Park Info
Located on the southern peninsula of Cortes Island, the park is named for the capelin fish that spawn ashore by the tens of thousands. Females lay up to 65,000 eggs on the shore in late September and early October, which hatch in 2 to 3 weeks. These small silver-green, sardine-sized fish draw a variety of other marine life to the area, including salmon, seals, sea lions, seabirds and otters. Gulls, Bald eagles, cormorants, herons and oystercatchers can also be seen here.
This scenic park features a beautiful pebble beach that extends from the park frontage at the south end of Smelt Bay around the shoreline to Sutil Point. The beach is backed by mounds which are believed to have been built by Coast Salish First Nations as a form of defense.
Smelt Bay is the only provincial campground on remote Cortes Island, offering 22 spacious campsites laid out in a wonderful setting in the woods overlooking Smelt Bay.
Park Size: 16 hectares
Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
|
May 1 - September 30 |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: |
May 1 - September 30 (no camping during the off-season) |
| Campground Reservable Dates: |
May 15 - September 8 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: |
23 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining
sites are first-come, first-served) |
8 |
| 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. |
 |
 |
General Visitor Information
Location
Smelt Bay is located on the southwest side of Cortes Island, 15 km south of the Whaletown Ferry Terminal on Sutil Point Road. This park is accessible by boat and by car via a ferry from Campbell River on central Vancouver Island to Quadra Island (approx 15 minutes), then by another ferry from Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) to Cortes Island (Whaletown), approximately 45 minutes. Once on Cortes, follow signs to the park. Boaters can reference marine chart #3538 and #3539 for more information about this area.
Nearby communities include: Squirrel Cove, Whaletown, Cortes Island, Quadra Island, Campbell River
|
|
Nature & Culture
- Cultural Heritage - Smelt Bay was established in 1973 to protect existing native cultural sites and to provide camping and day-use opportunities. The mounds behind the beach are believed to have been built by First Nation peoples for defense purposes.
- Conservation - Smelt Bay is named for the capelin fish that spawn ashore by the tens of thousands. Females lay up to 65,000 eggs on the shore in late September and early October, which hatch in 2 to 3 weeks. These small silver-green, sardine-sized fish draw a variety of other marine life to the area, including salmon, seals, sea lions, seabirds and otters. Gulls, Bald eagles, cormorants, herons and oystercatchers are also found here.
- General Wildlife, Marine and Outdoor Ethics Information
Map / Brochure
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Reservations
All vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
|
|
|
|
Activities Available At This Park
 |
| Canoeing |
|
Canoeing and kayaking in the calm waters of Smelt Bay. Paddlers can set in from the beach or at the natural gravel boat launch at higher tides. This boat launch is located on the beach at the northwest corner of the park.
.
 |
| Cycling |
|
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
 |
| Fishing |
|
Saltwater fishing for salmon and rock fish can be good at this 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.
 |
| Pets on Leash |
|
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.
 |
| Swimming |
|
Ocean swimming. There is no designated swimming area at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
|
|
Facilities Available At This Park
 |
| Boat Launch |
|
A natural, gravel boat launch for small boats is available at higher tides. This boat launch is located on the beach at the northwest corner of the park.
 |
| Campfires |
|
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite.
Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator. 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 (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). 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. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
 |
| Drinking Water |
|
A cold water tap is located in the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
 |
| Picnic Areas |
|
This park has a day-use/picnic area, located adjacent to the beach. Facilities include pit toilets, a grassy picnic area, parking lot, an information shelter and a sand and pebble beach that is good for marine exploration at low tide. Nearby
Mansons Landing Provincial Park offers additional day-use opportunities.
 |
| Pit or Flush Toilets |
|
This park has pit toilets in the day-use area and campground.
 |
| Vehicle Accessible Camping |
|
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites overlooking Smelt Bay. The majority of the sites are double sites. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. Overflow camping may be possible in the day-use parking lot.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
|
|
