Park overview
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Clayoquot Arm Park encompasses the lower Clayoquot River, Clayoquot Lake and the forested slopes northwest of the Clayoquot Arm of Kennedy Lake. The park protects rare old-growth forests of Sitka spruce, the tenacious conifer able to grow in salty, magnesium-rich soils where most other seedlings die.
Unique flora and fauna, pristine old-growth forests, secluded sandy beaches, uninhabited islets, First Nations cultural sites and a fresh water lake can all be found in the park, which is accessed by boat, canoe, or kayak from Kennedy Lake. Clayoquot Arm Park offers many recreational opportunities, including hiking and wilderness camping along the shores of Kennedy Lake, the largest body of fresh water on Vancouver Island.
Visitors to this park can fish for cutthroat trout, canoe or kayak paddle along the scenic shoreline or observe wildlife in its natural habitat. An unusual phenomenon occurs in Clayoquot Arm. Sockeye salmon spawn 20 metres below the water surface making for a great viewing opportunity.
Advisories
Safety info
- Bears, wolves and cougars may be present anywhere in the Sound. Avoid bringing pets into the park and keep young children close.
- This park is a wilderness area that is not regularly serviced or patrolled. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping. Good quality rain gear is essential, even in the summer. Bring emergency equipment and spare clothing.
- Access to this park is by active logging roads. The chance of encountering loaded logging trucks while traveling these roads is highly likely. Logging trucks have the right of way at all times. Drivers should use caution and yield to logging trucks. Use pullouts whenever possible.
Camping
There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
This park is open year-round. There is no fee for winter backcountry camping.
Facilities
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Use of chainsaws is not permitted. If you must use a campfire, please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Activities
There are opportunities for fresh water fishing on Kennedy Lake, which is known to contain cutthroat trout. 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 or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Opportunities for waterskiing exist at this park via a boat launch located at Kennedy Lake Park.
Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to current printed Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
The park is situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island and encompasses the lower Clayoquot River, Clayoquot Lake and the forested slopes northwest of the Clayoquot Arm of Kennedy Lake. Access to the park is by boat, canoe, or kayak, from the Clayoquot Arm Bridge on Kennedy Lake, off Highway 4 going north on West Main logging road.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 3,491 hectares
Nature and culture
Cultural Heritage
This area has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation peoples. In the 1900s, settlers came to the area and fishing and logging became viable industries. Today, tourism is strong, encompassing wildlife viewing, sports fishing, kayaking, wilderness camping and other activities. The connection of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples to this land is a vital, driving force, and it is equally important for visitors to respect this connection. Clayoquot Arm Park is in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Access to Indian Reserves is prohibited unless prior permission has been granted from the band office.
Conservation
The park contains rare old-growth forests of Sitka spruce in the Clayoquot Lake and lower Clayoquot River areas, and excellent sockeye salmon spawning conditions in the Clayoquot River and along the shores of Clayoquot Arm. An unusual phenomenon occurs in Clayoquot Arm where sockeye salmon spawn 20 meters below the surface. Unique flora and fauna, pristine old-growth forests, secluded sandy beaches, uninhabited islets and a fresh water lake can all be found here. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage, please don’t damage or remove them
Wildlife
Black bears, wolves and cougars may be present anywhere in the park. Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife.
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.