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.
A large land slide on the southeast side of the Lagoon occurred this fall. Mariners should note that the oceanographic data in this area will be different from the charts. Mariners should also be alert of a large number of logs and deadheads throughout the park area.
Park Info
Codville Lagoon is a small marine provincial park located on King Island in Fitz Hugh Sound, 80 km west of Bella Coola. Codville Lagoon offers excellent and scenic all weather anchorage, as well as featuring an unmaintained hiking trail to a freshwater lake with an interesting red sand beach and good swimming. The special feature in the park is the red sand beach along Sagar Lake and can be accessed via boat and then a 15-20 minute walk along a trail.
Park Size: 315 hectares of marine area and 440 hectares of land area
General Visitor Information
Due to the presence of Red Tide, this park and all others on the central coast are closed to the harvest of shellfish. Ingestion of shellfish that have been exposed to this alga can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, which can be fatal.
Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the
park.
The park is located on the east side of Fisher Channel, 9 km north of Namu. Access is by boat only. Refer to Canadian Hydrographic Charts 3785 and 3729. The closest location for supplies is Bella Bella. The closest communities, towns and cities are Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Ocean Falls
and Namu.
Nature & Culture
History - This park was established in 1965.
CulturalHeritage - This is a significant place for the Heiltsuk People and should be respected as a heritage site. It is illegal to disturb such sites or remove artifacts. This is one reason why it is preferable to sleep on board your boat rather than camping on land, which has far greater impact on cultural and natural values.
Conservation - Marine resources have been under a lot of pressure over the last few years. Please observe fishing regulations closely, and consider taking less than your limit to ease your impact.
Wildlife(specific to this park or area) - As you cruise through the area near the park, watch for orcas, humpback whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions and other marine mammals. It is important you keep your distance from these creatures - never approach closer than 100 metres. Steer a steady, slow course and avoid cutting in front of them. On shore, watch for Columbia black-tailed deer, mink, black bear and wolves.
Codville Lagoon is a very interesting destination for experienced sea kayakers to explore.
Fishing
The area surrounding the park is very popular for fishing, though the park itself is not a fishing destination. However, fishing for rainbow trout at Sagar Lake is an option.The park and entire coastal area are closed to shellfish harvesting. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
A difficult, unmaintained trail leads to Sagar Lake, which is noted for its red sand beach and warm water swimming. The trail (elevation gain 100 metres; 15 to 20 minutes) leading from the north end of the lagoon was constructed by the Ocean Falls Yacht Club years ago. The trail is wet - rubber boots are highly recommended. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
The best swimming is at Sagar Lake (hike in) because the water warms up. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks and there is no area roped off for swimming at Sagar Lake.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to extinguish the fire fully. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There is a long sandy beach on Sagar Lake that is ideal for camping on.
