Mansons Landing Provincial Park

• There have been recent wolf sightings in and adjacent to this park.  These wolves could become habituated and pose a risk to park visitors if provided food and not discouraged from approaching humans.
  
  Please read the wolf safety guidelines.

About This Park

Mansons Landing Provincial Park was established in 1974 to expand the diversity of marine park experiences in the northern Gulf Islands archipelago. Located on Cortes Island, this beautiful park fronts the water on both Hague Lake and Manson Bay. Recreational opportunities include fresh water swimming in Hague Lake, and marine wildlife viewing in Mansons Lagoon. Camping is not permitted at this park, however camping is available at nearby Smelt Bay Provincial Park.

Park Size: 100 hectares (47 ha upland, 53 ha foreshore)

Location and Maps

• Location Map

Located on the west side of Cortes Island, this park is accessible by boat and by car ferry from Campbell River via Quadra Island. Ferry service is offered by BC Ferries; sailing times are approximately 15 minutes from Campbell River to Quadra Island, and 45 minutes from Quadra to Cortes. The park can be reached via Seaford Road on Cortes Island.
The park can also be accessed by private boat, which can moor at the adjacent federal government wharf (space permitting).   Nearby communities include: Whaletown, Squirrel Cove. Cortes, Quadra

Maps and Brochures

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

• Maps

Nature and Culture

• History - Mansons Landing is the sixth park designated in the northern Gulf Islands. It was established in 1974.
• Cultural Heritage - The park lies within the asserted traditional territory of the Sliamon First Nations. Early explorers included Galiano and Valdes, who named Cortes Island after Hernando Cortes, the conqueror of Mexico.
  In 1880, Michael Manson, an immigrant from Scotland established a trading post in the present park area to trade with First Nations and provide supplies to a slowly developing logging and fishing industry. A small general store was built on the trading post site but was moved in 1995 to a site adjacent to the community centre. This site now functions as a museum.
• Conservation - The natural features of the park, including Hague Lake, the sand spit and the lagoon, add significantly to the natural integrity of the island community.
  All salmon species are found offshore and Hague Lake contains some Cutthroat trout. The lagoon provides opportunities to view oysters, clams, crabs, moon snails and nudibranches. Dominant trees include Douglas fir, Western red cedar, Arbutus, Shore Pine, Red Alder and Broadleaf Maple.
• Wildlife - Wildlife is transient and present only on occasion, the exceptions being red squirrels and ravens. Columbia blacktail deer, although not resident to the park are frequently seen.
• General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

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

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Fishing

Hiking

Pets on Leash

Swimming

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

Picnic Areas

Pit or Flush Toilets

Wheelchair Access