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Attention
Visitors - Important Notice!
- There are no park alerts at this time.
Park
Info:
Cormorant Channel Marine Provincial Park is made up of
a number of islands of the Pearse and Plumper groups of
islands, situated at the western end of Johnstone Strait
in between Hanson Island and Cormorant Island (Alert Bay).
This marine-access park offers safe overnight anchorages
for boaters traveling these waters.
Cormorant
Channel is part of the core habitat of the northern resident Orca (killer
whale) population. As such, it is one of the best places in the world to witness
these
magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
In addition to whale watching and wildlife viewing, these
undeveloped islands provide visitors with a number of
recreational opportunities, including boating and kayaking.
Cormorant Channel is part of the extremely popular Johnstone
Strait sea kayaking circuit, and paddlers can easily find
places to haul out and camp for the night among the many
islands. The park also provides world class salt water
fishing and scuba diving in the wildlife-rich tidal channels.

Park
Size:
743.5 ha (238.3
ha or uplands, 505.2 ha of foreshore)
Special
Notes:
- Boaters
should be prepared for strong tidal currents and the
possibility of dense fog. High wind and seas can be
expected at any time of the year. Boaters should ensure
they carry current tide tables and the correct nautical
charts.
Management
Planning:
Management
Planning Information
Location:
Accessible
by boat only, Cormorant Channel is located 2 nautical
miles due north of Telegraph Cove, on northern Vancouver
Island. Boat launches are available at Telegraph Cove,
Alder Bay, Beaver Harbour, Port McNeill and Alert Bay.
Boaters can reference marine chart #3546 (Broughton Strait)
for more information on this area. Nearby
Communities: Port Hardy, Port
McNeill, Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, Sointula.
Map/Brochure:
Any maps listed are for
information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be
used for navigation.

Nature & Culture:
- Cultural Heritage - Cormorant Channel is within the core area of the Kwakwaka’wakw speaking peoples, and in particular the ‘Namgis First Nation.
- Wildlife
(specific to this park or area) - Cormorant Channel is part of the core habitat of the northern resident Orca (killer whale) population and is one of the best places in the world to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to Orcas, visitors can often see Humpback and Minke whales, Harbour porpoises, Dall’s porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks is a common sight. Bald eagles, Great Blue herons, Harlequin ducks and other waterfowl, such as Rhinoceros Auklets, also can be found in the park. Occasionally, black bears and cougars can be spotted as well.
- General
Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Visitor
Safety:
General
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.
There are no designated
campsites in this park.
Explore
Parks: Fees, park listings, what
you should know before you go and other useful links.

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No
vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
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There
are several wilderness campsites in Cormorant Channel
Marine Provincial Park, accessible by kayak or boat,
however no facilities are provided.
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No
group campsites.
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No
day-use or picnic facilities.
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There
are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
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Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
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There
are no toilets at this park.
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No
showers.
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No
sani-station/dump facilities.
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While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment
by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you must use a campfire,
please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.
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There are no electrical hook-ups in this park. |
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There
are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
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There
are no developed trails at this park.
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There is no playground available
at this park.
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Ocean swimming. There are no lifeguards
on duty at provincial parks. No
designated swimming areas.
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Sea kayaking is very popular in the boundaries of Cormorant Channel, which
is part of the extremely popular Johnstone Strait sea kayaking circuit. Paddlers
in the park have outstanding opportunities for whale watching and marine mammal
viewing. This park also provides a corridor between Johnstone Strait and Blackfish
Sound.
There are several good camping areas for kayakers wanting to camp overnight
in Cormorant Channel; most of these are in the Pearse Islands in the western
part of the park.
A number of commercial companies in Telegraph Cove, Alder Bay, Port McNeill
and Port Hardy offers kayak and canoe rentals.
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This park does not have a boat launch. Boat launches are available at Telegraph
Cove, Alder Bay, Beaver Harbour, Port McNeill and Alert Bay. |
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The salt water fishing around Cormorant Channel is excellent and includes
all species of salmon as well as halibut and rockfish, however a year-round
rockfish closure is in place around Stubbs Island. Fishing is best during the
summer months. A number of professional charter companies and/or fishing lodges
are available for guiding in the area.
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.
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There are no opportunities for cycling in this park. |
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No
horseback riding.
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Pets/domestic
animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or
park buildings. 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. |
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Cormorant
Channel is part of the core habitat of the northern resident Orca (killer
whale) population. As such, it is one of the best places in the world to
witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. A number
of whale watching companies in the area offer tours into Cormorant Channel. 
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No
winter recreation opportunities. |
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The
wildlife-rich waters of Cormorant Channel offer world class scuba diving
opportunities. Rentals and tours can be found from dive shops in Port
Hardy and Port McNeill. |
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No
windsurfing opportunities. |
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No
waterskiing opportunities. |
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No
hunting in the park. |
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No
climbing or rock climbing opportunities. |
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No
spelunking or caving opportunities. |
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No
cabins, yurts or lodges for public use. |
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