Conservancy overview
Cetan/Thurston Bay Conservancy was designated in 2007 and is adjacent to Thurston Bay Marine Park. It is located on the northwest side of Sonora Island in Johnstone Strait. Cetan/Thurston Bay Conservancy connects the two separate portions of Thurston Bay Marine Park and provides additional sheltered anchorage and recreational opportunities for boaters traveling the popular Inside Passage.
Access to the Conservancy is by boat, kayak or canoe only. There are no developed facilities in the Conservancy, although random camping is allowed. Visitors can go swimming, fishing, hiking or paddling, or explore the small, pretty beaches dotting the rocky shoreline. An unmaintained trail leads to Florence Lake, ideal for peaceful swimming, fishing and paddling.
Advisories
Camping
There are no designated campsites at this conservancy, however random wilderness kayak or canoe camping is allowed. No facilities are provided and there is no fee. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics. This conservancy is accessible year-round.
Facilities
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”.
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.
Activities
Ocean swimming is available. There is no designated swimming area at Cetan/Thurston Bay Conservancy.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this conservancy. Paddlers can explore Cameleon Harbour, Handfield Bay, Block Island and Anchorage Lagoon, as well as a number of other interesting islets and coves in and around Cetan/Thurston Bay Conservancy and Thurston Bay Park. Paddlers can also head to Florence Lake.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this conservancy. Paddlers can explore Cameleon Harbour, Handfield Bay, Block Island and Anchorage Lagoon, as well as a number of other interesting islets and coves in and around Cetan/Thurston Bay Conservancy and Thurston Bay Park. Paddlers can also head to Florence Lake.
Various species of salmon and rock fish can be found in the waters around Thurston Bay. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations.
Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park and fishing activities are limited. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Cetan/Thurston Bay Conservancy is open to hunting for waterfowl only. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
Cetan/Thurston Bay Conservancy is located on the northwest side of Sonora Island, in Johnstone Strait off the east coast of central Vancouver Island. This park is accessible by boat only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3539 and #3543 from more information on this area.
The closest city is Campbell River which is about one hour away by water taxi.
Learn more about this conservancy
Conservancy details
- Date established: May 22, 2007
- Size: 230 hectares
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.