Vargas Island Provincial Park

As of July 28, 2009:

Campfires:

This park is closed to camp fires except within 2 km of the coastline.

Wolf advisory for Vargas Island Provincial Park.
BC Parks has received reports of wolf activity on Vargas Island. Reports indicate that wolves have been approaching occupied beach camps.
While visiting the park if a wolf appears and acts unafraid or aggressive, take the following action as soon as you notice the animal: 

• Do not allow the wolf to approach any closer than 100 metres. Never approach a predator.
• Raise your arms and wave them in the air to make yourself appear larger. 
• When in a group, act in unison to send a clear message to the wolves they are not welcome. 
• Back away slowly, do not turn your back on the wolf. 
• Make noise, throw sticks, rocks and sand at the wolf. 
• Do not allow children to play away from camp. Keep them close to adults at all times.
• It is strongly recommended that visitors do not bring pets into the park - they can be a very strong attractant to wolves, even when leashed, and attacks on dogs from wolves do occur. If pets are present, keep them leashed and under control.

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 may be charged.

If you encounter a wolf, or any animal that is displaying habituated behaviour (not afraid of people) please report sightings and details to Parks staff, or phone BC Parks at 250-726-2196 or 250-726-2168.

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).

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.

General Visitor Information

• 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.

• Park User Fees
• What to Know Before You Go
• General Safety & Ethics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Fishing and Hunting Information
• Other Links

Location

• Location Map

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

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.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

• The approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan is available in pdf format.

Map / Brochure

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

• Park Area Map - [PDF]
• Zoning Map - (PDF - included in Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan)
• Clayquot Area Brochure and Map (pdf)

Activities Available At This Park

		Canoeing

		Fishing

		Hiking

		Hunting

		Swimming

		Wildlife Viewing

Facilities Available At This Park

		Campfires

		Pit or Flush Toilets

		Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

		Winter Camping