Sea to Sky. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Special notes
- To help preserve the natural values in this park, please do not discharge sewage in anchorages, but keep sewage contained in holding tanks while at anchor.
- A Desolation Sound Parks backcountry registration is valid for overnight use in the Copeland Islands, Malaspina, Roscoe Bay, and Desolation Sound Marine Parks.
- Most kayaker and boaters launch their vessels and start their adventure from either Lund Harbour or Okeover Harbour Government Dock to access the Desolation Sound Parks. Many boaters will arrive by boat from Georgia Strait.
Kayak Rentals and Guided Tours: There are several kayak rentals available in the Powell River and the Lund area. There are several guided kayak tours available. All guided visitors are required to pay overnight camping fees, in addition to any guiding fees. Please discuss with your guide outfitter prior to your trip.
Parking: There is limited free parking near to Okeover Park and boat launch. Private pay parking is also available in Lund Harbour.
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
Copeland Islands Marine Park is accessible only by boat and located northwest of Lund (20km north of Powell River) just off the Malaspina Peninsula and southwest of Bliss Landing. The community of Lund is located a short distance from the park by water. Lund supports a hotel and pub, bakery, fuel, general store, marine ways, marine mechanical facilities and kayak rentals.
Camping
Marine-accessible camping
There are 11 designated campsites [PDF] throughout Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands and Malaspina Marine Parks. There is an average of nine tent pads at each site. These three parks are grouped together for the backcountry registration system and described as Desolation Sound Parks .
For details about these campsites, including campsite maps, access descriptions, facilities and features, see Desolation Sound Marine Park: Backcountry camping.
- Camping is only permitted in designated campsites.
- Campers must use tent pads, please prevent erosion by placing tents, and other equipment on the tent pads.
- Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis. Please do not hold sites for other parties.
- Campfires are not permitted throughout the marine parks.
- These parks protect very sensitive ecosystem values. Please stay on designated routes to avoid causing damage to these park values.
Get a Backcountry Permit for Desolation Sound
The BC Parks reservations system allows you to purchase a backcountry camping permit before leaving home. Although the system does not reserve a campsite, the system provides visitors the convenience of prepaying for their trip and not having to carry cash. We encourage all visitors to register online so we can reduce the need to collect fees in the field.
If the online system is not available to you then you can pay with cash at Okeover Park or Lund Harbour. Look for the registration information at the BC Parks kiosks.
Okeover Park is located next to the Okeover Harbour Government Dock. There are 21 vehicle-access campsites at Okeover Park. Many people will camp at Okeover Park and get an early start the next day to explore the Desolation Sound Parks. There is a campground attendant at Okeover Park.
When visiting marine-accessible sites, be respectful of the sensitive wildlife habitats, and learn how to stay safe using our marine visitor guide.
Marine-accessible campgrounds
Things to do
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Tidal fishing is available. Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. 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.
Facilities
Pit toilets are located at Grace Harbor, Tenedos Bay, Curme Islands, Bold Head, Hare Point, Feather Cove, Copeland Islands, and Melanie Cove. There are no flush toilets.
Many of the outhouses throughout Desolation Sound are an open-air-privy design. This simple outhouse design is a cost effective way of providing a sanitary camping experience. While the open-air-privy design experience may be slightly more adventurous than the traditional outhouse building, it will also provide a much more pleasant view and allow for a fresh air experience. Please bring your own toilet paper.
Please note that all outhouses in Desolation Sound have above ground pump out tanks. Due to the shallow soils and potential for exposing cultural features buried in the ground, digging traditional outhouse holes is not possible. Please do not put garbage in the outhouse tanks! It is very costly to pump out tanks, so please only human waste in the tanks.
About this park
Copeland Islands Marine Park was named after Joe Copeland, a veteran of the American civil war, who eventually settled in the area.
Sea Lions, deer, porpoises, killer whales and bald eagles can all bee viewed from this park. While diving, you may see cod, salmon and giant oysters.
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.
Contact
| Park operator | This park is operated by RLC Park Services. |
|---|---|
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
