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Advisories

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Backcountry camping

Backcountry camping is allowed. There is one user maintained camping area at Charlie’s Beach on Bligh Island, opposite Clotchman Island. Facilities include a pit toilet and open camping sites. 

Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed. There are numerous other undeveloped wilderness sites in the Spanish Pilot Group of Islands. No facilities are provided in these areas and no fee is charged. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

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Campfires

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” camping ethics.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has one pit toilet located at Charlie’s Beach.

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Canoeing

The protected waters of the Spanish Pilot Group make for excellent paddling opportunities. Bligh Island is a popular destination for paddlers, who are likely to catch glimpses of a variety of marine mammals and waterfowl as they make their way through Nootka Sound. Paddlers can set in at boat launches in Nootka Sound. Tuta Marina and Cougar Creek are the most accessible boat launches for paddlers.

Kayaking

The protected waters of the Spanish Pilot Group make for excellent paddling opportunities. Bligh Island is a popular destination for paddlers, who are likely to catch glimpses of a variety of marine mammals and waterfowl as they make their way through Nootka Sound. Paddlers can set in at boat launches in Nootka Sound. Tuta Marina and Cougar Creek are the most accessible boat launches for paddlers.

Kayakers wishing to explore this remote region can book space for themselves and their kayak aboard the MV Uchuck lll, departing from Gold River and Tahsis. The vessel will unload kayakers into the scenic area of Catala Island en route to its scheduled stop at Kyuquot in Kyuquot Sound.

A kayak operator on Bligh Island outside of the park offers rentals, tours and accommodations. A number of commercial kayak operators in the area and on Vancouver Island also offer services to the park.

Fishing

Nootka Sound is one of the more popular salt-water sports fishing destinations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Bligh Island offers anglers protected waters and beaches, and the opportunity to catch Chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon, and a variety of rockfish. Numerous float lodges and camps in Nootka Sound offer fishing opportunities as well. 

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.

Wildlife viewing

Visitors to Bligh Island and Nootka Sound are likely to spot a variety of marine life, including gray whales, killer whales, seals, sea lions and sea otters, as well as waterfowl, bald eagles, black bears, wolves and deer. 

Bligh Island also features a windswept west coast rainforest, with old-growth Douglas fir, western hemlock, western red cedar and Sitka spruce.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be under control at all times. 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.

Scuba diving

The waters of Nootka Sound offer excellent cold water scuba diving opportunities.

Hunting

Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.