ARTLISH CAVES: Located northwest of Zeballos, 200 kilometers west of Campbell River, Artlish Caves Provincial Park protects the last remaining undisturbed karst unit on Vancouver Island that contains a major river cave. The park also protects stands of old-growth Sitka spruce, and is home to Roosevelt elk and five species of salmon. Exploration of the caves is discouraged until a park management plan is in place. The wilderness park does have some very rough trails, but is not regularly patrolled or serviced. The area is very sensitive and 'no trace' camping and day-use is requested. For more information, contact the B.C. Speleological Association (1-250-283-2283).
GETTING THERE: From Nanaimo, head north on the Inland Island Highway to the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Connect to the Island Highway and continue north through Campbell River to Woss. At Woss, take the gravel road to Zeballos. The 350-kilometer trip takes seven to eight hours.

CAPE SCOTT: Fast becoming one of the Vancouver Island's favorite wilderness adventure destinations, Cape Scott Provincial Park is at the very north tip of the island. Nearly 22,000 hectares of rugged coastal rainforest, the park is characterized by 64 kilometers of ocean frontage, interspersed with wide, sandy beaches. The upland areas of the park contain a variety of plant and animal life, including red and yellow cedar, lodgepole pine, hemlock and fir. Numerous bird species can be found along the coast. In the uplands areas, large mammals, such as deer, elk, wolves, bear, otter and cougar can be found. Cape Scott is frequented by violent wind and rainstorms - the defeat of turn-of-the-century Danish settlers. The park offers incredible wilderness camping, hiking and wildlife viewing. Trails, the only way into the park, range in length from two to 30 kilometers, and vary from a pleasant stroll to the most challenging. The heavy rains make trails muddy and slippery. Visitors can still find remnants of the early settlers. There are no developed campsites in the park. Fresh water is only available at a few spots.
GETTING THERE: From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Hwy. north to where it connects with the Island Hwy. Continue north through Campbell River to Port Hardy. From there, head west along the active logging road. Holberg, about halfway between Port Hardy and the park boundary, is the last place to stock up on food and gas. The 500-kilometer trip from Nanaimo takes about nine hours.

HITCHIE CREEK: Situated to the north of Nitinat Lake and adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Hitchie Creek Provincial Park protects old-growth forests and a salmon stream. The 226-hectare park is a wilderness area with no facilities. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: 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. Head north toward Tofino, into Pacific Rim National Park. Hitchie Creek Provincial Park is accessed by hiking to Hitchie Lake within Pacific Rim Park.

TAHSISH-KWOIS: At the head of Kyuquot Sound on west Vancouver Island, Tahsish-Kwois Provincial Park has extensive wildlife values, including habitat for Roosevelt elk, waterfowl, fish and intertidal life. This 10,829 hectare park features low elevation old-growth forests, steep forested slopes leading to rugged mountains and spectacular karst features. Archaeological sites have been identified in the park. The park also encompasses the Tahsish River Ecological Reserve. Use of the reserve is not appropriate. Tahish-Kwois has not facilities and is not serviced or patrolled regularly. 'No trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: Logging roads in the upper portion of the Tahsish River watershed, outside the park, provide rugged hiking access. The main access is by small boat from Kyuquot or Fair Harbor, or by logging roads to the outfall of the Artlish River near the head of Tahsis Inlet. 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.). In Gold River, you can board a working vessel that will take you to Kyuquot.

TRANQUIL CREEK: The park encompasses the headwaters of Tranquil Creek, which drains into the north side of Tofino Inlet, eight kilometers downstream. This 299 hectare park, which includes steep forested slopes and alpine meadows surrounding a mountain lake at the head of the creek, offers hiking, camping and nature appreciation. The park has no facilities, and 'no trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: 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 park has walk-in access from the end of the logging road at Tranquil Creek. The 210-kilometer trip takes about four hours.

WEYMER CREEK: Southeast of Tahsis on north Vancouver Island, Weymer Creek Provincial Park protects undisturbed karst features. Although there may be potential for caving opportunities, this area is sensitive and use is not recommended until a management plan is in place. Karst topography is easily damaged, and 'no trace' use is requested.
GETTING THERE: From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north to Campbell River. Go west on Hwy. 28 (the Gold River Hwy.). In Gold River, connect onto the gravel logging road to Tahsis. The 310-kilometer trip takes about six hours.

WHITE RIDGE: This 1,343-hectare park extends from the boundary of Strathcona Park to the Gold River Highway corridor. The park includes a prominent mid-elevation forested ridge, and is important habitat for deer and elk. The name of the park comes from the white limestone and karst topography, for which the area is internationally famous. There is potential for caving in the park, but it is not recommended until a management plan is in place. The park has no facilities and 'no trace' use is requested.
GETTINGTHERE: From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north to Campbell River. Go west on Hwy. 28 (the Gold River Hwy.). The 240-kilometer trips takes about five hours.

WOSS LAKE: South of the community of Woss on north Vancouver Island, Woss Lake Provincial Park is a very steep, forested, seldom visited wilderness area. The 6,634-hectare park contains elk, bear, deer, a salmon fishery and, possibly, the rare Vancouver Island marmots. It also protects old-growth forests and Rugged Mountain with its glaciers and snowfields. Opportunities in the park include hiking, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding and camping. There's also a historic trade route in the park.
GETTING THERE: From Nanaimo, take the Inland Island Highway north to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north through Campbell River and Sayward. Look for the Woss Lake turnoff on your left. The 300-kilometer trip takes five to six hours.

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

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