BLIGH ISLAND: Located east of Nootka Island in Nootka Sound, Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park is a popular boating and fishing destination, offering sheltered anchorage in deep bays.Off the west coast of Vancouver Island, the 4,455 hectare park encompasses the southern portion of Bligh Island, Villaverde, Pantoja, Verdia, Vernaci, Navarez, Clotchman and Spouter islands. Historically used by the Mowachaht First Nations, the park remains a part of their traditional territory. On Bligh Island, you'll find Resolution Cove, named for Capt. James Cook's ship which brought him to Bligh Island in 1778. The area became an international fur trading center. The park is a wilderness area and is not regularly serviced or patrolled. 'No trace' use is requested. There are pit toilets at Charlie's Beach.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat only, the easiest launch sites being Gold River, Tahsis and Zeballos.

BROOKS PENINSULA: A finger of land that juts into the Pacific Ocean, the 52,000 hectare Brooks Peninsula Provincial Park offers extensive, wild ocean coastline, deep sheltered fjords, rugged mountain ranges, pristine estuaries with high waterfowl and fishery values. There's also high biodiversity values within the old-growth forests. The park encompasses the entire watershed of the Nasparti River and streams draining into Johnson Lagoon, the west-facing slopes along Nasparti Inlet, the Power River and Battle Creek watersheds, and the Mount Seaton area. The park attracts kayakers and wilderness tourists. The park has no developed campsites, and 'no trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat only. The closest launch sites are Kyuquot and Fair Harbor.

BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO: Completely undeveloped, Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park is a series of small island, numerous islets and adjacent foreshore off the west coast of Gilford Island in Johnstone Strait. The park, which offers all-weather anchorages at various locations, is a great place to see killer whales.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with launch sites being Sayward, Telegraph Cove or Port McNeill. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Hwy. north to the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Follow the Island Hwy. north through Campbell River to Sayward. The 250-kilometer trip takes about four hours. Telegraph Cove and Port McNeill, north of Sayward, offer closer launch sites to the park.

CATALA ISLAND: Located at the mouth of Esperanza Inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Catala Island Marine Provincial Park is a small island offering kayaking, camping and nature viewing opportunities. The 850 hectare park protects numerous reefs, islands, islets and marine ecosystems. Catala is forested with mature trees, twisted and stunted from the wind, a lake and bog area. There are no developed facilities. The eastern end of the island is an Indian Reserve, with important significance to First Nations. Please do not trespass on the reserve. 'No trace' use is requested in the rest of the park.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only.

CLAYOQUOT ARM: Containing old-growth forests of Sitka spruce, Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park encompasses the lower Clayoquot River, Clayoquot Lake and the forested slopes northwest of the Clayoquot Arm of Kennedy Lake on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The parks offers hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing and kayaking. It is also home to Nuu-chah-nulth heritage sites. The park is a wilderness area with no facilities. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat from Kennedy Lake. From Nanaimo, head north on the Island Hwy. to Hwy. 4. Turn west, continue past Port Alberni. Continue along the shore of Kennedy Lake, the largest lake on Vancouver Island, to the West Main Road. Turn right. The road takes you to the boat launch.

DAWLEY PASSAGE: At the south end of Fortune Channel between Meares Island the west coast of Vancouver Island, Dawley Passage Provincial Park is very popular with all types of boaters. The 154-hectare park, near Tofino, has an exceptional marine ecosystem due to fast currents in the narrows. The park has no facilities, but does contain many Nuu-chah-nulth heritage sites.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with the closest launch being Tofino. From Nanaimo, head north on the Island Hwy. to where it connects with Hwy. 4. Head west, pass through Port Alberni and continue to the Tofino-Ucluelet junction. Go north to Tofino. The 210-kilometer trip takes about four hours.

DIXIE COVE: Located on Hahoae Island in Kyuquot Sound, Dixie Cove Provincial Park protects vegetation and wildlife. The 156-hectare park, 25 kilometers northwest of Zeballos on the west coast of Vancouver Island, has no facilities. While the park does offer strategic anchorage in the Sound, it is a wilderness area with no facilities. It is not regularly serviced or patrolled. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only, with the closest launch being Fair Harbor, northwest of Zeballos.

