This area was identified for protection in the Clayoquot Sound Land-Use Decision.
Flores Island is one of the most popular destinations in Clayoquot Sound. Here, visitors can enjoy hiking, whale watching, fishing, kayaking, beach camping and more. This vast, untamed wilderness area protects undisturbed watersheds with old-growth forest stands of Sitka spruce, as well as representative coastal and marine ecosystems, including excellent spawning conditions for coho salmon, exposed rocky coasts, sandstone reefs, beaches, sheltered channels and bays, fast narrows, mudflats and shallow banks.
One of the main attractions of Flores Island is the “Walk the Wild Side Trail,” a route that extends 10 km from the village of Ahousat to Cow Bay. First Nation peoples have used this route for centuries to reach the wild beaches on the west side of the island, and this vital circuit can now be explored by park visitors. Most of the route follows sandy beaches, and trails cut across headlands to join with the next beach. Muddy and slippery sections are present on this route, at this time.
The park offers excellent opportunities to see Gray whales, who pass by the Island in their annual migration from Baja California to Alaska. Seasonally resident Gray whales also use the bays for feeding during the summer. Visitors come from around the world to see the whales and kayak the waters in Clayoquot Sound, and a trip to the area would not be complete without discovering all that beautiful Flores Island has to offer.
It is imperative that park visitors going to Flores Island:
There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities other than a pit toilet are provided. Please practice “ Leave No Trace” camping ethics. Flores Island is accessible year-round; there is no winter camping fee at this time.
This park has a trail called the “Walk the Wild Side” trail. This route extends 10 km from Ahousat to Cow Bay; most of the route follows sandy beaches. Trails cut across headlands to join with the next beach. At this time, muddy and slippery sections are present on this route. The trail is best accessed from the village of Ahousaht. Water taxis to Ahousaht generally depart from the 1st Street dock in Tofino. 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.
Please note: Hiking to Mt. Flores is not recommended
– the old route to Mt. Flores is not marked, very rough, and difficult to locate.
The waters of Clayoquot Sound may contain a variety of fish species, including salmon, rockfish, halibut and lingcod. 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.
Gray whales can be encountered at any time during the summer, particularly in Cow Bay. This park also offers opportunities to view seals, sea lions, Bald eagles and a variety of seabirds.
Note: Please abide to current Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Marine Viewing Guidelines when viewing marine wildlife in BC Parks.
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. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with wolves, bears and cougars.
There have been incidents involving wolves killing dogs in this park. BC Parks is strongly advising park visitors to not bring their dogs to the park.
Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to current printed Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
Flores Island is located in the central portion of Clayoquot Sound, north of Tofino on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. This park includes the western and southern parts of Flores Island, and is accessible only by boat from Tofino. Boaters can reference marine chart #3674 and #3673 for more information on this area. Water taxis from Tofino and Hot Springs Village offeraccess to the park via the Village of Ahousaht. Nearby communities include: Tofino, Ahousat and Hotsprings Village.
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.