Redfern-Keily Provincial Park

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Redfern-Keily Provincial Park
Canada British Columbia location map 2.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of British Columbia
Redfern-Keily Provincial Park
Interactive map of Redfern-Keily Provincial Park
Location Peace River RD, British Columbia, Canada
Coordinates 57°26′N123°57′W / 57.433°N 123.950°W / 57.433; -123.950
Area80,712 ha (311.63 sq mi)
EstablishedJune 29, 1999
Governing body BC Parks
Website Redfern-Keily Provincial Park

Redfern-Keily Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. The park is part of the larger Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. [2] It is mainly accessed via snowmobile, off-road vehicle, or horseback. [3] Off-road vehicles must weigh under 750 kilos. [3]

Contents

In 2024, 20-year-old Sam Benastick was lost in the park for 50 days. [4] Fortunately, he was found alive, much to the surprise of the searchers. [5]

History

The park was established in the Muskwa Ranges of the northern Rockies, along the Besa River and its tributaries. It was named after William (Bill) Keily (born in January 1878 in Valcartier Village, Quebec). Keily was a trapper, photographer, and Wilderness Guide in the area.

Geography

The centre piece of the park is the Redfern Lake, formed on the course of the Besa River. It is glacier-fed and is 8 km long and a kilometer wide. [6] Glaciers such as the Ithaca Glacier and Achaean Glacier are also protected by this park.

Fauna

Redfern-Keily Park has many different species of wildlife, both big and small. It has predators like grizzly bears, lynx and wolves roaming free-range. [6] Other large mammals in residence are moose, caribou, stone sheep, and elk, among others. [7]

Facilities

Redfern-Keily Park is open year-round to campers and hikers. Located along the Nevis Creek/Besa River trail and the Sikanni Chief River/Trimble Lake Trail are a total of 26 wilderness campsites. [6]

The park has one cabin, and it is located on the northeast side of Redfern Lake. It can comfortably fit 6-8 people, and runs on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cabin is maintained by the local snowmobile club. [7]

References

  1. ↑ "Protected Planet | Redfern-Keily Park". Protected Planet. Retrieved 2020-10-31.
  2. ↑ Muskwa-Kechika Protected Areas Archived 2008-10-11 at the Wayback Machine , Muskwa-Kechika Management Area
  3. 1 2 "Redfern-Keily Park Management Plan" (PDF). nrs.objectstore.gov.bc.ca. June 14, 2021. p. 11. Retrieved December 31, 2025.
  4. ↑ Woo, Andrea (December 19, 2024). "In from the cold". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  5. ↑ Sampson, Eve (2024-11-28). "Hiker Survives 50 Days in Canadian Wilderness". The New York Times . Archived from the original on 2025-10-08. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
  6. 1 2 3 "Redfern-Keily Park". BC Parks. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
  7. 1 2 "Redfern-Keily Provincial Park". www.spacesfornature.org. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
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