Vancouver Island · this weekend

Visitors to Morton Lake Park are sure to discover that there is a reason the area northwest of Campbell River is called “lake country.” From April to June and September to October, lake fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout on Mohun Lake in the park can be excellent. While this park is popular with anglers, there is still plenty to do if fishing isn’t your favourite pastime. During the summer, visitors can fill their days swimming, canoeing, boating or just lounging on the sandy beach at Morton Lake. Morton Lake Park, which includes all of Morton Lake and a section of shoreline on neighbouring Mohun Lake, provides access to the popular Sayward Canoe Route which is a 47 kilometre paddle and portage circuit. The park offers lake-front camping, as well as a boat launch, pit…

Located on the southern peninsula of Cortes Island, Smelt Bay Park is named for the capelin fish that spawn ashore by the tens of thousands. Females lay up to 65,000 eggs on the shore in late September and early October, which hatch within three weeks. These small, silver fish draw a variety of other marine life to the area. The park features a beautiful beach that extends from the south end of Smelt Bay around the shoreline to Sutil Point. It is a great place for marine exploration at low tide. The beach is backed by mounds which are believed to have been built by Coast Salish First Nations as a form of defense. This is the only provincial campground on remote Cortes Island. It offers 22 spacious campsites laid out in a delightful setting in the woods, overlooking Smelt Bay.

For an experience rich in history, culture and entertainment, do what people have been doing since the 1930s and hop on a boat to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Park. Bring your own boat or take the passenger ferry from Nanaimo (a 10 minute ride that deposits passengers on Newcastle Island), located just a few hundred metres offshore from Vancouver Island. From a distance you’ll see an island shoreline dominated by steep sandstone cliffs and ledges, interspersed with sunny beaches. A marked contrast to the interior of the island, which is studded with mature Douglas fir, Garry oak, arbutus and Big Leaf maple trees. Visitors to Newcastle Island can choose from an extensive network of walking and hiking trails that lead to various historic points around the island. Indigenous midden…

Elk Valley Park is a scenic, quiet and sheltered picnic area within close proximity to the Highway. This park provides a unique opportunity to enjoy natural features of the Elk Valley and riparian habitat of the Elk River in close proximity to a major tourist route. In addition, there are commanding views of the Rocky Mountains, particularly to the north of the park. The only facilities in Elk Valley Park are at a Highway Rest Stop, and are not maintained by BC Parks. It consists of a parking lot, picnic tables, wheelchair accessible pit toilets.

Ruckle Park on Salt Spring Island is one of the most beautiful parks in the southern Gulf Islands area. Pitch your tent in the grassy meadow overlooking Swanson Channel then lie back and relax, watching pleasure boats and ferries sail by in a stately and colourful parade. With its seven kilometres of shoreline, rocky headlands, and tiny coves and bays, Ruckle Park provides hours or even days of enjoyable exploration. Forest, field, and shore habitats make it one of the most productive wildlife viewing areas on Salt Spring. Watch for sea lions and killer whales out at sea, as well as mink and river otters cavorting along the shoreline. Tidal pools are filled with a brightly coloured mix of crab, mussel, limpet, oyster, sculpin, starfish, and more. Scuba divers frequent the waters off Ruc…

Fresh water adventure seekers will not want to miss a visit to Sproat Lake Park in the Alberni Valley on central Vancouver Island. Located 15 minutes west of Port Alberni, Sproat Lake is a favoured location for swimming, fishing, waterskiing and, when the wind is up, windsurfing. A variety of short access trails lead visitors around this park, including a trail to the eastern end of Sproat Lake, which is home to one of the finest panels of prehistoric petroglyphs in British Columbia. Little is known about this petroglyph, named K’ak’awin, but it isn’t hard to imagine this rock carving as depicting some mystical ancient monsters of the lake. Two separate campgrounds and a large day-use area make this park a popular destination for campers and picnickers, who come here to enjoy the host o…

This marine park is a snug anchorage on the northwest side of Keats Island. Plumper Cove Marine Park is accessible by passenger ferry from Langdale to Keats Landing followed by a 2 km walk to the park. A developed area with forested walk-in campsites, fire rings, water and a trail system. Marine facilities include a wharf and mooring buoys. Small boats may be pulled up on the shore. The pebble beach is great for swimming and picnicking. Observatory Point provides views of Howe Sound and the town of Gibsons.

