Ministry of Environment - God's Pocket Marine Provincial Park

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Park Info:

God’s Pocket Marine Provincial Park provides some of the best underwater scuba diving on the Pacific Coast. Most diving takes place in nearby Browning Pass, an area rated by the late underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau as one of the best cold water diving destinations in the world. Conditions can be difficult however, so all divers should be experienced and well-equipped.

This undeveloped park is comprised of a group of islands at the entrance to Queen Charlotte Strait, including Hurst, Bell, Boyle, Crane Islands, and numerous smaller islets. These islands provide sheltered anchorage for boats heading north or south in Queen Charlotte Strait.

In addition to diving, the park offers opportunities for fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. Bald eagles and whales are common sights in the park, which protects a seabird breeding colony and Bald eagle habitat.

Park Size: 2,025.3 hectares (499 ha of upland and 1526.3 ha of foreshore)

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

The approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan is available in pdf format.

Location:

Location Map

God’s Pocket Marine Provincial Park is located on the north side of Goletas Channel approximately 10 km northwest of Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island. The park can be accessed by boat or float plane (to a lodge nearby) from Port Hardy. Boaters can reference marine chart #3549 (Queen Charlotte Strait western section) for more information on this area.

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 - God’s Pocket Park was inhabited by First Nations of the Kwakwaka’wakw speaking people and later by European settlers. A number of known archaeological sites can be found in the area. God’s Pocket Provincial Marine Park was identified for protection in the Vancouver Island Land-Use Plan.
Conservation - God's Pocket Provincial Marine Park protects a seabird breeding colony and Bald eagle habitat and contributes to representation of the area's marine and terrestrial landscapes.
Wildlife - Marine mammals such as Orcas (killer whales), Pacific White-sided dolphins, and harbour seals are commonly seen in this park. On a more infrequent basis, Humpback and Gray whales can be spotted, as well as Stellar sea lions. Park visitors may see Bald eagles, auklets, black oyster catchers, cormorants, petrels and a number of other bird species in God’s Pocket.
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Visitor Safety: Boaters should be aware of winter storms and use caution in the area.

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

This park has no facilities or designated campsites. When choosing a camping location, please take into consideration potential hazards such as tree/limb failure, winds, and tides/high water.
Boaters should use canution as weather and sea conditions can change rapidly in this park.

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

All walk-in/backcountry campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis; no reservations.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	There are no vehicle-accessible camping facilities at this park.
	There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No fee is charged and no facilities are provided. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics. This park is open year round. There is no fee for winter camping.
	No group campsites.
	No day-use or picnic facilities.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. All surface water should be boiled, treated or filtered prior to consumption.
	No toilets.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	No campfire pits are provided in this park. Please use portable stoves for cooking. If you require a fire for emergency reasons, please keep it as small as possible and limit it to established fire sites or to spots situated below the high tide mark. Use only small, downed wood that will burn completely.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	There are no developed trails at this park.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There is no designated swimming area at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
	Sea kayaking is a very popular recreational pastime in God’s Pocket Park. Please ensure that you are well prepared, since the weather and the sea state can change rapidly. Reference marine chart #3549 (Queen Charlotte Strait western section) for more information on this area.
	This park does not have a boat launch. The nearest boat launch is in Port Hardy.
	Good fishing for salmon, halibut and rock fish can be had in this park. 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.
	Cycling is not permitted.
	No horseback riding.
	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.
	No wildlife viewing opportunities.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	This area is considered one for the best in the world for scuba diving. Nearby Browning Passage was rated as second best cold water diving area in the world, and is consistently rated as one of the top diving destinations. God’s Pocket Resort offers dive excursions in the area.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	God’s Pocket Resort, a private lodge, is situated in the western portion of the park on Hurst Island, near Christie Passage. This resort specializes in diving, kayaking and wildlife viewing tours.