Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park

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.

Stay Safe

• Bears, wolves and cougars may be present anywhere in the Sound. Avoid bringing pets into the park and keep young children close.
• This park is a wilderness area that is not regularly serviced or patrolled. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping. Good quality rain gear is essential, even in the summer. Bring emergency equipment and spare clothing.
• Access to this park is by active logging roads. The chance of encountering loaded logging trucks while traveling these roads is highly likely. Logging trucks have the right of way at all times. Drivers should use caution and yield to logging trucks; use pullouts whenever possible.

• Park Area Map [PDF]
• Clayoquot Area Brochure and Map [PDF 2.23MB]

• Cultural Heritage - This area has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation peoples. In the 1900s, settlers came to the area and fishing and logging became viable industries. Today, tourism is strong, encompassing wildlife viewing, sports fishing, kayaking, wilderness camping and other activities. The connection of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples to this land is a vital, driving force, and it is equally important for visitors to respect this connection. Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park is in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Access to Indian Reserves is prohibited unless prior permission has been granted from the band office.
• Conservation - The park contains rare old-growth forests of Sitka spruce in the Clayoquot Lake and lower Clayoquot River areas, and excellent sockeye salmon spawning conditions in the Clayoquot River and along the shores of Clayoquot Arm. An unusual phenomenon occurs in Clayoquot Arm where sockeye salmon spawn 20 meters below the surface. Unique flora and fauna, pristine old-growth forests, secluded sandy beaches, uninhabited islets and a fresh water lake can all be found here. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage, please don’t damage or remove them
• Wildlife - Black bears, wolves and cougars may be present anywhere in the park. Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife.
  • Information on bear safety
  • Information on wolf safety
  • General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

• Management Planning Information
• Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF] for Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park

Canoeing

Fishing

Hunting

Swimming

Waterskiing

Wildlife Viewing

Windsurfing

Boat Launch

Campfires

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping