Ministry of Environment

Parks Listed Alphabetically: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

There are no park alerts at this time.

Park Info:

Main Lake Provincial Park on Quadra Island encompasses six lakes and protects a biologically diverse freshwater system that includes more than 72 bird species and 234 plant species. The park, which was established in 1997, offers significant wilderness recreation opportunities, including wilderness camping, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. Visitors to the park can see a variety of wildlife, including wolves, cougars, owls, Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, Peregrine falcons and wintering swans. The geography of park is exceptional, with spectacular physical features such as narrow channels, limestone sinkholes, waterfalls and the close proximity of marine and fresh water ecosystems.

The Main Lake chain of interconnected lakes forms the largest freshwater waterway in the Gulf and Discovery Islands. Main Lake, Village Bay Lake and Mine Lake are connected by narrow, shallow marshes navigable by canoes and dinghies only. Other lakes can be reached via rough, user-created portage routes.

Park Size: 3539 hectares

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

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

Location:

Location Map

Main Lake Provincial Park is located on east-central Quadra Island. Visitors can reach Quadra Island via BC Ferry service from Campbell River on central Vancouver Island. While the park may be accessed by vehicle via ferry/highway, it is best enjoyed by canoe, kayak or small boat. The closest communites are Heriot Bay, Quadra Island and Campbell River.

Map/Brochure:

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

Park Map (76 kb pdf)

Nature & Culture:

History - Main Lake Provincial Park was designated in 1997 as a result of recommendations made in the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan.
Cultural Heritage - First Nations presence in the park is depicted in a panel of pictographs in red ochre on Main Lake. There is also evidence of an old portage route from Yeatman Bay.
Conservation - This park protects a biologically exceptional area that includes more than 72 bird species and 234 plant species. Physically, the park is exceptional with limestone sinkholes and waterfalls.
Wildlife - Wildlife in the park includes wolves, cougars, owls, Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, Peregrine falcons and wintering swans.
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Visitor Safety:

Boaters and paddlers should be prepared for quick changing weather, which can result in rough water on the lakes.

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.

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.
	Wilderness camping is allowed at seven (7) designated camping areas in the park, but no facilities are provided. These areas are accessible by boat only. Camping is not permitted in other areas of the park. This park is open year round; there is no winter camping fee.
	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 must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
	There are no toilets in this park.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	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 and use campfire rings.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	An unmaintained, rough route leads from the access road just north of the entrance of the parking lot to Heatman Bay. Another undeveloped route runs from Heatman Bay to the northeast corner of Main Lake, approximately 1.6 km away. 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.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There is no designated swimming area at this park; however there are ample opportunities for lake swimming. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
	There are excellent opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
	A sandy bottom boat launch is available for small boats only. NOTE: A 9.9 hp motor restriction is enforced on the Main Lake system.
	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.
	There are no bicycle opportunities.
	There are no designated horseback trails.
	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.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	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 Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.