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Advisories

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Marine-accessible camping

There are several wilderness campsites in Cormorant Channel Marine Park, accessible by kayak or boat, however no facilities are provided.

Campfires

While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you must use a campfire, please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

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Swimming

Ocean swimming. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. No designated swimming areas.

Canoeing

Sea kayaking is very popular in the boundaries of Cormorant Channel, which is part of the extremely popular Johnstone Strait sea kayaking circuit. Paddlers in the park have outstanding opportunities for whale watching and marine mammal viewing. This park also provides a corridor between Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound.

There are several good camping areas for paddlers wanting to camp overnight in Cormorant Channel. Most of these are in the Pearse Islands in the western part of the park.

A number of commercial companies in Telegraph Cove, Alder Bay, Port McNeill and Port Hardy offers kayak and canoe rentals.

Kayaking

Sea kayaking is very popular in the boundaries of Cormorant Channel, which is part of the extremely popular Johnstone Strait sea kayaking circuit. Paddlers in the park have outstanding opportunities for whale watching and marine mammal viewing. This park also provides a corridor between Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound.

There are several good camping areas for paddlers wanting to camp overnight in Cormorant Channel. Most of these are in the Pearse Islands in the western part of the park.

A number of commercial companies in Telegraph Cove, Alder Bay, Port McNeill and Port Hardy offers kayak and canoe rentals.

Fishing

The salt water fishing around Cormorant Channel is excellent and includes all species of salmon as well as halibut and rockfish, however a year-round rockfish closure is in place around Stubbs Island. Fishing is best during the summer months. A number of professional charter companies and fishing lodges are available for guiding in the area.

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 or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing

Cormorant Channel is part of the core habitat of the northern resident Orca (killer whale) population. As such, it is one of the best places in the world to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. A number of whale watching companies in the area offer tours into Cormorant Channel.

Scuba diving

The wildlife-rich waters of Cormorant Channel offer world class scuba diving opportunities. Rentals and tours can be found from dive shops in Port Hardy and Port McNeill.