Jackson Narrows Marine Park

Park overview

This marine park offers anchorage, fishing and diving in an attractive little bay suitable for small boats. There is a small beach here, but no facilities. The passage is narrow at the east end with rocks and drying reefs. Navigate only at high slack.

Advisories

Facilities

Campfires

Firewood is not provided. If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to extinguish the fire fully. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

Activities

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Canoeing

Sea kayaking is possible, although access to the park is lengthy and requires experience. It would be better to use a motorboat to get to the inlet and use the kayak or canoe to explore the narrows and nearby bay.

Fishing

There is some fishing nearby for salmon and rockfish.

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 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 bears.

Scuba diving

There are scuba diving opportunities at this park.

Hunting

This park is open to hunting. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.

The park is 236 km south of Prince Rupert, at the east end of Jackson Passage as it joins Mathieson Channel. Refer to Canadian Hydrographic Charts 3734 and 3711. This park can be accessed only by boat. Klemtu is located to the west on Swindle Island, and supplies are available there. The nearest community with road access is Bella Coola.

Learn more about this park

Park details

Date established: September 16, 1992
Size: 67 hectares (38 ha upland and 29 ha foreshore)

Nature and culture

History

This park was designated in 1992.

Cultural Heritage

This park is in traditional First Nations territory.

Wildlife

As you cruise through the waters near the park, watch for orcas, Pacific white sided dolphins, seals and other marine mammals. Enjoy identifying the weird and wonderful creatures of the intertidal zone when the tide is low. You may find sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, chitons, sea stars, molluscs, urchins and multicoloured algae. Please look, but do not disturb them or move rocks. On shore, watch for Columbia black-tailed deer, mink and wolves.

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

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.