Ministry of Environment - Chemainus River Provincial Park

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Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

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Park Info:

The park addition is located on the Chemainus River, approximately 3 km northwest of Duncan on southern Vancouver Island.

Please note: This park is cooperatively managed by the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Services and facilities may differ from those offered in other BC Parks.

Park Size: 119 hectares

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan

Location:

Location Map

The nearest cities or towns are Duncan and Cowichan.

Map/Brochure:

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

Nature & Culture:

History - Chemainus River Provincial Park was established on December 30, 1959.
Cultural Heritage - Chemainus River Park lies within the traditional territories of the Nanaimo First Nation, the Chemainus First Nation, the Cowichan Indian Band and the Cowichan Tribes. Traditional uses include fishing, berry picking and bark stripping. The remnants of an old railway grade in the park is also of historic importance.
Conservation - Surrounded by a buffer of mature, second-growth forest, Chemainus River Park is home to Roosevelt elk, who use the river as a corridor, and black bears, cougars and wolves, who forage along the riverbanks. The river is home to coho salmon and steelhead. Found in the river above Copper Canyon, the steelhead are a sping “race” with a summer run. Since all steelhead are stopped at the canyon, the deep pools of the upper river are ideally suited to the production of steelhead. The river also has numerous sensitive ecosystems related to the floodplain and riparian vegetation.
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Visitor Safety:

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

No camping at this park.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	There are no vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	There are no designated camping areas at this park.
	There are no group campsites at this park.
	This park can be used for day-use, however there are no facilities at this time. The park is a popular destination for locals, who head here to picnic on the riverbank and swim in the calm swimming holes and pools in the river.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	No toilets.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	Campfires are not permitted at this park.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	There are no developed trails at this park, however there are several routes that follow the river and lead to various swimming holes.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There is no designated swimming area at this park, although a number of calm swimming holes and deep pools provide good opportunities for swimming. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
	There are opportunities for canoeing and river kayaking in this park. No facilities are provided.
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	Chemainus River Provincial Park is a popular destination for anglers. The river is home to spring and summer runs of steelhead, as well as a variety of freshwater species. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
	Horseback riding is permitted in this park.
	Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control all times. 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. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
	No wildlife viewing opportunities.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	This park is closed to hunting.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.