Hesquiat Lake Park

Highlights in this park

This remote park on the east side of Hesquiat Lake, can only be reached by boat or float plane.

Situated in Clayoquot Sound northeast of Hesquiat Harbour on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the park protects mature forests of Western hemlock, Western red cedar and lodgepole pine.

There are no developed facilities at this rugged wilderness park, although opportunities exist for nature appreciation and backcountry lake fishing in this unspoiled area. Due to the difficult access however, this park receives few visitors.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. All surface water must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
Campfires are not permitted.
There are no developed trails in the park.

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

Hesquiat Lake Park is located in Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, north of Tofino. The park is situated on the east side of Hesquiat Lake, northeast of Hesquiat Harbour. This park is difficult to access and can only be reached by floatplane or by boat via Hesquiat Harbour. Nearby communities include Tofino, Hot Springs Village, Flores Island, Ahousat.

Things to do

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at this park.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

There are kayaking and canoeing opportunities at this park.

Kayaking

There are kayaking and canoeing opportunities at this park.

Fishing

This park offers opportunities for remote, backcountry fishing on Hesquiat Lake, however access to this lake is very difficult.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour, and must pack out and 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.

Hunting

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 BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

About this park

Conservation

Hesquiat Lake Park protects Western hemlock, Western red cedar, and lodgepole pine forests.

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.

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