In This Park

Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

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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.

Nuchatlitz Provincial Park

About This Park

Nuchatlitz Provincial Park Nuchatlitz Provincial Park encompasses the very northwest tip of Nootka Island and a large number of small island groups. This picturesque area is perfect for exploring by kayak and paddlers can enjoy meandering through these peaceful islands, pulling out at random locations to camp as they see fit. A wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts exists, including boating, sport fishing, camping and wildlife viewing within the park and its surrounding area.

The maze of islets and reefs that make up Nuchatlitz Provincial Park offer excellent opportunities to study intertidal life in the many tide pools that can be found throughout the area. These remote islands offer both exposed coast and protected waters for paddling, quiet coves and a multitude of beaches.

Location

The park is located approximately 18 km southwest of Zeballos, on the west coast of Vancouver Island between Nuchatlitz and Esperanza inlets. Access is by boat or float plane only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3676 and #3662 for more information about this area. The closest communities are Zeballos, Tahsis, Gold River and Nootka Island.

Nature and Culture

  • Cultural Heritage: The park encompasses a number of archaeological sites. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park borders a seasonally occupied First Nations village site of the same name.
  • Conservation: The park protects a great diversity of flora and fauna within an extensive range of terrestrial, intertidal and marine environments. The shoreline is an area of importance for its herring spawning values, which makes it significant for migrating Gray whales. The park also protects sea otter and Marbled Murrelet habitat and rare, red-listed marine algae. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park is an excellent place to study intertidal life, as many tide pools can be found throughout the maze of islets and reefs that make up the park.

Management Planning

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

Sea canoeing and kayaking is very popular in this area. Little Espinosa Inlet on Vancouver Island (located on the road to Fair Harbour from Zeballos) is the nearest put in point for kayakers. Other locations are available from Tahsis. A number of commercial kayak operators offer tours to this area. Paddling features include protected waters amongst the island groups, however there are some exposed west coast paddling dangers on the west side of the park, such as high winds, tidal currents and exposed rocks.
Fishing

Fishing

This area is one of the more popular salt-water sports fishing destinations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The protected waters among the island groups are home to Chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon and a variety of rockfish. Float lodges are located outside of the park throughout Esperanza Inlet and offer fishing and eco tourism opportunities. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hunting

Hunting

Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Pets on Leash

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. This area is not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with wolves and bears. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

This area offers excellent cold water scuba diving opportunities.
Swimming

Swimming

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

Wildlife Viewing

There is no viewing platform but this park offers ample opportunities for visitors to see a variety of marine life, including Grey whales, seals, sea lions and sea otters, as well as numerous birds. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park is also an excellent place to study intertidal life, as many tide pools can be found throughout the maze of islets and reefs that make up the park.

Facilities Available at this Park

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed on the northwest tip of Nootka Island and the many small island groups within the park. There are some small developed sites accessible by kayaks and smaller boats at Rosa Island. Undeveloped but useable areas are scattered throughout the island groups and on the northwest coast of Nootka Island. Pit toilets are located at Rosa Island and at some of these other sites.
Winter Camping

Winter Camping

Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed on the northwest tip of Nootka Island and the many small island groups within the park. There are some small developed sites accessible by kayaks and smaller boats at Rosa Island. Undeveloped but useable areas are scattered throughout the island groups and on the northwest coast of Nootka Island. Pit toilets are located at Rosa Island and at some of these other sites. This park is accessible year-round; there is no fee for winter camping.