Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Clayoquot Arm Provincial 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 – a 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.
There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided and there is no fee. This park is open year-round; there is no fee for winter backcountry camping. Please practice “ Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
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.
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.
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.