Catala Island Marine Park

Highlights in this park

Sea kayaking, boating and wilderness camping are the main attractions for visitors to Catala Island Marine Park, located in Esperanza Inlet on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, between Nootka Sound and Kyuquot Sound.

The park encompasses numerous reefs, islets and marine ecosystems as well as a lake, bog area and rugged shoreline, all of which provide ample opportunities for exploration. Rustic trails lead to the lake and bog in the center of the island, which features tall trees twisted by the fierce winds coming off the Pacific Ocean. This forest forms a ragged backdrop to the island’s smooth, sandy beaches.

The Rolling Roadstead anchorage of Catala Island is good in calm weather, but when the winds pick up boaters here will be subjected to a constant and steady swell from the Pacific. Nearby Queen Cove off Esperanza Inlet on Vancouver Island provides more sheltered overnight anchorage.

Access to the park is by boat from the towns of Tahsis and Zeballos. 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.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Bring your own drinking 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

Catala Island is located in Esperanza Inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Access is gained via kayak or power boat. The closest boat launch is in Zeballos, although Tahsis and Gold River are also used. A water taxi service is available from these communities, which will transport visitors and kayaks to the Island. Boaters can reference marine chart #3662 and #3663 for more information about this area.

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There is one wilderness, user-maintained beach camping area on the peninsula at Rolling Roadstead. A pit toilet is located at this location.

Other good camping areas can be found in the vicinity of the Twin Islands. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics. This park is accessible year-round and there is no winter camping fee.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Winter camping

Other good camping areas can be found in the vicinity of the Twin Islands. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics. This park is accessible year-round and there is no winter camping fee.

Things to do

Swimming

There is ocean swimming.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park for more experienced paddlers.

Little Espinosa Inlet on Vancouver Island (located on the road to Fair Harbour from Zeballos) is the nearest put in point for kayakers. Paddlers should be aware of exposed west coast paddling dangers, such as high winds, tidal currents and exposed rocks.

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.

Fishing

There are opportunities for salt water fishing within this park. Species include a variety of salmon and rockfish. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations.

All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

Visitors to Catala Island Marine Park 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.

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

This area offers excellent cold water scuba diving opportunities. Special features include reefs and sea caves.

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 for closures and regulations.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Facilities

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.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has one pit toilet, located near the camping area on the peninsula at Rolling Roadstead.

About this park

Cultural heritage

This park involves areas with important significance to First Nations. An Indian Reserve is situated at the extreme eastern tip of Catala Island. Access to this area is prohibited. Please do not trespass on reserve lands.

Conservation

Catala Island Park protects numerous reefs, sea caves, islands, islets, and marine ecosystems. Catala Island itself is forested with mature trees, twisted and stunted from the wind. A lake, bog area and unique spit can also be found in the park.

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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