Central Vancouver Island Archives

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Central Vancouver Island

Central Vancouver Island has the world famous towering old growth giants of MacMillan Provincial Park’s Cathedral Grove, the sandy ocean shores at Rathtrevor Beach, spectacular Englishman River and Little Qualicum River falls. On Hwy 4 heading to the west coast of the central island is Sproat Lake, home of the famous Martin Mars water bomber planes. The central island also provides the gateway to Pacific Rim National Park, Barkley Sound and the remote Hot Springs Cove.

Taylor Arm

Group camping, two day-use areas for picnicking and undeveloped beach areas for visitors to enjoy many water activities on Sproat Lake. A short trail from the campground area leads to the lake. For reservations of the group campsites, please contact Discover Camping 1-800-689-9025 or www.discovercamping.ca.

Stamp River

Well known for its great fishing. Stamp River is a year-round destination and well known for the annual run of Pacific salmon, which wait in the pool below Stamp Falls before moving up the fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. View points along the river offer excellent opportunities to observe the natural phenomenon…

Squitty Bay – Lasqueti Island

This small park is a pleasant place to enjoy a picnic or spend a day exploring rocky headlands and arid terrain.

Sproat Lake

A popular destination for swimming, fishing, waterskiing and, when the wind is up, windsurfing. Short hiking trails lead visitors around the park, including a trail to the east end of Sproat Lake which leads to one of the finest panels of prehistoric petroglyphs in BC.

Spider Lake

A very popular day-use destination; Spider Lake provides great swimming and fishing opportunities and is only 20 minutes from Rathtrevor Beach or Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park.

Rosewall Creek

Serene picnic site that offers hiking trails along side and crossing the creek.

Roberts Memorial

This day-use area protects sandstone ledges and a shell midden on the beach, an example of how First Nations people harvested intertidal food.

Rathtrevor Beach

One of the most popular destinations on Vancouver Island, reservations are recommended. Over 2 km of sandy beach and 5.5 km of hiking trails within the park. There are many day trips accessible from Rathtrevor, and it is only 30 minutes from the Nanaimo Ferry Terminal. Camping is available year round.

Petroglyph

This park protects First Nations traditional rock carvings dating back over 1,000 years.

Saysutshun/Newcastle Island Marine – Newcastle Island

This family friendly park is accessible only by foot passenger ferry or boat. With breathtaking views of the Coastal Mountains and the Harbour City, the island offers a unique natural, historical and cultural experience for visitors.

Morden Colliery Historic

This day-use park contains the only remaining coal tipple on Vancouver Island. The parking lot for Morden Colliery is also used as the trailhead for the regional district.

Maquinna Marine (Hot Springs Cove)

This Park boasts naturally occurring hot springs and pools that interface with the tidal flux. There is a strictly enforced “leave no trace” policy – pack out everything you pack in. The Hot Springs are a highly fragile ecosystem and detergents or soaps are prohibited.

MacMillan (Cathedral Grove)

MacMillan Park contains the World Famous Cathedral Grove stand of old growth Douglas Fir, some of which are more than 800 years old.

Little Qualicum Falls

Little Qualicum Falls is the perfect base camp to explore the awe-inspiring Cathedral Grove of MacMillan Park. Afterwards, return to Little Qualicum Falls to camp, hike, and relax. Campground closed October through April.

Kennedy Lake

Popular lake and beach; visitors can swim, kayak, fish and windsurf in summer (use extreme caution as winds may whip up with little warning due to mountains and size of lake). View spawning sockeye in the fall as well as black bears.

Jedediah Island Marine – Jedediah Island

3.5 km of trails cross the island to connect the secluded bays. Hike to the homestead to view the remaining barn and other structures and the vast orchard. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics and bring your own water.

Horne Lake Caves

In-cave temperatures around 8 degrees C (46 F).Explorers should wear sturdy footwear and warm clothing. Guided tours available year-round. Reserve ahead.

Hemer

11 km of hiking trails encompassing protected wetlands and a Douglas Fir forest around Holden Lake.

Gabriola Island – Gabriola Island

All 3 parks allow for spectacular vistas of the Strait of Georgia, making them a great day trip adventure from Rathtrevor Beach or Englishman River Falls.

Englishman River Falls

Encompassed by an old growth Douglas Fir forest, which surrounds captivating cascading falls. There are some pools at the bottom of the falls for wading or soaking. 3 km of trails cross the river twice with viewpoints overlooking the falls. Just minutes from Coombs with the Goats on the Roof. Campground closed October through April.

Explore Now

Explore BC
Central Vancouver Island

Taylor Arm

Stamp River

Squitty Bay – Lasqueti Island

Sproat Lake

Spider Lake

Rosewall Creek

Roberts Memorial

Rathtrevor Beach

Petroglyph

Saysutshun/Newcastle Island Marine – Newcastle Island

Morden Colliery Historic

Maquinna Marine (Hot Springs Cove)

MacMillan (Cathedral Grove)

Little Qualicum Falls

Kennedy Lake

Jedediah Island Marine – Jedediah Island

Horne Lake Caves

Hemer

Gabriola Island – Gabriola Island

Englishman River Falls

Special offer 2023 season
15% off TOFINO Zodiac Whale Watch

May 18, 2023
What's New

Explore BC Central Vancouver Island

Taylor Arm

Stamp River

Squitty Bay – Lasqueti Island

Sproat Lake

Spider Lake

Rosewall Creek

Roberts Memorial

Rathtrevor Beach

Petroglyph

Saysutshun/Newcastle Island Marine – Newcastle Island

Morden Colliery Historic

Maquinna Marine (Hot Springs Cove)

MacMillan (Cathedral Grove)

Little Qualicum Falls

Kennedy Lake

Jedediah Island Marine – Jedediah Island

Horne Lake Caves

Hemer

Gabriola Island – Gabriola Island

Englishman River Falls

Special offer 2023 season 15% off TOFINO Zodiac Whale Watch

May 18, 2023 What's New

Explore BC
Central Vancouver Island

Special offer 2023 season
15% off TOFINO Zodiac Whale Watch

May 18, 2023
What's New