Ministry of Environment - Octopus Islands Marine Provincial Park

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Park Info:

The group of small islands that make up the Octopus Islands Provincial Park provide safe anchorages for boaters traveling the scenic Inside Passage. Octopus Islands is part of the BC Marine Trail Association network – a series of campsites, resting areas and safe havens designed and cared for by recreational boaters and paddlers. Once connected, this marine trail will extend from Vancouver to Prince Rupert and down into Puget Sound.

The park offers a number of different recreational opportunities in addition to boating and paddling, including swimming, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, wilderness camping and nature appreciation. A portage route to Small Inlet Provincial Park on the west side of Quadra Island can be accessed from the Octopus Islands. From this trail, a hiking trail leads to Newton Lake - a lovely place for a freshwater swim. Access to the park is by boat only.

Park Size: 760.34 hectares (319.34 hectares of upland and 441 hectares of 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 on the northeast side of Quadra Island at the southern tip of Sonora Island and the junction of Quadra, Sonora and Maurelle Islands. Access to this marine park is by boat only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3537 and #3539 for more information on this area. Nearby communities include: Quadra Island, Cortes Island, Campbell River.

Map/Brochure:

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

Nature & Culture:

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Visitor Safety:

General 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.
	There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed year-round. No facilities are provided and there is no camping fee. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.
	There are no group campsites at this park.
	There is a day-use/picnicking area at this park but no facilities. .
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	No toilets.
	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. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs. Shortcutting any developed trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There are opportunities for ocean swimming at this park however there is no designated swimming area. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
	The sheltered waters in this small group of small islands and a large bay are popular for paddlers. It is possible to portage from Waiatt Bay to nearby Small Inlet Provincial Park via a rough trail, approximately 1.5 km.
	This park does not have a boat launch. The nearest boat launch is at Brown Bay on Vancouver Island, north of Campbell River.
	Ocean fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO. 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 and under control at all times. 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.
	There are opportunities for scuba diving in this park.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	Portions of this park are open to hunting for waterfowl in season. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to current printed Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.