Lower Mainland. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- Be aware there is a “boil water advisory” in effect at this park for the operational season, mid-May to mid-September.
Special notes
- Plumper Cove Marine Park is open year-round with minimal servicing in winter months.
- There are no garbage facilities in the park, so always pack out what you pack in.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
This park is located on the western shore of Keats Island, across the Shoal Channel from Gibsons. There are many floats and mooring buoys along with lots of room for anchorage.
Camping
Marine-accessible camping
This park does not have a boat launch. There are eight mooring buoys and six dock mooring slips. A rocky patch at a depth of about half a metre chart datum is situated about 25 m off the end of the central mooring float. There is no garbage service.
The campsites are marine access only. There are 20 packed dirt and gravel campsites. Facilities include four pit toilets and a drinking water handpump.
Park visitors may access these sites by ferry and hiking in. The island is serviced by BC Ferries from the Langdale terminal to Keats Landing. From the wharf at Keats Landing, follow the gravel road past Keats Camp towards Eastbourne until you reach an older BC Hydro building.
There is a small trailhead just past the building. Follow the yellow markers to the marine park. The hike is along a well established 3 km trail leading northwards to the park. With minimal gear, this hike takes approximately forty minutes. Please respect all private landowner signage. There is no garbage service therefore you must pack out your own garbage.
| Marine-accessible camping fee | $16 per party per night |
| Dock use fee | $2 per metre per night |
| Mooring (to buoy) fee | $12 per vessel per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
When visiting marine-accessible sites, be respectful of the sensitive wildlife habitats, and learn how to stay safe using our marine visitor guide.
Marine-accessible campgrounds
Winter camping
Winter camping is permitted in this park, but campsites have limited services. The water handpump is not available in winter months (mid September to mid May), so visitors must bring their own water.
Things to do
There is a 3 km trail that leads to the Keats Landing foot ferry terminal and a 1 km loop trail around the park.
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.
There is ocean swimming available. The water is cold and the beach is mostly pebbles with some sandy areas. Be aware of changing tides and and that there are no roped off swimming areas.
This area is very busy with power boats. Swimming and diving from the wharf is not permitted.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park. Kayakers will often access this park from Horseshoe Bay and the Sunshine Coast. There is camping that can be accessed by boat. The nearest kayak and canoe rentals are in Gibsons.
There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park. Kayakers will often access this park from Horseshoe Bay and the Sunshine Coast. There is camping that can be accessed by boat. The nearest kayak and canoe rentals are in Gibsons.
Tidal water fishing is available here.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
Cycling is permitted on trails. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Plumper Cove Marine Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Facilities
Firewood can be purchased from the park operator in some parks or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, collection of wood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park including the foreshore is prohibited. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
Plumper Cove dock
This park has a dock.
Plumper Cove mooring buoy
This park has mooring buoys.
Plumper Cove group picnic area
This park has a day-use and picnic area. There are pit toilets available. There are no covered shelters or change houses. There is a grassy area. Most picnic tables have barbeque attachments, bring your own briquettes. Dogs are permitted on the beach but must be on a leash. Group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
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| Park operator | This park is operated by Swens Contracting. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
