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.
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.
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 map (PDF).
Park Info
Located adjacent to Flores Island Provincial Park on Flores Island, Gibson Provincial Marine Park offers sheltered anchorage in Matilda Inlet. The park is home to a natural warm spring, contained in an open concrete tank, located on the shores of Matilda Inlet. A non-maintained historic route connects the warm springs, which are considered to be of therapeutic value, to the broad sandy beaches at Whitesand Cove. This route once provided access to a life-saving telegraph line and an old homestead.
Gibson Marine, immediately south of the Nuu-chah-nulth community of Ahousat, also provides access to the “Walk the Wild Side” route, a route that extends 10 km from Ahousat to Cow Bay. Most of the route follows sandy beaches and 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
Visitors from around the world come to explore Clayoquot Sound, and Flores Island is one of the most popular destinations for kayakers, who can find ample opportunities for camping and wildlife viewing from the Island’s beautiful sandy shores.
Park Size: 140 hectares
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.
Gibson Marine Park is located in the central portion of Clayoquot Sound, north of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The park is located on the south side 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 Ahousat offer access to the park via the Village of Ahousaht. Nearby communities include: Tofino, Ahousat, Hotsprings Village.
Nature & Culture
History: This park lies in the traditional territory of the Ahoushat First Nations. Gibson Provincial Marine Park contains many Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations heritage sites, including middens and Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs). Much of the park was a gift from the W.F. Gibson family.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
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
Gibson Marine, immediately south of the Nuu-chah-nulth community of Ahousat, also provides access to the "Walk the Wild Side" route, a rustic route that extends 10 km from Ahousat to Cow Bay. Most of the route follows sandy beaches and 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
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with wolves, bears and cougars. 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.
Swimming
There is no designated swimming area, however there are opportunities for ocean swimming in this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial 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. and do not burn live wood, burn drift wood instead. Never build fires next to or near beach logs, this could lead to a forest fire. Never leave your fire unattended and practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Pit or Flush Toilets
A pit toilet is located at the most easterly beach in the park.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
A campsite consisting of 3 tent platforms is located on the easterly end of the park near the sand dunes and pit toilet. Random wilderness camping is also allowed but please use the pit toilet when possible. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics. Gibson Provincial Marine Park is accessible year round.
Winter Camping
Gibson Provincial Marine Park is accessible year round. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