Montague Harbour Marine Park on peaceful Galiano Island. Beaches, open meadows, tidal lagoons, towering forests, craggy headlands and abundant bird life are just a few of the things that attract visitors to this park in the southern Gulf Islands. The park starts five metres below sea level and climbs 180 metres to a steep rocky precipice. Visitors can moor their boats to one of the 35 buoys in sheltered Montague Harbour or come by ferry and camp in one of the scenic vehicle-accessible or walk-in campsites. The park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or afternoon of exploration. Located within the park is Gray Peninsula, which was inhabited by First Nations peoples before the arrival of Spanish explorer Dionisio Galiano in 1792. Skirting the northwest edge of the peninsula is a spect…

Saltery Bay Park was established in 1962 to provide ocean access on the Sunshine Coast of Georgia Strait. The park is divided into two separate sites: the campground and the day-use area. The day-use area with its rocky beaches is a popular swimming and picnic site. Lush forests with large, old trees create a quiet setting for the campground at Mermaid Cove. At low tide, the rocky shoreline often has tidal pools with starfish, sea urchins, small fish and crabs. Scuba diving provides a close-up look at the abundant marine life and a 3 m bronze mermaid statue. The Emerald Princess statue and wheelchair access ramp were placed in the park through efforts of local scuba enthusiasts. From the shore, killer whales and sea lions can sometimes be seen. Mounds of seashells called “middens” indic…

If it’s outdoor recreation you’re after, Cowichan River Park on southern Vancouver Island is the place to go. Whether you want to go swimming, canoeing, white-water kayaking, camping, fishing, hiking, or just want to take it easy in the sun, you’re bound to find something to do in this “recreation corridor” south of Duncan. This spectacular park protects significant stretches of the Cowichan River, which is designated as both a BC Heritage River and a Canadian Heritage River , and is internationally renowned for its wild salmon and steelhead fishery. The park is adjacent to an abandoned rail right-of-way, which provides recreation opportunities for cyclists, hikers and horseback riders. While staying at the park, visitors can enjoy other features of Cowichan River Park. These include th…

Prior to 1997, this park was a Forest Service Recreation area. Inland Lake Park was established as a provincial park in 1997. There are drive-in and walk-in campsites available at this park, as well as opportunities for swimming, cycling, fishing, canoeing and boating (less than 10 hp). The park includes a low barrier, although not entirely wheelchair accessible, 13 km loop trail around the lake.

This small picturesque park on the north side of Denman Island offers an idyllic location to enjoy a picnic and spend a quiet afternoon. The land that is now Fillongley Park was bequeathed to the province of British Columbia by George Beadnell, an Englishman who settled here at the turn of the century. Over the years, Beadnell developed Fillongley into one of the most beautiful estates in the Gulf Islands. A large, flat grassy field, once the site of a bowling green, comes alive with vibrant wildflowers in the spring. Set amongst a canopy of imported deciduous trees, this park is also noted for its beautiful display of colours in the fall. Ten campsites are located along the ocean, and there are several walking trails through the park where visitors can observe the old growth cedar fore…

Loveland Bay Park is located near Campbell River on central Vancouver Island and offers a quiet area for camping, swimming and fishing. This small and rustic park provides a boat launch onto Campbell Lake. Loveland Bay is a convenient base camp for day tripping to attractions in the nearby communities of Campbell River, Gold River, Sayward, Kelsey Bay as well as Quadra and Cortes Islands. If you don’t want to leave Loveland Bay’s peaceful setting, you can spend the day relaxing at the lake, waterskiing, fishing, canoeing or kayaking.

