Vargas Island Provincial Park
2011 - WOLF ADVISORY: VARGAS ISLAND PARK
There has been incidents involving wolves killing dogs in this park. BC Parks is strongly advising park visitors to not bring their dogs to the park.
It is common for the Vargas Island wolves to feeding on seal and sea lion carcasses that have washed up on the shores of the island. To allow natural feeding, BC Parks is asking kayak groups and other park users to avoid camping at locations where a seal or sea lion carcass has washed ashore. BC Parks is also advising park visitors to not bring their dogs to the park and is encouraging campers to take the following necessary precautions to avoid wolf encounters:
Avoiding Encounters with Wolves
It is extremely important to discourage wolves from approaching.
- Do not allow children to play away from camp.
- Keep them close to adults at all times.
- Do not bring pets into the park.
- Keep a clean and orderly camp. Cook and store food away from sleeping areas. Suspend food, toiletries, garbage and other loose objects on a rope between trees, in secured kayak hatches, or in provided food caches, out of reach of wildlife.
- Do not bury garbage. If you pack it in - pack it out!
- Wash dishes in a container and dispose of grey water at sea, away from your camping area.
Remember, you are a guest in this environment. This is home to the animals that live here.
If a wolf appears and acts unafraid or aggressive, take the following action as soon as you notice the animal:
- 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.
- Use pepper spray if you have it and know how to safely use it.
The wolf needs to know that you may be a threat to them.
Please report wolf sighting to BC Parks staff; and report any wildlife - human interactions where public safety is at risk by dialling 24 hour hotline 1-877-952-7277.
Guiding in Parks
In Provincial Parks, any person acting as a guide or offering guiding services, including vessel drop offs, must hold a valid Park Use Permit (Park, Conservancy and Recreation Area Regulation, Section 4). Please ensure the company you hire is legally operating in the park.
Trail Information
The historic 3-km telegraph trail that runs East to West is closed due to bridges being out.
To make sure of the location of the Provincial Parks please consult the information shelter maps or the Clayoquot Area brochure (PDF).
About This Park
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.
Access to Park
Numerous kayak companies under Park Use Permits offer day and multi day kayak tours to Vargas Island Park. For water taxi service to the park, contact Clayoquot Connections at 250-726-8789.
Location and Maps
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
Maps and Brochures
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)
Nature and 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.
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
