Epic beaches, sparkling lakes, living rainforest and oceanside trails – there are hundreds of parks in BC to explore. In 2011, BC Parks is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Although easily accessible to population centers, the parks of Vancouver Island are exceedingly diverse. There are gruelling multi-day hikes along rugged coastlines at Pacific Rim National Park and Cape Scott Provincial Park. Sun-baked sandy beaches warm the water for swimming at Tribune Bay and Rathtrevor Provincial Park.
Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park offers a cedar-scented stroll through an old-growth forest that is nothing less than spiritual. Or visitors can board a passenger ferry and explore Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, a popular day trip from Nanaimo.
There are places to kayak, canoe, mountain bike, ski and go caving. There are lots of places to swim and picnic and pitch a tent. Plenty of places to fish for salmon, photograph the wildlife and visit interpretive centres.
Highlight Parks on Vancouver Island Include:
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Strathcona Provincial Park
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Cape Scott Provincial Park
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
MacMillan Provincial Park
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
Goldstream Provincial Park
Tribune Bay Provincial Park
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
The best of the coast has been collected into this one magnificent park: majestic forests back drop spectacular beaches; rugged headlands pocket miniature tidal pools; placid inland waterways invite kayakers to explore snug coves; and a rugged multi-day hike challenges the body while it expands the soul. That is Pacific Rim National Park.
Highlights
- Long Beach – 16km/10mi of sandy beach designed for walking and beach combing. Numerous trails of varying lengths lead walkers to and from the beach through old-growth forests. The more adventurous can surf the wild Pacific while spectators watch from the beach.
- The Broken Group Islands is an archipelago of more than one hundred islands scattered throughout Barkley Sound, a paradise of placid bays and snug coves beloved by boaters and kayakers. Wilderness camping is permitted in designated areas.
- The West Coast Trail is a 75km/47mi backpacking route long considered a rite of passage for serious hikers. Requiring 7-8 days, the route follows the rugged coastline and while challenging, delivers a scenically spectacular experience. Obtain a park use permit from the West Coast Trail Information Centre before departing. Reservations recommended during peak season, June 15 - Sept 15.
Camping in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Green Point campground, located on a forested plateau above Long Beach offers 94 vehicle-access sites and 18 walk-in sites. Season is mid-March to mid-October. Reservations recommended for vehicle-access sites.
Getting There
Long Beach is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island between Ucluelet and Tofino. The Broken Group Islands are approached by water from Toquart Bay off Highway 4.
The West Coast Trail is approached from the north through Pachena Bay Trailhead, 5km/3mi north of Bamfield or from the south through Gordon River Trailhead, 5km/3mi north of Port Renfrew.
Strathcona Provincial Park
Strathcona is BC's first Provincial Park, created 100 years ago in 1911. Located in the center of Vancouver Island, the park is comprised of a ruggedly spectacular patch (250,000 ha/618,000ac) of wilderness. Buttle Lake and Forbidden Plateau offer visitor services. Beyond that the trails are challenging and visitors must ensure they are prepared with the appropriate skills and equipment.
Highlights
- Centennial Trail loop, a wheelchair-accessible 3-km/2mi boardwalk trail amongst alpine meadows and old growth forest
- Canoeing on Buttle and Upper Campbell Lakes.
- Windsurfing on Buttle Lake.
- Climbing the 150 routes at the Crest Creek Crags.
- Fishing for Dolly Varden, cutthroat and rainbow trout.
- Hiking trails that range from 20-minute rambles to multi-day challenges.
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Paradise Meadows in the winter.
- The Outdoor Education Centre where visitors can sign up for wilderness skills training, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing or guided expeditions.
Camping in Strathcona Provincial Park
There are 170 vehicle-access campsites. Some are reservable. Wilderness and marine camping at designated locations. Winter camping is permitted.
Getting There
The southern access point to the park is a one-hour drive from Courtenay via Highway 19 and Mount Washington Road. The northern access point to the park is a 45-minute drive from Campbell River via Highway 28.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park offers easy ocean access, a backdrop of magnificent old growth forest, 5.5km/3.4mi of easy walking trails.
The 2km/1.2mi long sandy beach that fronts this park makes it a magnet for day-use and overnight campers. When the tide retreats, it leaves nearly 1km/0.6mi of open sand for castle construction, beach ball soccer and family fun. When the tide rolls back in over that sun-baked sand the water warms, creating near-perfect conditions for swimming and water play.
Camping in Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
150 vehicle-access sites and 15 walk-in sites. Campsite offers an extended season, March 14 – Oct 15 with reservations required during the summer months.
Getting There
The park is located 3km/1.8mi south of Parksville on Hwy 19a, on central Vancouver Island.
Cape Scott Provincial Park
This rugged coastal park is located at the northwest tip of Vancouver Island and its rough-hewn landscape remains very much the way it was when Captain James Cook dropped anchor in 1778. With 115km/72mi of ocean frontage to explore, hikers have many destinations to choose from. The shortest is a 2.5km/1.5mi trek to beautiful San Josef Bay. The longest, to Cape Scott at the tip of the island is 23.6km/14.6mi from the trailhead.
