In This Park

Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

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Park Contact

This park proudly operated by:
Swens Contracting
info.scparks@gmail.com
604 885-3714
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.

Plumper Cove Marine Provincial Park

About This Park

Plumper Cove Marine Provincial Park

A snug anchorage on the northwest side of Keats Island.

Accessible by passenger ferry from Langdale to Keats Landing and a 2 km walk to the park. A developed area with forested walk-in campsites, fire rings, water and a trail system.

Marine facilities include a wharf and mooring buoys; small boats may be pulled up on the shore. The pebble beach is great for swimming and picnicking.

Observatory Point provides views of Howe Sound and the town of Gibsons.

Established Date: February 22, 1960
Park Size: 66 hectares (33 hectares of upland and 33 hectares of foreshore)

Know Before You Go

Stay Safe

  • 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.

Reservations

Reservations are not accepted for individual campsites at this park. However, reservations can be made for the group picnic site through Discover Camping. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

Make A Reservation

Campsite Reservations

All campsites are currently first-come, first-served, reservations are not accepted.

Group Picnic Reservations

Group picnicking reservations are accepted at this park.

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. 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.

Management Planning

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

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 kayak/canoe accessed camping. The nearest kayak/canoe rentals are in Gibsons.
Cycling

Cycling

Cycling is permitted on trails. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing

Fishing

Tidal water fishing is available. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking

Hiking

There is a 3 kilometre trail that leads to the Keats Landing foot ferry terminal and a one kilometre 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.
Pets on Leash

Pets on Leash

Pets/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 wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Swimming

Swimming

There is ocean swimming available. The water is cold and there are no roped off swimming areas. The beach is mostly pebbles with some sandy areas. Be aware of changing tides. This area is very busy with power boats. Swimming / diving from the wharf is not permitted. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Winter Recreation

Winter Recreation

Winter camping is permitted in this park, but campsites have limited services.

Facilities Available at this Park

Campfires

Campfires

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. 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. 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.
Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/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.
Group Picnicking Fee: $50.00 per group
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park has two pit toilets in the campground and two in the day-use area.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Walk-In/Wilderness 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 0.5 metres below chart datum is situated about 25 metres 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. Facilites 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 buiding.

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 kilometre 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.

Walk/Cycle-in Frontcountry Camping Fee: $16.00 per party / night
Dock Facilities Use Fee: $2.00 per metre / night
Mooring (to buoy) Fee: $12.00 per vessel / night
Winter Camping

Winter Camping

Winter camping is permitted in this park, but campsites have limited services. Water handpump is not available in winter months (mid September to mid May), so visitors must bring their own water.