Park overview
Homathko Estuary Park was established as a park in 1997. The primary purpose of this park is to protect the conservation values of a Pacific Coast estuary.
There are minimal recreational opportunities at this park due to difficult access and lack of facilities, although beach walking and exploring are possible during low tide, and there are a few opportunities to view wildlife. The park is known to be a popular location for grizzly bear. Hiking is not encouraged within the estuary.
Advisories
Safety info
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available at the park.
- Campfires are not permitted.
- There are no developed trails at this park.
Activities
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. There are no facilities in this park at all, and it is a true wilderness situation. Due to the remoteness, paddlers should have a high degree of experience and competence, as well they should be completely self-sufficient.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. There are no facilities in this park at all, and it is a true wilderness situation. Due to the remoteness, paddlers should have a high degree of experience and competence, as well they should be completely self-sufficient.
Tidal water fishing opportunities are available.
Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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.
Homathko Estuary Park lies 220 km northwest of Vancouver, at the head of Bute Inlet. There is boat access via Bute Inlet to Waddington Harbour; however, moorage facilities do not exist at this park and moorage near the park may be difficult due to extensive mud flats and shallow water.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 28, 1997
- Size: 450 hectares (234 ha upland and 216 ha foreshore)
Nature and culture
History
Historically, during the early 1900’s, the estuary was harvested primarily for the Black Cottonwood and other hardwoods that grow on valley bottom floodplains:
Cultural Heritage
This park is within the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nation.
Conservation
The park borders approximately 1 km of the east side of the Homathko River and encompasses about the lower 500 metres of the Teaquahan River. This park protects a portion of a coastal estuary and wetland ecosystem and contains a small area of old-growth forests. In addition, the park protects portions of important habitats for coastal wildlife, including grizzly bear, black bear, black-tailed deer, wolves, cougar, salmonids, shorebirds, raptors and waterfowl.
Wildlife
Typical of coastal estuaries, the park contains important habitat for carnivores, ungulates, raptors, shorebirds and waterfowl.
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.