Ministry of Environment - Nuchatlitz Marine Provincial Park

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Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

ATTENTION PARK VISITORS
WILDLIFE WARNING

There have been reports of a black bear gaining access into stored food at popular camping islands in Nuchatlitz Provincial Park. This has resulted in specific campsite and island closures during periods of high park visitation.
Black Bears are very common on small islands and along all shoreline areas of the park.
All visitors to the park are requested to refer to the Visitors Safety Information section on proper food storage and bear safety.

Park Info:

Nuchatlitz Provincial Park encompasses the very northwest tip of Nootka Island and a large number of small island groups. This picturesque area is perfect for exploring by kayak and paddlers can enjoy meandering through these peaceful islands, pulling out at random locations to camp as they see fit. A wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts exists, including boating, sport fishing, camping and wildlife viewing within the park and its surrounding area.

The maze of islets and reefs that make up Nuchatlitz Provincial Park offer excellent opportunities to study intertidal life in the many tide pools that can be found throughout the area. These remote islands offer both exposed coast and protected waters for paddling, quiet coves and a multitude of beaches.

Park Size: 2135 ha (803 ha upland, 1332 ha foreshore)

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

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

Location:

Location Map

The park is located approximately 18 km southwest of Zeballos, on the west coast of Vancouver Island between Nuchatlitz and Esperanza inlets. Access is by boat or float plane only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3676 and #3662 for more information about this area. The closest communities are Zeballos, Tahsis, Gold River and Nootka Island.

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 - The park encompasses a number of archaeological sites. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park borders a seasonally occupied First Nations village site of the same name.
Conservation - The park protects a great diversity of flora and fauna within an extensive range of terrestrial, intertidal and marine environments. The shoreline is an area of importance for its herring spawning values, which makes it significant for migrating Gray whales. The park also protects sea otter and Marbled Murrelet habitat and rare, red-listed marine algae. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park is an excellent place to study intertidal life, as many tide pools can be found throughout the maze of islets and reefs that make up the park.

Visitor Safety:

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, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed on the northwest tip of Nootka Island and the many small island groups within the park. There are some small developed sites accessible by kayaks and smaller boats at Rosa Island. Undeveloped but useable areas are scattered throughout the island groups and on the northwest coast of Nootka Island. Pit toilets are located at Rosa Island and at some of these other sites. This park is accessible year round; there is no fee for winter camping
	There are no group campsites at this park.
	There are no day-use or picnic facilities at this park.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	There are no toilets in this park but pit toilets are located at Rosa Island and at some of the other camping areas scattered throughout the island groups and on the northwest coast of Nootka Island.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	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, please utilize previously constructed fire rings and use small pieces of wood that will burn completely. If you can’t find a previously used site, try to construct your fire rings below the high tide mark. Never leave your fire unattended and practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.
	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 canoeing and kayaking is very popular in this area. Little Espinosa Inlet on Vancouver Island (located on the road to Fair Harbour from Zeballos) is the nearest put in point for kayakers. Other locations are available from Tahsis. A number of commercial kayak operators offer tours to this area. Paddling features include protected waters amongst the island groups, however there are some exposed west coast paddling dangers on the west side of the park, such as high winds, tidal currents and exposed rocks.
	This park does not have a boat launch. The nearest boat launches are at Tahsis and Zeballos.
	This area is one of the more popular salt-water sports fishing destinations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The protected waters among the island groups are home to Chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon and a variety of rockfish. Float lodges are located outside of the park throughout Esperanza Inlet and offer fishing and eco tourism opportunities. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Cycling is not permitted.
	No horseback riding.
	Pets/domestic animals must be under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. This area is not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with wolves and bears. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
	There is no viewing platform but this park offers ample opportunities for visitors to see a variety of marine life, including Grey whales, seals, sea lions and sea otters, as well as numerous birds. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park is also an excellent place to study intertidal life, as many tide pools can be found throughout the maze of islets and reefs that make up the park.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	This area offers excellent cold water SCUBA diving 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 BC 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.