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.
Summer 2009: BC Parks in conjunction with Ahousaht First Nations and the BC Conservation Corps will be upgrading the Walk the Wildside Trail. Please be mindful around work worksites and obey all signs.
Campfires:
This park is closed to camp fires except within 2 km of the coastline.
Wolf advisory for Flores Island Provincial Park.
BC Parks has received reports of wolf activity on Flores Island. Reports indicate that wolves have been approaching occupied beach camps during the night.
While visiting the park if a wolf appears and acts unafraid or aggressive, take the following action as soon as you notice the animal:
Do not allow the wolf to approach any closer than 100 metres.
Raise your arms and wave them in the air to make yourself appear larger.
When in a group, act in unison to send a clear message to the wolves they are not welcome.
Back away slowly, do not turn your back on the wolf.
Make noise, throw sticks, rocks and sand at the wolf.
Do not allow children to play away from camp. Keep them close to adults at all times. Keep pets leashed and under control. Better still, don't bring them at all.
We are reminding all park visitors that the following is extremely important: MAINTAIN A CLEAN, SECURE CAMPSITE, and PUT ALL FOOD AND CLEAN DISHES AWAY AT NIGHT OR ANYTIME THE CAMP IS UNSUPERVISED. We ask that the food and dishes are stored in dry bags or airtight containers and then suspended in a tree or stored in the kayak with the lids buckled shut - out of reach of wildlife. Any grey water should be disposed of at sea, as far from the beach as possible.
Most importantly - NEVER PROVIDE HANDOUTS or FEED WILDLIFE, and if this is witnessed please report to BC Parks. Under the Park and Recreation Area Regulations and the Wildlife Amendment Act, it is an offence to feed wildlife. Persons observed feeding wildlife may be charged.
Pets: Attacks on dogs from wolves occur. It is strongly recommended that visitors do not bring pets into the park. Please note that pets can be a very strong attractant to wolves, even when leashed. If you encounter a wolf, or any animal that is displaying habituated behaviour (not afraid of people) please report sighting and details to BC Parks staff.
Please report any sightings or incidents to BC Parks - 250-726-2196 or 250-726-2168.
No fees are currently collected for either hiking or camping in Flores Island or Gibson Marine Provincial Parks. To make sure of the location of the Provincial Parks, please consult the information shelter maps or the Clayoquot Area brochure (737 kb pdf format).
Park Info
This area was identified for protection in the Clayoquot Sound Land-Use Decision.
Flores Island is one of the most popular destinations in Clayoquot Sound. Here, visitors can enjoy hiking, whale watching, fishing, kayaking, beach camping and more. This vast, untamed wilderness area protects undisturbed watersheds with old-growth forest stands of Sitka spruce, as well as representative coastal and marine ecosystems, including excellent spawning conditions for coho salmon, exposed rocky coasts, sandstone reefs, beaches, sheltered channels and bays, fast narrows, mudflats and shallow banks.
One of the main attractions of Flores Island is the "Walk the Wild Side Trail", a route that extends 10 km from the village of Ahousat to Cow Bay. First Nation peoples have used this route for centuries to reach the wild beaches on the west side of the island, and this vital circuit can now be explored by park visitors. Most of the route follows sandy beaches, and trails cut across headlands to join with the next beach. Muddy and slippery sections are present on this route, at this time. The trail is best accessed from the village of Ahousaht. Water taxis to Ahousaht generally depart from the 1st Street dock in Tofino.
The park offers excellent opportunities to see Gray whales, who pass by the Island in their annual migration from Baja California to Alaska. Seasonally resident Gray whales also use the bays for feeding during the summer. Visitors come from around the world to see the whales and kayak the waters in Clayoquot Sound, and a trip to the area would not be complete without discovering all that beautiful Flores Island has to offer.
Park Size: 7,113 hectares (4,144 ha upland, 2,969 ha foreshore)
Stay Safe:
Wolves on Vargas and Flores Islands - Wolves have been known to frequent camping areas in the park. Please ensure that all food and items smelling of food, as well as any loose objects, are stored out of reach of wildlife. At no time should food be offered or made available to wildlife - to do so is in violation of the Park Act. Click here for more information on wolves.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. There are 2 fresh water creek in the park, but all surface water must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
Flores Island is located in the central portion of Clayoquot Sound, north of Tofino on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. This park includes the western and southern parts of Flores Island, and is accessible only by boat from Tofino. Boaters can reference marine chart #3674 and #3673 for more information on this area. Water taxis from Tofino and Hot Springs Village offeraccess to the park via the Village of Ahousaht. Nearby communities include: Tofino, Ahousat and Hotsprings Village
Nature & Culture
Cultural Heritage - The park lies in the traditional territory of the Ahoushat First Nations. Flores Island Park contains many Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations heritage sites, including middens and Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs).
Conservation - The park protects undisturbed watersheds with old-growth forest stands of Sitka spruce as well as representative coastal and marine ecosystems, including excellent spawning conditions for coho salmon, exposed rocky coasts, sandstone reefs, beaches, sheltered channels and bays, fast narrows, mudflats and shallow banks. Gray whales migrate through the off-shore waters and seasonally resident Gray whales use the bays for feeding during the summer.
People come from around the world to kayak and camp in remote Clayoquot Sound and enjoy the sandy beaches, scenery and wildlife. The beaches of Flores Island are a very popular kayaking/camping spot. International and local eco-tourism companies offer trips into this area, and kayak rentals are available in Tofino. Canoeing is not recommended.
Fishing
The waters of Clayoquot Sound may contain a variety of fish species, including salmon, rockfish, halibut and lingcod. 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
This park has a trail called the "Walk the Wild Side" trail. This route extends 10 km from Ahousat to Cow Bay; most of the route follows sandy beaches. Trails cut across headlands to join with the next beach. At this time, muddy and slippery sections are present on this route. The trail is best accessed from the village of Ahousaht. Water taxis to Ahousaht generally depart from the 1st Street dock in Tofino. 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.
Hunting
Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to current printed Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
Pets on Leash
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 wolves, bears and cougars.
Swimming
There is no designated swimming area in this park, however opportunities exist for swimming on the park's sandy beaches. There are no lifeguards on duty in this park.
Wildlife Viewing
Gray whales can be encountered at any time during the summer, particularly in Cow Bay. This park also offers opportunities to view seals, sea lions, Bald eagles and a variety of seabirds.
NOTE: Please abide to current DFO Marine Viewing Guidelines when viewing marine wildlife in BC Parks.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
While small fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you do have a fire use small pieces of wood that will burn completely. Build your fires below the high tide mark. Never build fires next to or near beach logs. Never leave your fire unattended and practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Pit or Flush Toilets
One pit toilet is located at the Cow Bay end of the park.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities other than a pit toilet are provided. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics. Flores Island is accessible year round; there is no winter camping fee at this time.
Winter Camping
Flores Island is accessible year round; there is no winter camping fee at this time.