For a great family camping vacation, head to Gordon Bay Park. Located on the shores of Lake Cowichan, north of Duncan on Vancouver Island. In the summer the lake is warm and the sandy beach makes for great family swimming. History buffs find plenty to interest them in the park and the surrounding area, which is home to a second-growth Douglas-fir forest. Set in one of Vancouver Island’s sunniest valleys, this area boasts the highest average annual temperature in Canada. The lake is known for its spectacular freshwater fishing in the spring, fall and winter, when anglers can be challenged by rainbow, cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout. Waterskiing and windsurfing are also popular activities on the lake. This small wilderness area features a number of walking and hiking trails with unparall…

Little Qualicum Falls Park, in the central Vancouver Island area, straddles the Little Qualicum River and incorporates the entire southern shore of Cameron Lake. Impressive waterfalls cascade down a rocky gorge in a beautiful forest setting bordered by steep mountain peaks, making this one of the area’s most beautiful parks. The falls, lake swimming, shaded riverside trails, and picnic facilities make Little Qualicum Falls a very popular family destination. A number of walking trails are available in and around the park. These offer picturesque views of the river and provide access to the upper and lower falls. Cameron Lake is a great spot for swimming and fishing. It is also ideal for sailboarding, due to a wind funnel created by the surrounding mountains. Cameron Lake and Beaufort day…

Tribune Bay Park is on Hornby Island. It has almost 1 km of fine, white-sand beach leading into the Straight of Georgia’s warm waters. There are views of unusual rock formations along the shoreline and many wildflowers in the spring. This park includes Tribune Bay Campground, a 75-site frontcountry camping area, with electrified sites, cabins , and a playground . In peak season, sites can be booked through the BC Parks reservation service . The park also has a day-use area with a picnic shelter , and outhouses. The day-use area also includes a tennis court maintained by the Hornby Island Tennis Association. Downtown Hornby Island is a short walk away, offering shops and services. Many visitors to the area enjoy walking along the bluffs in nearby Helliwell Park and cycling in nearby Moun…

Strathcona Park, designated in 1911, is the oldest park in British Columbia. Located almost in the centre of Vancouver Island, Strathcona Park is a rugged mountain wilderness comprising of more than 250,000 hectares. Mountain peaks, some perpetually mantled with snow, dominate the park. Lakes and alpine tarns dot a landscape laced with rivers, creeks, and streams. Summer in Strathcona is usually pleasantly warm, while winters are fairly mild except for the higher levels, where heavy snowfalls are the norm. From November through March, snowfalls can be expected on the mountain slopes and alpine plateaus. Snow remains all year on the mountain peaks and may linger into July even at moderate elevations. Summer evenings can be cool and rain can be expected at any time of the year. Two areas,…

Strathcona Park, designated in 1911, is the oldest park in British Columbia. Located almost in the centre of Vancouver Island, Strathcona Park is a rugged mountain wilderness comprising of more than 250,000 hectares. Mountain peaks, some perpetually mantled with snow, dominate the park. Lakes and alpine tarns dot a landscape laced with rivers, creeks, and streams. Summer in Strathcona is usually pleasantly warm, while winters are fairly mild except for the higher levels, where heavy snowfalls are the norm. From November through March, snowfalls can be expected on the mountain slopes and alpine plateaus. Snow remains all year on the mountain peaks and may linger into July even at moderate elevations. Summer evenings can be cool and rain can be expected at any time of the year. Two areas,…

Juan de Fuca Park is on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island, along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This park offers views of roaring surf and marine wildlife, from spectacular coastal trails. The most popular attraction here is the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Other popular destinations include Botanical Beach and China Beach. The China Beach area offers a campground and day-use area. Juan de Fuca Marine Trail The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail follows 47 km of remote coastline along the western shoreline of southern Vancouver Island. It is a rugged trail designed for use by experienced backcountry hikers. However, it includes some easy-to-moderate sections suitable for day-hiking. To learn more about the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, see the hiking section. Botanical Beach Botanical Beach is…

Klein Lake is a beautiful and quiet lake, ideal for fishing and canoeing. The campsites are located all around the lake, and are all drive-in sites. There is on-site supervision. Cell phone reception is hit and miss in most of the campsite. <BR> <BR> This lake is home to the rare and endangered Western Painted Turtle, please keep your dog on a leash. There are docks around the lake to prevent degradation of the lakeshore, where the turtles nest. <BR><BR> The site is open over the off-season, fees are in effect from April to October. <BR><BR> This is a CASH ONLY site. For additional informat…

Desolation Sound Marine Park has more than 60 km of shoreline, several islands, numerous small bays, and snug coves. The warm waters of the park are ideal for swimming and scuba diving. The forested upland offers a shady refuge of trails. This park is a very popular boating and kayaking destination, located at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel. Yachters have been enjoying the spectacular vistas and calm waters for generations. Kayakers enjoy exploring the islands and coves that make up the unique shoreline. This park can be split up into three major destination anchorages: Prideaux Haven, Tenedo’s Bay, and Grace Harbour. Prideaux Haven: A very popular anchorage, strategically located as a base for exploring the Sound. This anchorage is an elongated bay dotted with is…

Located on the Pacific Circle Route,this is a treed site beside a medium sized lake that is great for swimming. There is a fishing dock and the lake is stocked with trout. The day-use area is separated from the main site and has a beach where you can soak up the sun. The main site can accommodate all types of units. This is a CASH ONLY site and has on-site supervision. This site is operated by Silvifor Resource Consultants LTD. Sites are available for reservations and on a First Come, First Served, basis. For reservations and additional information please visit <a href="http://www.vicamping…

A sunny open site on beautiful Victoria Lake with all sites close to the lake. The Spruce Bay Old Growth Trail is currently closed.<br><br> For general maintenance inquiries please contact Recreation Sites and Trails BC - Discovery Coast District.

Relax by the waterfall at this peaceful riverside park or explore the area by foot. Hiking trails weave their way through the lush forest and river rapids. Named for the pioneer who built Port Alberni’s earliest sawmill, Stamp River Park is an amalgamation of Stamp Falls and Money’s Pool. One of the park’s main attractions is the annual run of thousands of Pacific salmon circling in the pool below Stamp Falls before ascending the fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. Lookout points along the river offer excellent views of the salmon fighting their way up the falls and fish ladders. This natural phenomenon occurs every year, starting in late August with sockeye and continuing with coho and chinook right into December. The salmon are a draw for black bear as well, who head to the ri…

Porpoise Bay Park on the Sunshine Coast offers many opportunities for coastal fun and is a favourite family park. The park is separated from the Strait of Georgia by the isthmus at Sechelt. It is characterized by second-growth forest, open grassy areas, and sandy beaches. Porpoise Bay Park also makes an excellent basecamp for paddlers exploring the Sechelt Inlet.

The inviting water and the 225 metre long sandy beach have made Bamberton Park an ideal spot for visitors. Frolic in the warm waves, lounge in the sand and enjoy the views across the inlet. To the east are the shores of the Saanich Peninsula, with the southern Gulf Islands and Mt. Baker beyond. Rising sharply to the west are the mountains of south Vancouver Island. A vehicle-accessible campground is nestled in this forest environment, where eagles and osprey can be seen circling high above. Waterfowl and seals are frequent visitors to the surrounding waters. The park is very popular in the summer months, and can be busy as well in June, when a number of nearby schools make field trips to study the intertidal life on the beach. With Victoria just a 30 minute drive south over the scenic M…

Situated on the scenic Strait of Juan de Fuca on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island, French Beach Park offers much more than just beautiful hiking trails through lush forests. A wide swatch of green lawn fronts this sand and pebble beach, where visitors can relax and enjoy a picnic or take a cool dip in the ocean. In addition to offering fabulous views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, the 1,600 metre beach at this park is an ideal location for exploring and whale watching. Magnificent gray whales pass by this park in the spring as they migrate to northern feeding grounds, and return again in the fall. Roaming pods of resident killer whales can also be seen offshore, as well as otters, seals, and sea lions. French Beach is also a good spot to observe bald…

A USER MAINTAINED 2WD access site on one of the medium lakes along the Powell Forest Canoe Route. Suitable for smaller motor homes. Paddlers have their own pads to the north of the site by the take out for the portage to Ireland Lake. NOTICE:(MAY 1st, 2025): THE PORTAGE BETWEEN NANTON LAKE AND IRELAND LAKE IS CLOSED

