A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Park Info
For years the warm waters surrounding Vancouver Island’s Mill Bay have been a popular destination for local salmon fishers. The inviting water and the 225-meter long sandy beach have also made nearby Bamberton Provincial Park an ideal spot for parents to bring their families.
While the kids frolic in the warm waves, parents can 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.
Fronting on the west side of Saanich Inlet, of particular interest
in this park is the abundance of arbutus trees, identified by
its thick, leathery green leaves, reddish trunk and peeling bark. The
arbutus is Canada's only broadleaf evergreen and is found only on Vancouver
Island and the lower coast of mainland British Columbia.
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 Malahat Drive, Bamberton
is within easy reach of many tourist attractions. You can
also hop on the Mill Bay ferry for the 25-minute trip to Brentwood Bay
and visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens.
Park Size: 28 hectares
Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water,
security, etc.)
Year round
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
March 15– October 31
Winter fee from November 1 to March 13 (no water or firewood)
Campground Reservable Dates:
May 15– September 8
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
53
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)
24
Note: The above information is
for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park
if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor
Notice" above for park alerts.
The park is located on southern Vancouver Island, approximately 45 km north of Victoria off Highway 1. Turn east off Highway 1 onto Mill Bay Road, near the north end of the scenic Malahat Drive. BC Ferries offers service from Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay, a distance of 8 km by sea with a crossing time of 25 minutes. Bamberton Park is located a 5-minute drive south of Mill Bay. Nearby communities include: Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Duncan, Victoria.
Nature & Culture
History - Bamberton Park was given to the province by the British Columbia Cement Company in 1959. The name Bamberton was chosen by the donors and commemorates H.K. Bamber, managing director of the British Portland Cement Manufacturing Company, a predecessor of the BC Cement Company, now known as Ocean Cement.
Cultural Heritage - Traditionally, local First Nations used Johns Creek, which runs through the park, for trout fishing and still utilize the area today for ceremonial purposes in the fall and winter.
Conservation - Bamberton protects a mixed woodland of second-growth Douglas fir and arbutus, a salmon-bearing creek and eel-grass beds in the estuary. Over time, natural weathering forces may return the creek outflow area to a floodplain with salt marsh communities. The park also features an interesting intertidal zone, popular with school groups who visit the park to study the marine life. In your observation of the intertidal zone, please remember to carefully place overturned rocks in their original position. Do not touch the marine life or remove any shells or marine organisms from the park.
Canoes and kayaks may be used in the inlet. Paddlers can put in at the beach area. The sheltered inlet around Bamberton is a great paddling location, offering views of Mt. Baker and the Saanich Peninsula.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
The warm waters surrounding Mill Bay are a popular destination for local fishers seeking a variety of salmon and rock fish. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence
Hiking
A 1.5 km trail connects the campground to the beach at the day-use area. This trail is steep in parts. The route from the day-use parking lot to the beach is wheelchair accessible and paved. For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.
Interpretive Programs
There are interpretations services available at this park.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. From May to November, dogs are not allowed in beach areas. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Swimming
There is no designated swimming area at this park; however, the inviting
warm water and the 225-meter long sandy beach at the day-use area provide
excellent opportunities for ocean swimming. There are no lifeguards on
duty at provincial parks.
Windsurfing
There are opportunities for windsurfing at this park.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite.
Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water
Cold water taps are located at the campground and day-use area. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
There is a picnicking and day-use area available at this park with a large vehicle parking lot, picnic tables, flush toilets, fresh water and a large grassy area where children can be let loose to play. The day-use area provides easy access to the beach.
Day-use Area Vehicle Parking Fee:
$1.00 per vehicle / hour to a maximum of $3.00 per vehicle per/day. For information about yearly parking passes, or further information about parking fees,
click here.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit toilets are located at the campground and day-use area. Flush toilets can also be found at the day-use area and are accessible from May to October.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers 50 vehicle accessible campsites, nestled amongst a mixed woodland forest. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. Bamberton Provincial Park is open year round, with limited facilities in the off-season.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $10.00 per party / night
Wheelchair Access
The campground at Bamberton Park is wheelchair accessible. The route from the parking lot at the day use area to the beach is wheelchair accessible and paved; some portions are steep. Toilet facilities are also wheelchair accessible.
