Cottonwood Island Nature Park
PARK AMENITIES & ACCESSIBILITY
Access Route
Camping
Goods & Services
Washrooms
Viewing Areas
Trails
Water Access
Virtual Tour
About This Park
Cottonwood Island Nature Park in Prince George is a year round recreation destination located where the Nechako and Fraser River meet. This traditional land is referred to as “Lheitli” by the First Nation people in the region. The 33 hectare park is named after the 300 year old Black Cottonwood Trees lining the Nechako River. The park trail system is a great way to explore the river’s edge and some wilderness areas in the community. It is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy walking, biking and fishing in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. Along the trail are some viewing platforms and benches providing views overlooking the Nechako River. The parking lot fronts a large grass field covered with picnic tables and benches surrounding a wooden picnic shelter. To learn more, visit: The City of Prince George website.
Photos: Foster Carr, Julia Garcia, Brian Glowacki, Katie Kale and City of Prince George
Cottonwood Island Nature Park
Park Facilities & Accessibility Features
Access Route
The access route from the parking lot adjacent to the railway museum is asphalt with a gently running slope and cross slope that does not exceed 3 degrees. The condition of this access route is good with occasional parts with older asphalt, some patching ridges, tree roots and cracks. Download Full Accessibility Audit
Camping
There is no camping at this location Download Full Accessibility Audit
Goods & Services
There is no information or interpretive centre at this location. Download Full Accessibility Audit
Washrooms
The accessible washroom is located near the parking lot beside the Railway museum. This washroom has a wide door and equipped with grab bars. While it is mostly accessible there are some elements that do not meet building code standards and may be problematic for people using mobility devices. For example there is a 7 degree slope up to the door of the washroom. The threshold exceeds 6mm in height. The toilet paper dispenser is not located within easy reach. Download Full Accessibility Audit
Viewing Areas
There are no specific viewing platforms however there are numerous views of the river along the Heritage trail. This trail is very scenic with plenty of viewing points along the length of the trail. Download Full Accessibility Audit
Trails
Cottonwood Island Heritage Trail. This is the main trail that winds through the park. While the trail is rated as accessible it is important to note this park is subject to flooding (it is situated next to the Nechako River) and as a result erosion becomes an issue and ongoing maintenance a challenge. As an example, transition points from trail surface to bridge deck may exceed 13mm. Aside from this the Heritage trail, through Cottonwood Park generally meets accessible standards. The surface is firm and stable. The trail is wide and the running slope and cross slopes rarely exceed 3 degrees. This trail is typically flat or gentle running slopes. The paved path is in good condition with only a few cracks and roots. The gravel paths are also in typically good condition, some have gotten narrower over time due to vegetation creep. There is the occasional hanging branch that would be an issue for those that are visually impaired or not paying attention. The exception is any path near water. Those have been or will be subject to erosion. Some of them end abruptly with a steep fall into a ditch or the river. Download Full Accessibility Audit
Water Access
There are a number of points along the trail where the Nechako River can be accessed. However there are no water access points that are wheelchair accessible. Download Full Accessibility Audit
Virtual Tours & Web Links
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