In This Park

Park Contact

For information concerning the vehicle-accessible campground, contact the park caretaker at 250 338-1332.

Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park

During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Possible Fire Restriction in Effect for this Park

Find a Park Alphabetically

» Kitty Coleman Provincial Park

Kitty Coleman Provincial Park

About This Park

Situated on the south side of the Strait of Georgia, Kitty Coleman Provincial Park is a popular destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and oceanfront camping. The park protects the mature forest of Western hemlock, Western red cedar and Douglas fir in the upland portion, the estuary of Kitty Coleman Creek, and 900 metres of shoreline. Park facilities include a picnic shelter, picnic tables, pit toilets, two boat launches, several nature trails and camping for individuals and groups.

Kitty Coleman Provincial Park is classified as a Class “C” Park, whereby the park is managed by a local community board.

Special Features

The eastern portion of the park is home to a single majestic old-growth Douglas fir, estimated to be more than 500 years old. Wild onions can also be found growing throughout the area.

Park Size: 10 hectares
Date Established: November 14, 1944

Know Before You Go

The water hand pumps are under Boil Water Advisory and are to be used for extinguishing fires, only. There is potable water available at the park office.

Reservations

This Class “C” park is managed by a local community board. While no reservations are taken for individual sites, reservations are accepted for group camping or group use of the picnic area by contacting the park caretaker at 250 338-1332. Please note the telephone number for group reservations is in operation from April 16 – September 30 of each year.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

Kitty Coleman Park is located 6 kilometres northwest of Courtenay on central Vancouver Island. This park is accessed via Coleman Road off Hwy 19A, north of Courtenay. Turn on Left Road, then right on Whittaker Road until you reach the park. Nearby communities include Courtenay, Comox Valley, Merville and Campbell River.

Nature and Culture

History: The original park was donated to the settlers of Merville around 1900 and operated by the community until the 1940s, when financial difficulties led to the province assuming management responsibility. Kitty Coleman was established as a Class “C” Provincial Park in 1944, and a community park board was set up to oversee its operation.
Wildlife: The local park board has done extensive stream restoration. Kitty Coleman Creek is a sensitive habitat, home to coho and pink fry, cutthroat trout, crayfish and other marine life. Please keep to the trails along the creek. All adults, children and pets need to stay out of the creek.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information
Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Opportunities for canoeing or kayaking exist from this park.

Fishing

The waters around Kitty Coleman Park are popular for angling. Salmon and rock fish are the most available species, along with a variety of shellfish that can also be found in the area. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. 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.

Hiking

Kitty Coleman park offers a series of nature walking trails, which run through a mature forest and alongside a stream. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Wildlife Viewing

Seals, sea lions, whales, Dals porpoises, sea birds and bald eagles can all be spotted from Kitty Coleman Park. During the summer, passing cruise ships on their regular routes north and south offer a spectacular sight.

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

There are two paved boat launches located in the park. The launch fee is $45/year or $10 per daily launch.

Campfires

Campfire rings are provided at most campsites and in the group campground. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Caretaker. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

Drinking Water

The hand pumps are under Boil Water Advisory, however, there is potable water located by the park office.

Group Camping

This park has 1 group camping area that can accommodate 4 to 6 units. Group camping reservations are available from April 16 – September 30. Phone 250 338-1332 for reservations. Please note that the telephone number for group reservations is not in operation until the end of April 16 of each year.

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area with a covered picnic shelter, tables, fresh water and pit toilets.
Please note: There is no sani-station/dump in this park. The closest facility is located at Miracle Beach Provincial Park.

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park has a day-use/picnic area with a covered picnic shelter, tables, fresh water and pit toilets.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

There are 65 vehicle-accessible campsites at this park. Many of these sites overlook the beach. There is a camping fee charged and can be confirmed by contacting the park caretaker.