Ministry of Environment - Sandwell Provincial Park

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Park Info:

Sandwell Provincial Park, with its long sandy beach and views of the Strait of Georgia, is a favourite destination for residents and visitors to Gabriola Island. One of three provincial parks on Gabriola Island, Sandwell offers a short walking trail through the woods leading to a picnic area overlooking the sandy shores of Lock Bay. This is a lovely place to spend a peaceful afternoon relaxing on the beach or taking a refreshing dip in the ocean waters.

At low tide, visitors can walk down the beach to view a prehistoric petroglyph carved into the sandstone rocks, east of the day-use area. This site is only accessible at low tide.

Park Size: 12 Hectares.

Management Planning:

Location:

Location Map

Sandwell Provincial Park is located on Gabriola Island, a 20 minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo on south Vancouver Island. The park is located on Strand Road, approximately 10 km from the ferry terminal. Take North Road and turn left on Barrett Road, following park directional signs. Neary communities include Gabriola Island and Nanaimo.

Map/Brochure:

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

There are no digital maps or brochures for this park.

Nature & Culture:

History / Conservation - Sandwell Park was established in 1988 to protect the archeological sites, including a petroglyph and shell middens, and their setting. The sandy beach ecosystem includes threatened communities such as those found in the back dunes.
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Visitor Safety:

The final portion of the trail to the beach is very steep and slippery. Visitors should use caution and wear proper footwear.

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.

Camping is not permitted in this park. For parks that accept reservations or information on the reservation service, click here.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

Contact Information:

R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd.
E-mail address: office@rlcenterprize.com
Phone: (250) 474-1336

	There are no vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park..
	Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is not permitted at this park.
	There are no group campsites at this park.
	A picnic area overlooking the sandy beach at Lock Bay is located approximately 800 meters from the parking lot. Facilities include 2 picnic tables, pit toilets and an information shelter.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	This park has 2 pit toilets, located at the day-use/picnic area next to the beach at Lock Bay.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	Campfires are not permitted.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	An 800-meter walking trail leads from the parking lot to the day-use/picnic area on the beach at Lock Bay. The final portion of the trail to the beach is very steep and slippery. Visitors should use caution and wear proper footwear.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There is no designated swimming area at this park however the sandy beach at Lock Bay is a nice spot for ocean swimming. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
	There are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
	This park does not have a boat launch. The nearest boat launch is located at Silva Bay on Gabriola, approximately 5 km from the park.
	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.
	Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
	No horseback riding.
	Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Pets/domestic animals are not allowed in beach areas.
	The beach at Sandwell Provincial Park offers lovely views of the Strait of Georgia. A prehistoric petroglyph is located east along the beach from the picnic area and is accessible during low tide.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	This park is closed to hunting.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.