ECHO BAY: A former forest range station, Echo Bay Marine Provincial Park is on the northwest side of Gilford Island in Johnstone Strait. The park offers a small wharf, walk-in campsites, picnic areas, fishing and pit toilet. The ocean bottom does not provide good holding for anchors. Fuel, moorage and supplies are available at adjacent Echo Bay Resort.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only with the closest launch being Telegraph Cove or Port McNeill. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Hwy. north to the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Follow the Island Hwy. north through Campbell River to Telegraph Cove or a little further north to Port McNeill. The 350-kilometer trip takes about seven hours.

EPPER PASSAGE: This west coast park includes the islands of Dunlpa and Morfee. Epper Passage Provincial Park is 306 hectares surrounded by rich marine life, including the scarce massive purple ascidians (sea squirts). Situated between Meares and Vargas island, north of Tofino, Epper Passage offers all kinds of land and water-based wilderness adventures. The park also contains many heritage sites of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with the nearest launch site at Tofino. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to Hwy. 4. Turn left, continue through Port Alberni to the Tofino-Ucluelet junction. Turn right, continue to Tofino.

FLORES ISLAND: In the northern portion of Clayoquot Sound, Flores Island Provincial Park, north of Tofino, includes the western and southern parts of the island. The 7,000 hectare park protects three undisturbed watersheds with old-growth forests of Sitka spruce. The park also protects spawning sites for salmon, exposed rocky coasts, sandstone reefs, beaches, sheltered channels and bays. The park offers coastal hiking, whale watching, fishing and kayaking. There are no developed facilities. The park is also home to the highest concentration of heritage sites of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation. At the south end of the island is Gibson Marine Provincial Park and the Ahousat Hot Springs, considered to be of therapeutic value. The park has no facilities but does have sheltered anchorage at Matilda Inlet. A rough trail leads to the hot springs and a sandy beach at Whitesand Cove.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only with the closest road-accessible launch being Tofino. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to Hwy. 4. Turn left, continue through Port Alberni to the Tofino-Ucluelet junction. Turn right, continue to Tofino.

GOD'S POCKET: Northwest of Port Hardy, God's Pocket Marine Provincial Park consists of a group of small islands including Hurst, Bell, Boyle and Crane. A number of islets are also in the 2,025-hectare park. The park protects a seabird breeding colony and bald eagle habitat. The islands provide sheltered anchorage for small boats and offers fishing, boating and scuba diving opportunities. There are no developed facilities in the park, but fresh water is available. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only with the closest launch being Port Hardy. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Hwy. Continue north through Campbell River to Port Hardy. The 400-kilometer trip takes about seven hours.

HESQUIAT PENINSULA: In the western part of Clayoquot Sound Hesquiat Peninsula Provincial Park is between Nootka Sound and Hesquiat Harbor. This prominent low-elevation peninsula is a significant wilderness area protecting heritage sites, old-growth forest of Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine, white pine, yellow cedar and a freshwater lake. The 7,899-hectare park also encompasses a variety of coastal ecosystems including off-shore reefs, boulder, cobble and sand beaches, sea caves, sheltered bays, kelp beds, and mudflats. The park has no facilities, but there is a store and marine gas station at the tiny village of Hesquiat. The park is a significant corridor for coastal hiking and kayaking. There are a number of heritage sites, and 'no trace' use of the park is requested. Nearby is Hesquiat Lake Provincial Park. This 62-hectare park, accessed by boat from Hesquiat Harbor or Tofino, has rare plant species, including the dwarf trillium. Again, 'no trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat only, with the closest road-accessible launch at Tofino to the south. From Nanaimo, head north on the Island Hwy. to Hwy. 4. Turn left and continue past Port Alberni to the junction where the highway splits for Tofino and Ucluelet. Go north to Tofino.

JEDEDIAH ISLAND: Home to old-growth stands of Douglas fir, arbutus trees, meadows, rocky coves, sandy beaches and deep anchorages, Jedediah Island Provincial Park was purchased for parkland in 1995. Governments, private and public groups all got together to raise the necessary funds to buy the 243-hectare island in Georgia Strait, between Lasqueti and Texada islands. The park, which is serviced regularly, offers kayaking, wilderness camping and is home to four archaeological sites, including an aboriginal fish weir. A heritage farm still exists on the island.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only, with the closest launch at Parksville, just north of Nanaimo on the Island Hwy.

KWAKIUTL LAWN POINT: Located south of Quatsino Sound on the west coast of the island, Kwakiutl Lawn Point Provincial Park protects unique geological and botancial features as well as endangered old-growth forest, the rocky shoreline and intertidal beach. The 560-hectare park has wilderness camping, nature study and kayaking opportunities. There is no regular service or patrol of the park. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Access by boat only.

