Boyle Point Park | BC Parks

Highlights in this park

Boyle Point, a small day-use park, is located on the southern point of Denman Island off central Vancouver Island.

A forested trail leads through the park’s second-growth forest to the viewpoints, where visitors will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Baynes Sound and the Chrome Island Lighthouse. Seals and sea lions can be spotted off the point, as well as bald eagles, osprey and a variety of seabirds.

In 2013, 52 hectares were added to protect forest that has never been logged. The forests contain some of the Denman Island’s oldest and largest Douglas fir, hemlock and Western cedar trees. The addition also contains unique rock meadows and wetland areas.

This park operates on a “user-maintained” basis. Services and facilities differ from those offered in other BC Parks.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

There are several cliff areas in the park. Please take care when walking in these areas.
Bring your own water as potable water is not available in the park.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

Boyle Point is located on Denman Island. Take the Denman Island Ferry from Buckley Bay, off Hwy 19a on central Vancouver Island. Take the Buckley Bay exit 101 from Hwy 19. Once on the island, follow Denman Road to the Hornby Island Ferry terminal, turn right and follow East Road to the park.

Nearby communities include Fanny Bay and Comox Valley.

Things to do

Hiking

One hiking trail leads from the parking lot to the viewpoint. This trail is approximately 1.5 km one way with an average walking time is 25 minutes. The viewpoint at the end of the trail offers spectacular views of Baynes Sound and the Chrome Island Lighthouse. Seals, sea lions, bald eagles, osprey and a variety of seabirds can also be spotted in this area.

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. Please use caution around cliff areas along the trail.

Wildlife viewing

A viewpoint is located approximately 1.5 km from the parking lot at the end of the trail at Boyle Point. Visitors will be rewarded with spectacular views of Baynes Sound and the Chrome Island Lighthouse. From here, it is also possible to see seals and sea lions, bald eagles, osprey and a variety of seabirds.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and 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.

Cycling

Cycling is permitted on roadways only. A bike rack is located at the parking lot. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Boyle Point Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Facilities

Picnic areas

There is a bench at the viewpoint and an open area suitable for picnicking. A pit toilet, information shelter and bike rack are located at the parking lot.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has one pit toilet, located at the parking lot.

About this park

Wildlife

California and Steller’s sea lions come to the area around Boyle Point to feed on huge schools of herring found in Baynes Sound during the winter. Visitors can often see bald eagles and osprey from the viewpoints, as well as a variety of other sea and shore birds.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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