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Surge Narrows Provincial Park ' Surge Narrows Provincial Park
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important info, warnings, alerts for park visitors
general overview of park, size, special features safety, park hazards, wildlife information, health risks
park location, parks nearby, how to get to the park history, cultural heritage, conservation, wildlife
maps of park and/or campground, trails, etc. Management Planning
campsite reservations, group and picnic site reservations images of the park
 

vehicle accessible, drive-in campsites wilderness, backcountry, walk-in camping group camping - 15 or more campers picnic, day-use facilities, no camping wheelchair accessiblity drinking water toilets showers sani-stations, sani-dumps firewood, campfires There are no electrical hook-ups in this park interpretive, educational programs
walking, hiking trails playgrounds swimming canoeing, kayaking power boats, boat launch fishing cycling, mountain biking, bicycling horses, horseback riding pets, domestic animals in parks Icon Legend- Green =Available Grey = Unavailable

wildlife viewing
 winter recreation, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, toboganning, ice skating scuba, snorkelling windsurfing waterskiing hunting climbing, rock climbing spelunking, caving cabins, yurts, lodges click on green symbols for more information

 

Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

No park alerts at this time.

Park Info:

Surge Narrows Provincial Park is located on the south end of Maurelle Island, east of Quadra Island off central Vancouver Island. With its high tidal changes and many reefs, this park has ideal conditions for marine life. Sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea stars and anemones flourish in these prime conditions.

These tidal currents are also notorious for their strength, particularly at Surge Narrows on the east and Seymour Narrows on the west. Paddlers should avoid Seymour Narrows and only travel through Surge Narrows at slack tide. Paddlers and boaters should also be familiar with tidal current charts so they can safely explore the rich waters around Surge Narrows Park. Only very experienced kayakers should attempt to paddle in the fast-flowing and treacherous tidal streams at Surge Narrows – currents can flow through this area at 16 knots and up to 14 knots on the ebb.

Random wilderness camping is permitted on the upland portions of the park, which is undeveloped and has no facilities.

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Park Size: 488 hectares

Special Features:

A unique feature of this park are the tidal rapids caused by the convergence of two flood tides. This natural occurrence, located in the middle of the park, gives the park its name.

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

Location:

Surge Narrows is located on the south end of Maurell Island (east of Quadra Island), off central Vancouver Island. The park is accessible by boat only. From the north, access is through Okisollo Channel; from the South use Hoskyn Channel. Boaters can reference marine chart #3537 and #3539 from more information about this area. Nearby communities include: Campbell River, Quadra Island, Cortes Island, Discovery Islands.

Location Map

Map/Brochure:

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

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Nature & Culture:


Visitor Safety:
  • The waters around this park are subject to very high tidal runs. Anyone accessing the park should consult current tidal charts.

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

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Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

There are no designated campsites at this park. Reservations are not accepted at this park, all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. 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.

 

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vehicle accessible, drive-in campsites

There are no vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.

wilderness, backcountry, walk-in camping

winter camping

There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided and there is no fee. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics. This park is accessible year round; there is no winter camping fee.
group camping - 15 or more campers

There are no group campsites at this park.
picnic, day-use facilities, no camping

There are no day-use or picnic facilities at this park.
wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.

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drinking water

Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
toilets

No toilets.
showers

No showers.
sani-stations, sani-dumps

No sani-station/dump facilities.
firewood, campfires

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 electrical hook-ups in this park.
interpretive, educational programs

There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.

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walking, hiking trails

There are no developed trails at this park. 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.
playgrounds

This park does not have a playground.
swimming

Swimming in this park is not recommended. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

canoeing, kayaking

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park for experienced paddlers only. Paddlers should avoid Seymour Narrows and only travel through Surge Narrows at slack tide. Paddlers and boaters should also be familiar with tidal current charts so they can safely explore the rich waters around Surge Narrows Park. Only very experienced kayakers should attempt to paddle in the fast-flowing and treacherous tidal streams at Surge Narrows – currents can flow through this area at 16 knots and up to 14 knots on the ebb.
power boats, boat launch

This park does not have a boat launch. The nearest boat launch is located at Heriot Bay on Quadra Island.
fishing

This park offers opportunities for ocean fishing – rock fish and salmon are the main species. 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, mountain biking, bicycling

Cycling is not permitted.
horses, horseback riding

No horseback riding.
pets, domestic animals in parks

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.

Pets/domestic animals must be under control all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
wildlife viewing

No wildlife viewing opportunities.

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winter recreation, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, toboganning, ice skating

No winter recreation opportunities.
scuba, snorkelling

No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
windsurfing

No windsurfing opportunities.
waterskiing

No waterskiing opportunities.
hunting

This park is closed to hunting.
climbing, rock climbing

No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
spelunking, caving

No spelunking or caving opportunities.
cabins, yurts, lodges

No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.

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