• There is no camping allowed at this park.

Special Note:

• Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park is a sensitive ecosystem of rare and fragile plants and animals. While visiting the island please be respectful and help minimize any damage to the ground cover and the plants and animals that live there.
• FIRES ARE PROHIBITED in the park. Fire is a serious danger to this dry, sensitive and isolated park.

Management Planning:

• Approved Master Plan.

• Location Map

Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park is located off the north tip of Denman Island. The park is located off the northern tip of Denman Island and is accessible by boat from Union Bay on Vancouver Island or by foot from Denman Island at low tide. Visitors walking to Sandy Island need to be aware of the tides so they don’t become stranded at high tides. The park is only accessible by foot at a low tide of 8 feet or less. Boaters can launch at Union Bay, directly west of the island. The closest communities are Denman Island, Union Bay, Courtenay and Comox Valley.

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

• Maps
• Location Map

• History - Sandy Island was established as a provincial park in 1966. Prior to being a park, the island was used by the Department of National Defense for military exercises.
  
  
• Conservation - Over the past several years there has been an increase in the number of visitors to Sandy Island Provincial Marine Park (known locally as Tree Island). Unfortunately, some of these visitors light fires, leave garbage, damage trees and plants and allow their dogs to run free, actions which are putting this small and fragile park at risk.
  
  BC Park's mandate is to protect the natural woodlands, plants and animals but also maintain the recreational opportunities in the park. In order to meet our mandate and protect the park from damage by visitors, BC Parks has organized volunteer help. In a formal stewardship the Comox Valley Yacht Club and the Friends of Tree Island are assisting BC Parks in taking care of Sandy Island.
  
  As Marine Park Hosts, the yacht club members will anchor offshore to educate the visitors on appropriate park behavior. The Friends of Tree Island have produced an information brochure, are collecting data and assisting with the cleanup of the park. Park Rangers are available to coordinate the stewardship and patrol the island to educate and enforce the Park Act and regulations.

• Visitors walking to Sandy Island need to be aware of the tides so they don’t become stranded at high tides. The park is only accessible by foot at a low tide of 8 feet or less.
• Sandy Island and the Seal Islets are part of White Spit, which extends out from Denman Island towards Courtenay. Use caution while boating, as many areas are not navigable due to shallow waters.

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

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.
	There is no walk-in camping allowed at this park.
	There are no group campsites at this park.
	There are no picnic facilities at this park; however Sandy Island is a popular day-use area during the summer.
	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 1 pit toilet, centrally located.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	Campfires are NOT permitted in this park. Visitors can bring a portable stove for cooking.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	There are several easy walking trails through the park. Please avoid eroded areas and nesting sites. 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.
	This park does not have a playground.
	This park offers ocean swimming with a rocky beach area; water can be quite cold. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
	Visitors can access Sandy Island by canoe or kayak from Union Bay on Vancouver Island, or from Denman Island.
	This park does not have a boat launch. The nearest boat launches is in Union Bay, directly west of the island. Boat launches are also available in Fanny Bay and Deep Bay.
	Salt water fishing opportunities exist in this marine park. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. 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.
	Cycling is not permitted.
	No horseback riding.
	Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
	No wildlife viewing opportunities.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park is open for waterfowl hunting only, in season. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for information on closures and regulations.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.