Situated on the Pacific Circle Route, this recreation site surrounds a small lake at the widening of the San Juan River. This is a popular forested site that offers a gravel beach and boat launch for boats no longer than 14 feet. This site that has on-site supervision and is RV friendly. This is a CASH ONLY SITE. The standard fee is $20.00. This site is operated by Silvifor Resource Consultants LTD. Sites are available for reservations and and on a First Come, First Served, basis. For reservations and additional information please visit <a href="http://www.vicamping.com"target="_blank">www.…

One of the few sites on the east side of the lake and it has a long access road. It is easy to launch a small or boat or canoe, and explore the many bays and beaches. This site is not suitable for large trailers and motorhomes.<br><br>

Miller Creek was expanded in the spring of 2018 to include 21 new sites with plenty of options along the lakefront and through the forest. This site is nicely situated among the fir and hemlock with a great beach for summer activities. With this site being so close to town, it is a popular destination. The day-use area includes a beach, boat launch and dock. There is a trail that leads to the narrows and a fishing hole while old roads provide hiking opportunities. Lots of nooks and crannies on the lake to explore too! <BR> <BR> Please pack out what you pack in as there are no garbage dispos…

Developed in the Spring of 2021, Pacific Yew is the newest recreation site along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route located on Mohun Lake. Named after the abundance of Pacific Yew trees in the site, most individual campsites are water side with amazing views and access to the lake. There is a small swimming beach for campers as well as a boat launch for small boats. The boat launch is restricted to those camping at the recreation site and those paddling the Sayward Forest Canoe Route. Designated parking for Sayward Forest Canoe Route paddlers is available adjacent to the boat launch.<br><br> Pl…

Upgraded in the Spring of 2021, Gosling Lake Rec Site is a beautiful, quiet, lakeside site located along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route. The portage trail links Campbell Lake to the Gosling Lake portion of the route. This site is more appropriate for tents, campers and small trailers.

The sandy beach is the big attraction at this site - great for swimming. Easy to launch a small boat or canoe and explore the rest of Brewster Lake. This site is located along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route.<br><br> Please pack out what you pack in as there are no garbage disposal services at Brewster Lake.<br><br> All sites are first come, first served and on site payment is cash only.<br><br> Shoulder season site rentals are available with a 3 night minimum. $250/night. For reservations, please contact A.Theoret@Silvifor.com.

A small site amongst the alder and fir. The access road to this site also serves as the first part of the portage trail from Campbell Lake to Gosling Lake. This site is located along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route.

Gray Lake is a very popular site year round. The remains of an old railway trestle add to the scenery. The site has good access for swimming and includes a portage trail for the Sayward Forest Canoe Route. Expect canoeists venturing through the site enroute to their next destination. Please pack out what you pack in.<br><br> All sites are first come, first served and payment on site is cash only.

Campbell Lake Recreation Site is a long, narrow site that parallels the shoreline. It is open and sunny with a rough boat launch and small beach areas for swimming. Most sites are located at the lakes edge with several sites available in the forest. This site is one of the many along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route.<br><br> Please pack out what you pack in as there are no garbage disposal services at Campbell Lake.<br><br> **For reservations, additional information and updates, please visit <a href="http://www.vicamping.com"target="_blank">www.vicamping.com</a> <BR><BR> 50% of the sites at C…

A small site located along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route that situated in a beautiful stand of Douglas fir. The site has a rough boat launch into Campbell Lake and is more suitable for smaller units likes tents and campers.<br><br> Please pack out what you pack in.<br><br> All sites are first come, first served and payment on site is cash only.

A larger, open site located on the shore of Fry Lake. There are plenty of options for camping in the sunny, open area or in the shaded forest sites. The gravel boat launch is well used by campers exploring Fry Lake. This site is located along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route.<br><br> Please pack out what you pack in as there are no garbage disposal services at Orchard Meadow.<br><br> All sites are first come, first served and payment on site is cash only.<br><br> Shoulder season site rentals are available with a 3 night minimum. $250/night. For reservations, please contact info@vicamping.com.

A small site with sunny exposure and a sandy beach at low water. Fry Lake is located just around the bend through the narrows. Boaters need to watch for hazards (snags) in the lake. Located along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route.<br><br> Please pack out what you pack in.<br><br> All sites are first come, first served and payment on site is cash only.