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Main Lake

Main Lake Provincial Park on Quadra Island encompasses six lakes and protects a biologically diverse freshwater system that includes more than 72 bird species and 234 plant species. The park, which was established in 1997, offers significant wilderness recreation opportunities, including wilderness camping, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. Wilderness camping is allowed at 7 designated camping…

Boyle Point

A forested trail leads through the park’s second-growth forest to the viewpoints where visitors will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Baynes Sound and the Chrome Island Lighthouse. Seals and sea lions can be spotted off the point, as well as bald eagles, osprey and a variety of seabirds. The main trail is approximately…

Wallace Island Marine

Numerous beaches, coves and islets for paddlers to explore. Wildlife viewing. Please respect the adjacent private properties.

Wakes Cove – Valdes Island

A popular destination featuring a sheltered anchorage that offers rustic hiking trails, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Expect to see a stand of old-growth Coastal Douglas Fir, as well as Arbutus trees, Garry Oaks and endangered plant species. No overnight camping.

Ruckle – Salt Spring Island

This park has a fascinating farm history as the Ruckle family’s involvement with this land dates back to 1872. There are extensive hiking trails, beachcombing and heritage farm buildings to explore. An excellent wildlife viewing area. Interpretive Programs run during summer months. Firewood is available for sale.

Pirates Cove Marine – De Courcy Island

Potential for whale-watching through Ruxton Pass or Pylades Channel. Fires are not permitted in the park or on the beach at any time. Camp stove for cooking only. There are no disposal facilities so please practice “leave no trace” ethics.

Mount Maxwell – Salt Spring Island

Mount Maxwell’s Baynes Point is one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island offering views of Vancouver Island, surrounding Gulf Islands and Vancouver Mainland.

Montague Harbour Marine Park – Galiano Island

Interpretive programs run throughout the summer months. Firewood is available for sale.

Discovery Island Marine

Excellent kayaking opportunities make the park a popular destination for visitors and local residents. No fires and no disposal facilities, please practice “Leave No Trace” ethics.

Dionisio Point – Galiano Island

Special features include sandstone headlands sculpted by erosion, wildflower meadows, a tidal lagoon and a long human history with evidence of shell middens.

Burgoyne Bay – Salt Spring Island

Area has historical significance for Vancouver Island First Nations. Hiking trails connect to a lovely sandy beach at the head of the Bay, Mt Sullivan and the Nature Trust ecological reserve which contains Canada’s largest Garry Oak woodland reserve.

Bodega Ridge – Galiano Island

Has a 4 km ridge rising 328 meters above sea level. From the top, hikers are rewarded with views of Trincomali Channel, Vancouver Island and the Strait of Georgia.

Bellhouse – Galiano Island

A great spot for picnicking and ferry watching. The park offers excellent views of busy Active Pass, Mayne Island, and the Strait of Georgia.

West Shawnigan Lake

This popular summer destination is idyllic for enjoying a family picnic. Nearby, the lake offers opportunities for boating, waterskiing and windsurfing.

Sooke Potholes

The park provides access to series of deep, polished rock pools and potholes carved naturally into the sandstone bedrock of Sooke River. It is a favourite day-use destination for families who enjoy swimming, tubing and fishing.

Koksilah River

Adjacent to Koksilah River, this undeveloped park offers hiking, picnicking, fishing and swimming opportunities. Camping no longer available.

Juan de Fuca

Scenic beauty, spectacular hiking, marine/wildlife viewing, and roaring surf in its course along the Pacific coastline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A 47 km trail from China Beach to Botanical Beach is used for hiking, camping, and surfing. It ranges from moderate to difficult, and features suspension bridges and spectacular views.

John Dean

Hiking trails wind through forest across the south and east face of Mount Newton. In spring, the park comes alive with vivid display of wildflowers: blue camas lilies, common red paintbrush, sea blush, and shooting stars.

Gowlland Tod

Gowlland Tod provides an excellent and extensive network of over 25 km of hiking trails, offering spectacular vistas, wildlife viewing, and opportunity for nature appreciation. In spring and early summer, moss-covered rocky knolls come alive with colourful, vibrant wildflowers. Tod Inlet provides boaters a view of the Butchart Gardens fireworks display in July and August.

Gordon Bay

Gordon Bay, on Lake Cowichan, is family vacationing at its best! The warm lake and sandy beach makes for great summer family swimming. In Vancouver Island’s sunniest valley, this area has the highest average temperature in Canada. Spectacular fishing in spring, fall, winter, with waterskiing and windsurfing in the summer. Campground open year round.

Goldstream

Massive trees, majestic waterfalls, a meandering river to the sea, flowers, birds and fascinating fish are but a few of the attractions that draw people to Goldstream. The Goldstream Salmon Run is very popular in the fall. Campground is open year-round; a playground area for children has recently been added.

French Beach

The 1,600-meter beach is ideal for exploring and whale watching. Gray whales pass by in spring as they migrate north and then return again in fall. Roaming pods of resident killer whales, as well as otters, seals, sea lions can be seen offshore. Campground is open year round.

