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Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
Smoking is prohibited
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Date Established: 1980
Size: 220 hectares
Race Rocks - Ecological Reserve

Purpose

Ecological Reserves are areas in British Columbia selected to preserve representative and special natural ecosystems, plant and animal species, features, and phenomena. Ecological Reserves provide the highest level of protection for the maintenance of physical and biological diversity while allowing for research and educational activities. More information on Ecological Reserves »

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established to protect intertidal and subtidal communities that are extremely rich as a result of strong tidal currents. Please enjoy a virtual visit to Race Rocks.

Detailed Ecological Reserve Description

BC Parks has created a detailed description of each Ecological Reserve to support current or potential education and research. Each account includes physical, biological, and cultural information as well as management concerns regarding the Ecological Reserve, with references to supporting documents where available. Additional documents may also be made available, upon request.

Detailed Description

Supporting Documents [pdf]

Restrictions

Ecological reserves are not created for outdoor recreation. Most ecological reserves, however, are open to the public for non-destructive pursuits like hiking, nature observation and photography. Consumptive activities like hunting, freshwater fishing, camping, livestock grazing, removal of materials, plants or animals are prohibited by regulation in ecological reserves. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. Research and educational activities may be carried out but only under permit.

Special Restrictions:
Landing on islands including Great Race Rock within Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, Marine Protected Area is restricted to scientific and educational purposes and matters related to ecological reserve management only. Permission to land is required. The marine area of the ecological reserve has dual designation as a Federal Oceans Act Marine Protected Area.

Federal fisheries restrictions specific to Race Rocks Marine Protected Area are in effect. For more information check with Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO.

Location and Maps

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

In the Strait of Juan de Fuca, 17 km SW of Victoria, 1.5 km off the extreme southern tip of Vancouver Island

Management Planning

Management Planning Information
  • Approved Management Plan [PDF] for Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is available in pdf format.