A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
There are no park alerts at this time.
Park Info
Wakes Cove Provincial Park is a popular recreation and tourism destination located on Valdes Island across from Gabriola Island. The property sits within the heavily settled coastal Douglas fir ecosystem and contains a stand of old-growth, as well as arbutus trees, Garry oaks and endangered plant species.
The park supplies sheltered anchorage in the north-central Gulf Islands and offers rustic hiking trails, picnicking, wildlife viewing and, once a management plan is complete, overnight camping for kayakers and visitors with small boats. Wakes Cove was established in June of 2002. There is no camping in the park. Visitors wishing to visit the park must be aware of park boundaries and keep off private property, adjacent to the park.
Wakes Cove is located on the northeast corner of Valdes Island, south of Gabriola Island and southeast of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Access to the park is by boat only and is situated next to Gabriola Passage. Boaters can reference marine chart #3475 for more information on this area. Nearby communities include: Gabriola Island, Nanaimo
Nature & Culture
History - This park, established in June of 2002, provides protection for second-growth and some old-growth Douglas fir forest and an extensive marine foreshore component. Bald eagles, minks, otters and harbour seals are commonly sighted in the park.
The Marine Parks Forever Society donated monies toward the purchase of this property. The Society received donations from the recreational boating community that were used to assist in purchasing 73 hectares of Crown foreshore on Valdes Island.
Government staff, in conjunction with local stakeholders, will begin work on a management plan for this new provincial park. The recreational boaters will be represented during the park-use planning process by the Council of BC Yacht Clubs, an affiliate to the Marine Parks Forever Society.
K2 Park Services Ltd.
E-mail address: k2parks@shaw.ca
Phone/Fax: (250) 539-2115
Activities Available At This Park
Canoeing
This park can be accessed by kayak or small boat.
Fishing
This park is near popular salmon fishing areas in the Strait of Georgia. 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 CanadaDFO.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
There are currently no developed trails at this park. Once the management plan process is completed, a trail system will be developed. Visitors using the park must be aware of park boundaries and keep off private property.
Wildlife Viewing
Wakes Cove Provincial Park offers excellent views of Gabriola Passage, the Strait of Georgia and the Sunshine Coast. Whales, seals, sea lions and a variety of other marine life and birds can be seen in and around the park.
