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Broughton Archipelago Provincial Park
Attention Visitors – Important Notice!
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Increased grizzly bear activity in area
BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) has received increased reports of grizzly bear activity and presence within Broughton Archipelago Provincial Park and Broughton Archipelago Provincial Conservancy. Areas of particular reporting have been around Swanson Island, Flower Island, Crease Island, and the Village Channel corridor. Report encounters to COS 1-877-952-RAPP (Cellular Dial: #7277 Telus Network).
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Aggressive harbour seal in the Canoe Islets area
BC Parks has received a report of a harbour seal attacking a group of sea kayakers in the vicinity of Canoe Islets (just to the West of Cedar Island). Though harbour seal attacks do occur, this is not seen as typical behaviour, but does happen from time to time.
All visitors to Broughton Archipelago area should be mindful of this event. Larger group sizes may be advantageous. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) recommends you move away slowly at the first sign of disturbance or agitation. If the animal starts to stare, fidget or dive into the water, you’re too close. For emergencies involving marine animals, please contact DFO 1 800 465-4336.
About This Park
Broughton Archipelago Park, B.C.’s largest marine park, consists of a wonderful collection of dozens of undeveloped islands and islets situated at the mouth of Knight Inlet on the west side of Queen Charlotte Strait near the north end of Vancouver Island.
Established in 1992, Broughton Archipelago Park offers excellent boating, kayaking and wildlife viewing opportunities. A multitude of islands provides park visitors sheltered waters and anchorages with a backdrop of the magnificent coastal mountains to the east and the waters of Queen Charlotte Strait to the west. These islands have been utilized by First Nation peoples for generations and there is ample evidence of their extensive use of the area. Kayakers and boaters can easily “discover” white midden beaches, culturally modified trees, clam “terraces” and even a petroglyph while exploring the park.
This park is extremely popular with sea kayakers from around the world. Most kayakers prefer the southern portion of the park, though increasing numbers are starting to discover the beauty of the northern islands and their protected waterways.
Please remember to practise “Leave No Trace” ethics when visiting this park.
Established Date: September 16, 1992
Park Size: 11,751 hectares (2,061 ha of upland and 9,690 ha of foreshore)
Know Before You Go
Stay Safe
- Black bears occasionally travel through this chain of islands, so using good bear sense is essential.
- There are no developed trails in the park.
- Fresh water is very difficult to come across in the Broughton Archipelago, so be sure to bring all that you require. Any surface water you may find in the park must be well boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
- Boaters should be aware that there are no moorage buoys within the park, though there are a number of good anchorages, depending on the weather. Strong winds and rough waters can pick up quite suddenly so boaters should always be aware of weather changes. Dense fog can also be very common in this region during the summer months. All boaters should be aware of tide changes and carry the correct nautical charts.
Location and Maps
Nature and Culture
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
- Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF] for Broughton Archipelago Park
Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing
Most kayakers launch at Telegraph Cove or Alder Bay, though the use of water taxis is becoming more and more popular as a method of quickly reaching the park. There are many commercial kayaking companies working in and around the park and the use of commercial mother-ships is becoming more common. Kayakers should be aware that winds can pick up quickly in this area, as can rough water, so mariners should always practice caution.
Kayakers should always take the ebb and flow of tides into consideration and be prepared for heavy fog at any time.
Paddlers who put in at Alder Bay or Telegraph Cove should remember that these are extremely busy shipping lanes and should time their crossings with extreme caution.

Fishing
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.
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.

Pets on Leash

Winter Recreation
Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch
The protected waters of the Broughton Archipelago are still relatively undiscovered by most power cruisers or sailing vessels, however many of the waterways provide deep enough draught to allow the passage of larger watercraft. These vessels can find all-weather anchorages as well as temporary anchorages, however there are no formal moorage buoys within the park. Yachters can spend several days or longer meandering through the islands of this spectacular marine park.

Campfires

Pit or Flush Toilets

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Most of these wilderness sites are only big enough for one or two tents and range from flat rock outcroppings to a level bench situated amongst the trees. Since fresh water is very difficult to come across, be sure to bring all that you require. Remember to practice “Leave No Trace” camping methods to help ensure that those who follow you also get the opportunity to enjoy an unspoiled wilderness experience.