a lengthy stretch of wide sandy beach. Change houses, abundant picnic tables, a playground for the kids and a log picnic shelter are all available to help you enjoy leisurely summer days swimming and sunbathing at the beach. A boat launch is also located within the park to access Stuart Lake.

Stuart Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in the province at about 70 kilometres long, is the southernmost in a chain of three lakes. The Stuart-Takla chain includes Stuart Lake, the Tachie River, Trembleur Lake, the Middle River, which has been designated a Provincial Heritage River, and finally the remote and spectacular Takla Lake. Takla is the fifth largest natural lake in the province at close to 90 kilometres in length.

Date Established: May 8, 1972
Provincial Park Size: 50 hectares