MAQUINNA: In the western part of Clayoquot Sound, north of Tofino, Maquinna Marine Provincial Park is well known for its hot springs. The 2,667 hectare park, which stretches along the coast from Hot Springs Cove to Estevan Point, has an extensive coastal area with a variety of ecosystems including off-shore reefs, boulder, cobble and sand beaches, sea caves, sheltered bays, kelp beds and mudflats. A significant wilderness area, it offers coastal hiking, camping, kayaking and soaking in the hot springs. The park also has extensive heritage sites. There are no developed facilities in the park, and it is not regularly serviced or patrolled.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with the closest launches being Hot Springs Cove and Tofino. From Nanaimo, head north on the Island Hwy. to Hwy. 4. Turn left and continue past Port Alberni to the junction where the highway splits for Tofino and Ucluelet. Go north to Tofino.

MITLENATCH ISLAND: A large rock in the Strait of Georgia, Mitlenatch Island Provincial Park, south of Cortes Island, is a nesting site for thousands of gulls, cormorants and pigeons. In May, wildflowers are in bloom, while in July, coastal cactus blossom. The park has a picnic site, pit toilet and small wharf.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with the nearest launches being in the Campbell River area, Quadra and Cortes islands. From Nanaimo, head north on the Inland Island Hwy. to where it connects with the Island Hwy. at Mud Bay. Continue north to Campbell River. There's a number of spots to launch your boat.

NUCHATLITZ PARK: This 2,135-hectare park is about 18 kilometers southwest of Zeballos, on the west coast of the island between Nuchatlitz and Esperanza inlets. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park protects a great diversity of flora and fauna within an extensive range of environments, including coastline. The park, which also protects the rare sea otter, offers kayaking, boating, sport fishing and camping. There's also a number of archaeological sites. There are no facilities in this wilderness park. Use 'no trace's use.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat from Zeballos. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north through Campbell River toward Sayward. Take the Zeballos turnoff near Woss. The 350-kilometer trip takes six to seven hours.

OCTOPUS ISLANDS: A series of small islands on the east side of Quadra Island make up Octopus Islands Provincial Park. The 360-hectare park offers safe moorage, swimming, sport fishing, scuba diving, kayaking and boating. The park contains high concentrations of marine life and areas of strong tidal currents. There are no facilities.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with the nearest launch being Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. From Nanaimo, head north on the Inland Island Highway to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north to Campbell River and the ferry terminal to Quadra. Once on Quadra, take West Road to Heriot Bay. The 170-kilometer trip, including the 10-minute ferry crossing, takes three to four hours.

READ ISLAND: Protecting old-growth forest, bog, fertile lowland and second-growth forests, Read Island Provincial Park is located on the southern tip of the island. The 639-hectare park also has high density eagle habitat along the shoreline, marbled murrelet, deer, wolf, cougar, weasel, mink, river otter and beaver. Seals and sea lions can be seen along the water's edge. The park offers camping, hiking, kayaking, swimming and wildlife viewing. There are no facilities in the park. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only, with the nearest launch being at Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. From Nanaimo, head north on the Inland Island Highway to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north to Campbell River and the ferry terminal to Quadra. Once on Quadra, take West Road to the boat launch at Heriot Bay. The170-kilometer trip to Heriot Bay, including the 10-minute ferry crossing, takes three to four hours.

RUGGED POINT: At the western tip of Kyuquot Channel, Rugged Point Marine Provincial Park offers remote wilderness camping, pit toilets, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and hiking trails.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only.

SANDY ISLAND: Locally known as Tree Island, Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park includes Seal Islets, off the northwest tip of Denman Island in Georgia Strait. The park offers a great sandy beach, wilderness/walk-in camping, picnic sites, pit toilets, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and hiking trails. During low tide, you can walk across a spit to nearby Denman Island.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only, with the nearest launch being Denman Island. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north to Buckley Bay and the ferry terminal to Denman Island. There's a number of boat launches on Denman. Also, many kayakers usually launch from Courtenay or Comox, just to the north. Follow the shoreline, then cross to Sandy Island.