Cowichan River

If it’s outdoor recreation you’re after, Cowichan River Park is the place to go. Great for swimming, canoeing, white-water kayaking, tubing, camping, fishing, and hiking. Also, it’s a great place to take it easy in the sun; you’re bound to find something to do in this “recreation corridor”. Stoltz Pool is open year round.

Carmanah Walbran

This lush forested sanctuary is one of the most remarkable wild places on Vancouver Island. It contains diverse forest ecosystems, including a large Sitka spruce ecosystem that represents 2% of BC’s remaining old-growth forest. It is home to some of the world’s largest spruce trees and 1,000 year-old cedars.

Bamberton

The 225-meter long sandy beach makes this park an ideal spot for families. Lounge in the sand and enjoy the view, while the kids frolic in the water. Campground open year round.

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.

Tribune Bay – Hornby Island

Tribune Bay located on Hornby Island is nicknamed “Little Hawaii” and features white sandy beaches that stretch endlessly out to meet an aquamarine sea. Boasting close to 1 km of fine white sand beach, the south-facing Tribune Bay is easily one of the most spectacular on the east side of Vancouver Island. Here, shallow waters…

Strathcona

Buttle Lake and Ralph River offer serene base camps, from which one can venture out to any of the 52 kilometres of hiking trails in the mountains of the very rare Strathcona wilderness area. The extensive trail system is suitable for day or overnight hikes, with hikes ranging in duration from 2 to 8 hours….

Smelt Bay – Cortes Island

The campground features multi-tiered sites with tent pads located in private locations and a beautiful communal cook shelter. This campground is a fantastic destination for tenters and smaller RVs. The day use area features a sand and pebble beach that is good for marine exploration at low tide. Reservations are recommended in the peak season….

Schoen Lake

Schoen Lake, one of the most beautiful parks on Vancouver Island, has countless opportunities for wilderness hiking, backpacking, boating, fishing and swimming. This park is operated by Namgis First Nation.

Sandy Island Marine (Jáji7em and Kw’ulh Marine) – Denman Island

Sandy Island is marine accessible or walkable during low tide when a sandy spit between the two islands appears.

Rebecca Spit Marine – Quadra Island

Walking trails lead along both sides of Rebecca Spit and offer ample opportunities for exploring the beach, which contains a high concentration of driftwood. Swimming, fishing and kayaking are all popular activities at Rebecca Spit’s large picnic area. Facilities include picnic tables overlooking the beach, a grass playing field and wheelchair accessible pit toilets at…

Morton Lake

Morton Lake is a best kept secret. The beautiful, rustic campground offers great fishing, swimming and canoeing opportunities. The day-use area is a sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Reservations are recommended in the peak season however 50% of this campground is set aside for first come, first serve camping. In addition, this park…

Miracle Beach

A favourite destination for both locals and family camping groups, few locations on Vancouver Island compare to popular Miracle Beach Provincial Park. The campground and surrounding area features a large sandy beach on the ocean ideal for sunbathing, beach combing, and swimming. At low tide, the beach features rich tide pools, perfect for observing a…

Mansons Landing – Cortes Island

Saltwater lagoon with a natural 365-metre spit and fresh water swimming on Hague Lake. No camping permitted; however, camping is available at nearby Smelt Bay Provincial Park.

Loveland Bay

A secluded and sought-after hideaway on peaceful Campbell Lake. The pristine and stunning lakeside sites are a popular destination in the summer months. Campbell Lake is ideal for canoeing, boating and swimming. Loveland Bay is 100% reservable and reservations are recommended. If you aren’t fortunate enough to get a reservation for Loveland Bay consider beautiful…

Helliwell – Hornby Island

Spectacular views of marine life, the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains can be had from any point along the bluffs. As you explore the park’s meandering hiking and walking trails, you will find weather-beaten old-growth Douglas firs and gnarled Garry oaks, as well as flora and fauna which may seem more at home…

Fillongley – Denman Island

Fillongley boasts ocean side camping in a compact 10 site park that is ideal for both RVs and tenters. This park is extremely popular and is 100% reservable from April 1st to October 31st; reservations are strongly recommended. 1-night overflow camping may be available for tenters and small RVs (space permitting). This park offers winter…

Elk Falls

Conveniently located minutes from downtown Campbell River, this park is an ideal base camp to enjoy while exploring the region. Elk Falls (Quinsam Campground) is a popular destination campground that provides riverside sites and large well-spaced campsites in a stunning forested setting. Elk Falls has a popular trail network that features viewing platforms at the 25-metre…

Cape Scott

The park offers more than 115 km of scenic ocean frontage, including about 30 km of spectacular remote beaches. There are many bears throughout Cape Scott and visitors should be well prepared for wildlife encounters and changing weather. Day hikers can explore San Josef Bay, an easy 3 km one way hike from the trailhead….

Broughton Archipelago Marine

The park offers excellent boating and wildlife viewing opportunities. Extremely popular with sea kayakers. Please practice “Leave No Trace” ethics.

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