With its long, narrow sheltered inlet, Háthayim Marine Provincial Park in the Discovery Islands is a popular anchorage for recreational boaters. Located on the northwestern tip of Cortes Island, the inlet can be entered from northern Sutil Channel.
This undeveloped marine wilderness park encompasses lakes, estuaries, a saltwater lagoon and the old-growth forest Coast-Salish First nations call “Háthayim”. Wilderness camping is permitted and the area is popular with cruising boats seeking remote tranquility in this beautiful area. The park features a number of secure anchorages providing protection from the elements. Von Donop Inlet is located at the southern terminus of the scenic Inside Passage. This mostly sheltered route has been popular with boaters for thousands of years. Today, yachts and kayaks have replaced hand trollers and dugout canoes as the methods of travel through the western route of Discovery Channel, where Ripple Rock made passage sometimes treacherous, or through the eastern approach through Yuculta Rapids.
Opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, hiking and exploration exist in this rugged park, which features reversing tidal rapids, steep-sided fjords and tidal flats within its boundaries.
There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided. This park is accessible year-round; there is no winter camping fee. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
One pit toilet is located at the far end of the bay.
While small fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you do have a fire, please utilize previously constructed fire rings and use small pieces of wood that will burn completely. If you can’t find a previously used site, try to construct your fire rings below the high tide mark. Never leave your fire unattended and practice “ Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
There are no designated trails at this park however a rough route does exist from the bay to Squirrel Cove, outside of the park (approximately 5 km).
There is no designated swimming area at this park however there are opportunities for ocean swimming. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
The sheltered waters in this park offer good canoeing and kayaking opportunities.
This park offers opportunities for ocean fishing. 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.
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Háthayim Marine Provincial Park [a.k.a. Von Donop 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.
Háthayim Marine Provincial Park is located at the northwest tip of Cortes Island, east of Campbell River on central Vancouver Island. Access to the park is by boat only, via Sutil Channel. Boaters can reference marine chart #3538 for more information on this area. Nearby communties inlcude: Cortes Island, Quadra Island, Squirrel Cove, Whaletown, Campbell River.
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.