SANTA GERTRUDIS - BOCA del INFIERNO: Near Friendly Cove on south Nootka Island, Santa Gertrudis - Boca del Infierno Provincial Park contains significant anchorage in Nootka Sound. The 435-hectare park also includes reversing rapids, a number of archaeological sites, and protects coastal habitat for marine mammals as well as old-growth forest. The park has no facilities and is not regularly serviced or patrolled.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat only, with the nearest launch being Friendly Cove. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north through Campbell River to Hwy. 28 (the Gold River Hwy.). Go west to Gold River, where you can book passage on working vessels that call on Friendly Cove. The 300-kilometer trip takes about five to six hours.

SCOTT ISLANDS: Northwest of Cape Scott, off the north end of Vancouver Island, Scott Islands Provincial Park is five islands (Lanz, Cox, Triangle, Beresford and Sartine), the latter three being ecological reserves. The park protects colonies of seabirds, including auklets, tufted puffins, murres, cormorants and gulls. The 6,21-hectare park is also one of four Stellar sea lion breeding rookeries in the province. The park has no facilities, and use of the ecological reserves is discouraged.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only.

SULPHUR PASSAGE: In the northeast section of Clayoquot Sound near Flores Island, Sulphur Passage Provincial Park encompasses Obstruction Island, Hayden Passage, and a coastal strip of Sulphur Passage and Shelter Point. The area is popular with kayakers, and the park offers hiking and nature appreciation opportunities in old-growth Sitka spruce forest. There's also many Native heritage sites. The 2,299 hectare park has no facilities. It is not serviced or patrolled regularly, and 'no trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat only, with the nearest road-accessible launch being Tofino. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to the Hwy. 4. Go west to where the highway splits to Ucluelet and Tofino. Go north to Tofino. The 210-kilometer trip takes about four hours.

SURGE NARROWS: At the junction of Quadra, Maurell and Read islands, in Discovery Passage off Campbell River. Surge Narrows Provincial Park has a high concentration of marine life due to strong tidal currents. Good diving opportunities exist in the park. It is also used as a kayak training site. The park has no facilities and is not regularly serviced or patrolled. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Boat access only, with the nearest launch being Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north to Campbell River and the ferry to Quadra Island. Once on Quadra, go on West Road to Heriot Bay. The 140-kilometer trips takes three hours.

SYDNEY INLET: One of the best examples of a fjord on Vancouver Island, Sydney Inlet Provincial Park is in northern Clayoquot Sound, between Hesquiat and Pretty Girl lakes. The 2,774-hectare park is a popular wilderness area for kayakers and other types of boating. The Sydney River and its estuary support four species of salmon, including a notable population of chinook. There's also old-growth Sitka spruce forests. The park has no facilities and is not regularly serviced or patrolled. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with the nearest road-accessible launches being Hot Springs Cove and Tofino. From Nanaimo, head north on the Island Hwy. to Hwy. 4. Turn left and continue past Port Alberni to the junction where the highway splits for Tofino and Ucluelet. Go north to Tofino.

THURSTON BAY: On the northwest side of Sonora Island, in upper Georgia Strait, Thurston Bay Marine Provincial Park has several small beaches. The park is undeveloped, but there is picnic, swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. The park is open all year.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with the nearest road-accessible launch being at Rock Bay, north of Campbell River. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north through Campbell River to Rock Bay. The 200-kilometer trips takes three to four hours.

VARGAS ISLAND: Immediately northwest of Tofino, Vargas Island Provincial Park has many marine features, including exposed rocky coast, sandy beaches, sheltered channels and bay, a lagoon, and mudflats. Gray whales migrate through the offshore waters. The island has one of the highest concentrations of Nuu-chah-nulth heritage sites in the area. The park has no facilities, and is not regularly serviced or patrolled. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with the nearest road-accessible launch at Tofino. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to Hwy. 4. Go west to where the highway splits to Ucluelet and Tofino. Go north to Tofino. The 210-kilometer trip takes about four hours.

VON DONOP (Ha'thayim): A sheltered anchorage at the northwest tip of Cortes Island, Von Donop (Ha'thayim) Provincial Park is completely undeveloped.
GETTING THERE: Access is by boat, with the nearest road-accessible launch on Cortes Island. From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north to Campbell River and the ferry to Quadra Island. Once on Quadra, go on West Road to Heriot Bay and the ferry to Cortes. The crossing takes about 45 minutes.

For more information, visit the BC Parks website www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks

To top of page                                                  © Vancouver Island Abound Outdoor Pages