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As of June 13, 2008:
- Wolf and cougar advisory for Vargas Island Provincial Park.
- BC Parks has recently received reports of both cougar and wolf activity on Vargas Island. Wolves have been going to campsites during the night and cougar sign has been seen along the beaches.
- We are reminding all park visitors that the following is extremely important: MAINTAIN A CLEAN, SECURE CAMPSITE, and PUT ALL FOOD AND CLEAN DISHES AWAY AT NIGHT OR ANYTIME THE CAMP IS UNSUPERVISED. We ask that the food and dishes are stored in dry bags or airtight containers and then suspended in a tree or stored in the kayak with the lids buckled shut - out of reach of wildlife. Any grey water should be disposed of at sea, as far from the beach as possible. Most importantly - NEVER PROVIDE HANDOUTS or FEED WILDLIFE, and if this is witnessed please report to BC Parks. Under the Park and Recreation Area Regulations and the Wildlife Amendment Act, it is an offence to feed wildlife. Persons observed feeding wildlife will be charged.
- Please report any sightings or incidents to BC Parks - 250-726-2196.
- Click here for information on what to do if you are approached or attacked by wildlife.
- The historic 3-km telegraph trail that runs East to West is closed due to bridges being out.
- PUBLIC NOTICE - Currently NO FEES are collected for hiking or camping in any of the Provincial Parks in Clayoquot Sound. Should you be approached for payment while using park trails, beaches or camping areas within any of the Provincial Parks of Clayoquot Sound, please report this to BC Parks by writing to the following address: BC Parks, Clayoquot Area Supervisor, Box 495, Ucluelet, B.C. V0R 3A0. To make sure of the location of the Provincial Parks please consult the information shelter maps or the Clayoquot Area brochure (PDF).
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Park Info
Due to its close proximity to Tofino, Vargas Island Provincial Park in Clayoquot Sound is a very popular paddling and wilderness camping destination. Visitors also come here for the exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities offered, including the chance to see Gray whales in the area around Ahous Bay. Naturalists are drawn to this area every spring as the Gray whales pass by the island on their way to summer feeding grounds in the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea.
Vargas Island Provincial Park protects the rugged western portion of Vargas Island, Blunden Island and the tiny La Croix Group of islands immediately northwest of Tofino. Much of the island is relatively flat and its interior features a number of bogs.
Marine features including exposed rocky coast, sandy beaches, sheltered channels and bays, an intertidal lagoon and mudflats are all protected within the park’s boundaries. The park is also home to ancient sand berms - rows of crescent-shaped sand mounds that indicate earlier sea levels.
The park area also includes the Cleland Island Ecological Reserve, home to a great diversity of nesting sea bird colonies including the Rhinoceros auklet, Cassin's auklet, Pigeon guillemot and the Black oystercatcher. Access to the Ecological Reserve is prohibited, as the breeding seabirds are very sensitive to disturbances.
Park Size: 5,788 hectares.
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General Visitor Information
- Habituated Wolves on Vargas and Flores Islands - Wolves have been known to frequent camping areas in the park. Please ensure that all food and items smelling of food, as well as any loose objects, are stored out of reach of wildlife. At no time should food be offered or made available to wildlife - to do so is in violation of the Park Act. Click here for more information on wolves.
Location
Vargas Island Provincial Park is located immediately northwest of Tofino and west of Meares Island on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The park is accessible by boat from Tofino. Small planes can land on the beach of Ahous Bay. Nearby communities include: Tofino, Ucluelet, Ahousat, Flores Island
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Nature & Culture
- Cultural Heritage - A number of Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations heritage sites are located within the park.
- Conservation - The park protects the rugged, outer coast of Vargas Island, Blunden Island and the marine environment. Many marine features are represented in the park, including exposed rocky coast, sand beaches, sheltered channels and bays, a lagoon and mudflats. Gray whales migrate through the off-shore waters. The park also encompasses ancient dune berms, rows of crescent shaped sand mounds that indicate earlier sea levels. Vargas Island Provincial Park includes the Cleland Island Ecological Reserve, which is home to a variety of nesting sea birds including the Rhinoceros auklet, Cassin's auklet, Pigeon guillemot and the Black oystercatcher. Access to the Ecological Reserve is prohibited.
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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Activities Available At This Park
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| Canoeing |
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Due to its scenic values and close proximity to Tofino, Vargas Island is a very popular paddling and camping destination. Gray whales frequent the Ahous Bay area and the La Croix Group of small islands is a peaceful spot for paddling, bird watching and viewing seals. Kayakers can launch at the First Street Dock in Tofino. Canoeing is not recommended.
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| Fishing |
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The waters of Clayoquot Sound may contain a variety of fish species, including salmon, rockfish, halibut and lingcod. One of the more popular areas is around Wilf Rock at the southern portion of the 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.
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| Hiking |
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An historic 3-km telegraph trail crosses the island from east to west, passing through bog areas and ancient dune berms. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs.
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| Hunting |
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Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to current printed
Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
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| Swimming |
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There are opportunities for ocean swimming at this park. There are no lifeguards at provincial parks.
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| Wildlife Viewing |
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This park has many opportunities for wildlife and nature viewing, including bird viewing in the waters around the Cleland Ecological Reserve, watching for migrating Gray whales and exploring the geological features of the park. These include ancient dune berms - rows of crescent-shaped sand mounds that indicate earlier sea levels. These berms can be seen along the historic telegraph trail. NOTE: Please abide to current DFO Marine Viewing Guidelines when viewing marine wildlife in BC Parks.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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| Campfires |
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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”
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| Pit or Flush Toilets |
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There are six pit toilets located at Vargas Island's most popular camping beaches.
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| Walk-In/Wilderness Camping |
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There are no designated campsites at this park, however wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided other than six pit toilets, located in popular camping areas. Vargas Island is accessible year round; there is currently no winter camping fee, however a fee may be implemented in the future. Please practice “
Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
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| Winter Camping |
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There are no designated campsites at this park, however wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided other than six pit toilets, located in popular camping areas. Vargas Island is accessible year round; there is currently no winter camping fee, however a fee may be implemented in the future. Please practice “
Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
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