Trails lead hikers through majestic old growth rainforest with Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar that exceed 3m/9.8ft in girth, onto beach frontage that includes rocky promontories, saltwater marshes, sea stacks, jagged headlands and the finest white sand beaches.
Accomplished sea kayakers will find lots to explore in the many bays and bights. All visitors should be prepared for adverse weather; the Cape is often windy and wet. They should also be prepared to encounter bears as this is prime habitat. Visit the parks website for information about hiking/camping in bear territory.
Camping in Cape Scott Provincial Park
There are 11 tent pads at Eric Lake. No reservations. Wilderness camping permitted throughout the park.
Getting There
Cape Scott Provincial Park is 64km/40mi west of Port Hardy.
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
Newcastle Island has a long and colourful history as the site for: historic Salish First Nations villages, coal mining and sandstone quarrying, a fishing industry, shipbuilding and a 1900s era pleasure resort. Today it is a 336ha/830ac park that appeals not only to those looking for an experience rich in history and Aboriginal Culture but to those who long to hike its 22km/14mi of scenic trails.
Whether it is for an afternoon in the well-developed day use area or a few days of quiet camping, hop on a boat – your own or the public ferry, and do what people have done for over a century and "head for Newcastle." During summer months, the restored Pavilion is home to Parks interpretive programs.
Camping in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
There are 18 walk-in campsites. No reservations.
Getting There
The park is a ten-minute passenger-only ferry ride from Nanaimo.
MacMillan Provincial Park
Better known as Cathedral Grove, this unique park was created to protect and preserve accessible stands of Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. A well-marked network of trails (some wheelchair accessible) lead visitors into a towering old-growth forest where some trees are more than 800 years old and measure more than 9m/30ft in circumference. This park offers an exceptional experience. To walk in the shadow of these rainforest giants, the cedar-infused air moving in and out of one's lungs is to be at one with Mother Nature herself.
Getting There
Highway 4, between Qualicum Beach 25km/15.5mi west and Port Alberni 16km/10mi east, cuts directly through the park.
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
Just south of the world-renowned West Coast Trail, this coastal park offers hikers an opportunity to test the same terrain but in smaller bites. The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail covers 47km/29mi of rugged but breathtakingly beautiful Pacific shoreline. Hikers should expect to be challenged.
Day hikers can get their feet wet, literally, and enjoy shorter versions of the trail by accessing those trails in the Botanical Beach area. Day trippers looking for an easier walk should head to China Beach for short walks down densely forested paths to viewing decks and the great rolling breakers of the tumultuous Pacific Ocean. Sombrio Beach is a world-class surfing beach – a magnet for surfers and storm watchers in the winter months.
Camping in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
There are 75 vehicle-access sites at China Beach. Some wheelchair accessible. Reservations possible. Wilderness camping along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
Getting There
Located on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is accessed via Highway 14 between the communities of Jordan River and Port Renfrew.
Goldstream Provincial Park
Just 16km/10mi to the north of BC's capital city, Goldstream Provincial Park is a refreshing walk in the great outdoors. The easily accessible trails crisscross a forested landscape that is distinguished by the presence of a 600-year-old Douglas fir and a pretentious 47.5m/155ft waterfall that calls itself "Niagara." Ambitious hikers tackle the Mt Finlayson trail, a steep track that leads to the highest elevation in the area.
But the park's claim to fame is the chum salmon spawning run that occurs in October and November. A boardwalk into the habitat makes it easy for visitors to take a close look at the spawning salmon and the bald eagles who swoop down to feed on their spent bodies. Park naturalists from the Freeman King Visitor Centre offer interpretive programs and informative lectures.
Camping in Goldstream Provincial Park
There are 173 vehicle-access sites open over an extended season March 14 – October 31. Some sites are reservable. Winter camping permitted but no services.
Getting There
The park is located 16km/10mi northwest of Victoria on Highway 1.
Tribune Bay Provincial Park
Calling it "Little Hawaii" may be a stretch. But there is no doubt Tribune Bay Provincial Park is an island paradise, BC style. A white sand beach stretches into an aquamarine bay that boasts some of the warmest saltwater swimming in the province. Located on Hornby Island, between Vancouver Island and the mainland, this picturesque park encourages visitors to snap open the lounge chair, sit back and watch the world float by.
A five-minute stroll from Tribune Bay takes visitors into downtown Hornby, an eclectic community of artists whose shops and cafes reflect that creativity.
Camping in Tribune Bay Provincial Park
There is no camping in Tribune Bay Provincial Park but there are commercial camping facilities on Hornby Island.
Getting There
The park is located on Hornby Island, accessed by two short ferry rides from Vancouver Island.
Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. For more information on BC forest fires click here. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.
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