• Campfires are not permitted in this park.

Special Notes:

• Please do not discharge sewage or grey water while moored here – it is against park regulations.
• Boaters should not tie up at the portion of the dock reserved for BC Parks staff.
• There are two private properties on the island. Please respect them.
• Vessels longer than 11 metres (36 feet) are asked not to use the dock for tie-up.

Management Planning:

• Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.

• Location Map

Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park is only accessible by boat. This park lies in Trincomali Channel between Galiano Island and the northern tip of Saltspring Island, off southern Vancouver Island. Boats can enter the sheltered anchorages at Princess Bay and Conover Cove from Houston Channel. Boaters can reference marine chart #3442 and #3463 for more information on this area. Nearby communities include: Galiano Island, Saltspring Island, Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan.

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

• Maps
• Location Map

• History - This island, originally charted as "Narrow Island, was named after Capt. Wallace Houstoun, who first surveyed the area in the 1850s. Twisted fruit trees mark the remnants of the garden and orchard planted by Jeremiah Chivers, a Scotsman who retired here after unsuccessful adventures in the interior gold rushes. Chivers lived alone on the island, never marrying, and died here in 1927 at the age of 92.
  
  After the Second World War, David Conover purchased the island and moved here with his wife Jeanne. The couple developed a very successful holiday resort on Wallace Island, and Conover became a successful author, writing four books - “Once Upon An Island”, “One Man’s Island”, "Sitting On A Saltspring" and "Finding Marilyn, A Resource". In the first two books he described the couple’s struggles and joys after their purchase of the land in 1946. Their resort, the Royal Cedar Cottages, was advertised as having "a modern well-stocked store, cabins, recreation hall and boat rentals." In the mid to late 1960's, Conover sold the majority of the island to a group of teachers from Seattle. Disagreements among the owners led to court proceedings and the property was again put up for sale. Wallace Island was purchased through the court ordered sale and became a provincial marine park in 1990 through the cooperative efforts of the provincial government and BC Marine Parks Forever.
  
  
• Conservation - The flora of this island is typical of many of the Gulf Islands – with dry summers, many plants are adapted to germinate and grow in the winter, flower in early spring and become dormant by early summer. The best time for botanical viewing is March through May.
  
  
• Wildlife - Black-tailed deer are the largest land animals in the park. Sightings of river otters, mink and harbour seals are common. Sea lions can be found in the area in winter, but disappear during the height of the breeding season in July and August. The number of Bald eagles has greatly increased in the area in the last 30 years and are now frequently sighted. Bird watching here is most productive in the spring, winter and fall.

• The entrance to Conover Cove is shallow at low tide and care must be exercised to avoid grounding. Boaters should approach the park with caution due to numerous reefs and shoals in the area.

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

Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

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.

Contact Information:

K2 Park Services Ltd.
E-mail address: k2parks@shaw.ca
Phone/Fax: (250) 539-2115

	There are no vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	Wilderness, walk-in camping is allowed in the park, which is accessible by boat only. There are 9 sites with tent pads at Chivers Point and 1 site at Cabin Bay – both sites are ideal for kayak camping. Approximately 8 open field sites are available at Conover Cove; these sites are adjacent to dock facilities and stern tie rings. A camping fee is in place at Wallace Island, payable at self-registration vaults located near the camping areas. Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night, for all persons 13 years of age or older Campground Hours of Operation All dates are subject to change without notice Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) Year round Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: May 1 - September 30 Off-season: no fee, no services Campground Reservable Dates: Not applicable Total Number of Walk-in Accessible Campsites: 18 walk-in Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) Not applicable Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts.
	There are no group campsites at this park.
	A picnic shelter and open grass fields offer day-use opportunities at Conover Cove. Docking facilities are located at Conover Cove, as well as stern tie rings at both Conover Cove and Princess Cove. Anchorage is available in Conover Cove and Princess Cove. When anchoring, please ensure you are not blocking stern tie rings or access to and from the docks. The entrance to Conover Cove is shallow at low tide and care must be exercised to avoid grounding. Boaters should not tie up at the portion of the dock reserved for BC Parks staff. Dock Facilities Use Fee: $2.00 per metre / night
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	A cold water hand-pump is located along the main trail halfway between Conover Cove and Princess Cove. This water must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
	Pit toilets are located at Conover Cove and Chivers Point..
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	Campfires are not permitted at this park due to lack of firefighting equipment available on the island. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	A series of fairly flat, well-maintained walking/hiking trails travel throughout the park, providing views of the folded rock formations that compose the island. Head south to Panther Point, named after the HMS Panther, a ship that ran aground here in 1874. A trail also leads partway out to the point at Princess Cove, as well as one that leads to Chivers Point at the northwest end of the park. An information shelter at the head of the wharf at Conover Cove offers more details on walking routes. 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.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There is no designated swimming area at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
	Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park is a popular stopover and destination point for paddlers. Paddlers can launch from Saltspring Island, Galiano Island and a number of other Vancouver Island locations, including Duncan and Ladysmith. Be prepared for potentially strong currents and unpredictable weather in this area.
	There is no boat launch at this park. There are docking facilities located at Conover Cove, as well as stern tie rings at both Conover Cove and Princess Cove. Anchorage is available in Conover Cove and Princess Cove. When anchoring, please ensure you are not blocking stern tie rings or access to and from the docks. The entrance to Conover Cove is shallow at low tide and care must be exercised to avoid grounding. Boaters should not tie up at the portion of the dock reserved for BC Parks staff. Dock Facilities Use Fee: $2.00 per metre / night
	The park is surrounded by ocean waters and provides saltwater fishing opportunities, subject to periodic closures. 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 is not permitted.
	No horseback riding.
	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. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
	No wildlife viewing opportunities.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	This park is closed to hunting.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.