The word “Lakelse” comes from the Tsimshian language meaning “fresh water mussel”, for the mollusk that is found on the bottom of Lakelse Lake. The lake is surrounded by old growth cedar, hemlock and Sitka spruce forests which thrive in the moist air carried in from the Pacific Ocean. Lakelse Lake Provincial Park is home to over 100 bird species including Canada geese, bald eagles, ospreys and trumpeter swans.