Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park

About This Park

Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park was established in July of 1971 and consists of a small chain of islands, islets and rocks in Thulin Passage. It is an excellent destination for kayakers, since it is a good stopover point between Lund and Desolation Sound. This area also provides opportunities for scuba diving, wildlife viewing, wilderness camping, swimming and fishing. There are limited anchorages for small vessels.

Park Size: 180 hectares of land; 257 hectares of foreshore

Special Note:

To help preserve the natural values in this park, please do not discharge sewage in anchorages, but keep sewage contained in holding tanks while at anchor.

Location and Maps

Location Map

Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park is accessible only by boat and located northwest of Lund (20 km north of Powell River) just off the Malaspina Peninsula and southwest of Bliss Landing. The community of Lund is located a short distance from the park by water. Lund supports a hotel and pub, bakery, fuel, general store, marine ways, marine mechanical facilities and kayak rentals.

Maps and Brochures

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

Park Area Map - (203 KB PDF)

Nature and Culture

History - Copeland Islands Provincial Park was named after Joe Copeland, a veteran of the American civil war, who eventually settled in the area.
Wildlife - Sea Lions, deer, porpoises, killer whales and bald eagles can all bee viewed from this park. While diving, you may see cod, salmon and giant oysters.
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

The Approved Management Plan, (PDF), February, 2008is now available online.

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. It is an excellent destination for kayakers, since it is a good stopover point between Lund and Desolation Sound. Rentals are available in nearby Lund, adjacent to the park on the mainland. Canoeists and kayakers can access both of the camping areas.

Fishing

Tidal fishing is available. Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Scuba Diving

The park is made up of many islands, channels and reefs that present excellent diving opportunities. There are no facilities or commercial operators active within the park, so SCUBA divers must be self sufficient.

Swimming

Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are available throughout the Park although no support facilities exist. This is a cold ocean environment.

Wildlife Viewing

There is no viewing platform but the park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for bald eagles, harbour seals, sea lions and even the occasional deer.

Facilities Available at this Park

Campfires

Campfires are permitted. Due to the sensitive ecology of these islands Campfires are discouraged and should only be placed below the high tide line. Fires permitted only at the two tent site locations.

While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 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.

Pit or Flush Toilets

Three pit toilets are located in this park. There is one at each tenting ground and one located at the narrowest point of the second Island from the South. No flush toilets.

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There are two separate tenting site locations. There are four framed tent pads; two are located on the northernmost set of islands and the other two are located on the southernmost island. The park is open year round. Please practice "No Trace" camping; if you pack it in, pack it out.