Saltery Bay Provincial Park was established in 1962 to provide
ocean access on the Sunshine Coast of Georgia Strait. The
park is divided into two separate sites: the campground and
the day-use area. The day-use area with its rocky beaches
is a popular swimming and picnic site. Lush forests with large,
old trees create a quiet setting for the campground at Mermaid
Cove. At low tide, the rocky shoreline often has tidal pools
with starfish, sea urchins, small fish and crabs. Scuba diving
provides a close-up look at the abundant marine life and a
3-metre bronze mermaid statue.
The Emerald Princess statue and wheelchair access ramp were
placed in the park through efforts of local scuba enthusiasts.
From the shore, killer whales and sea lions can sometimes
be seen.
Mounds of seashells called "middens" indicate that
this was a traditional gathering area for First Nations.
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This
park offers 42 vehicle accessible campsites. There
are 2 double sites and no pull-through sites. Campsites
are located under mature forest canopy. There is
no gatehouse or locked gate. There is room for two
vehicles at each site and extra parking is available
for a fee. If no staff is available to help find
a site, find an unoccupied site that has no camping
receipt posted at the site. Pay for camping by self-registration.
There is a pay phone located approximately 1 km
away at the ferry terminal south of the park. The
closest store is in Black Point enroute to Powell
River approximately 6 km away. Campsite
reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served
sites are also available.
Vehicle
Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC
Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
Campground Hours
of Operation
All dates are subject
to change without notice |
Opening
and Closing Campground Dates: (campground
is accessible but may not offer full services
such as water, security, etc.)
|
Year
round
(gate is open during the off-season) |
| Campground
Dates with Full Services and Fees: |
May
12 - September 15
Off-season: no fee, no services |
| Campground
Reservable Dates: |
May
12 - September 15 |
| Total
Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: |
42 |
| Number
of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
15 |
| Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. |
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No
wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping.
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No
group campsites.
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This
park has a day-use/picnic area. There are no covered
shelters available. The day-use area is located
1 km from the campgrounds. There is a concrete boat
ramp, hand pump for water, grassy area, large paved
parking lot and two wheelchair accessible pit toilets.
The beach is mostly rocky with some sandy areas
at high tide. No fires are permitted in the day-use
area.
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There
are 2 wheelchair accessible pit toilets in the campground,
1 at Mermaid Cove and 2 at the day-use site. A disabled
access ramp for scuba divers is best used during
high tide at Mermaid Cove. All campsites are accessible
to wheelchairs although there are no other furniture
or facilities.
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There
are 5 water taps located throughout the campground
and a hand pump located in the day-use area. Taps/hand
pumps are shut off during the off-season..
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This
park only has pit toilets - no flush toilets. There
are 6 pit toilets (2 are wheelchair accessible) in
the campground, 1 at Mermaid Cove (wheelchair accessible)
and 2 at the day-use area (all are wheelchair accessible).. |
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There
are cold showers located in the beach area at Mermaid
Cove. These showers are open and usually used by
divers visiting the park.
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A
sani-station/dump is available during the collecting
season. The sani-station is located just inside
the park entrance.
Sani-station
Use Fee: $2.00 per discharge
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Campfires are permitted
in designated fire rings only. There is a fire ring
in each campsite. Firewood is available for purchase
once daily at approximately 6pm for a cost of $6
per bundle or you can bring your own wood. Fees
for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve
vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather
firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere
in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element
for many plants and animals and it adds organic
matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and
air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited
burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented
and some parks may use communal fire rings. Be prepared
to bring a portable stove for cooking.
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There are no electrical hook-ups in this park. |
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There
are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at
this park.
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The
Mermaid Cove Trail starts at the bridge over Park
Creek near the entrance to the Campground. It is
an easy 1 km hike through 90 year old second growth
stand of forest. Some sections of the trail traverses
short sections of rocky out crops where footing
may be slippery. The trail is for hiking only and
is not suitable for wheel chairs. It takes approximately
30 minutes to walk it’s length. 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.
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This
park does not have a playground. The closest playground
is available in the town of Powell River, approximately
27 km north of the park.
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Good
summer swimming in the ocean is available. There
is no designated or roped-off swimming area. The
beach is quite rocky with some sandy areas at high
tide at the day-use site. Caution: beaches are rocky
and subject to tidal action and sudden changes in
weather. Mermaid Cove is best suited for experienced
scuba divers. There are no lifeguards on duty at
provincial parks.
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Canoeing
and kayaking in ocean area; know the ocean currents.
Contact the Powell River Chamber of Commerce (604) 485-4051
for information on kayak/canoe rental companies.
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There
is a concrete boat launch in the day-use area 1.5
km north of the campground; double ramp and tie
up groin; no closures, parking for trailers available.
Overnight parking is available at the owner’s
risk. Boats cannot be left in the water or beached
overnight. There is a marina 1 km south by boat
or car to moor boats over night.
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Good
tidal fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British
Columbia must have an appropriate
licence.
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Bicycles
must keep to roadways. There are no specific bicycle
trails. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British
Columbia.
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No
horseback riding.
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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.
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Typical marine shoreline environment with opportunities
to view seals, otters, mink, seabirds and bald eagles.
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No
winter recreation opportunities. |
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There are excellent scuba diving opportunities.
Scuba diving provides a close-up look at the abundant
marine life and a 3-metre bronze mermaid statue.
The Emerald Princess statue and wheelchair access
ramp were placed in the park through efforts of
local scuba enthusiasts. There is a diver change
house and cold showers are available. Scuba rentals
are available in Powell River approximately 27 km
north..
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No
windsurfing opportunities. |
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No
waterskiing opportunities. |
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No
hunting in the park. |
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No
climbing or rock climbing opportunities. |
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No
spelunking or caving opportunities. |
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No
cabins, yurts or lodges for public use. |
