Jedediah Island Marine Park

Highlights in this park

Jedediah Island Marine Park is located between Lasqueti and Texada islands in the Strait of Georgia off central Vancouver Island. It has long been a popular destination for recreational boaters and kayakers. What sets Jedediah apart is its size. It is one of the largest island parks in the province.

Jedediah Island is the largest and most diverse of a chain of more than 30 islands and rocky islets located north and west of Lasqueti Island. The interior of Jedediah is comprised of forest ecosystems where you will see a variety of mature tree species, including Douglas fir and arbutus, intermingled with rocky outcrops. In several areas evidence of previous human settlements are evident. A rich marine environment encircles Jedediah Island, which offers secluded bays and coves for safer harbour.

Jedediah’s isolation and tranquility make it an excellent destination for kayaking and wilderness camping. Some of the best camping areas are near the shoreline around Long Bay. Small bays on the east side of the island provide campers with a little more privacy, especially during the summer at the height of kayaking touring season, when the island can get quite busy.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available 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:

Reservation policies

Get information on:

Maps and location

Getting there

Jedediah Island Marine Park is located between Lasqueti and Texada islands in the Sabine Channel of Georgia Strait, off central Vancouver Island. Access to the park is by boat from nearby Lasqueti Island. Nearby communities include Texada Island, Lasqueti Island, French Creek.

Camping

Backcountry camping

This park offers backcountry camping.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Backcountry areas

Jedediah Island marine backcountry

Operating season

2024: year-round
2025: year-round

Booking available

2024: May 15 to September 15
2025: May 15 to September 15

Winter season

Limited services

Marine-accessible camping

This park is accessible by boat only. Camping is allowed, though there are no developed sites and no facilities are provided other than pit toilets. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.

This park is open year-round. Fees are only collected from May 15 to September 15 when backcountry services are provided.

The BC Parks backcountry permit registration service allows you to purchase a backcountry camping permit before leaving home. Although this does not reserve a campsite, it provides the convenience of prepaying for your trip and not having to carry cash. Cash payments for camping are not accepted.

When visiting marine-accessible sites, be respectful of the sensitive wildlife habitats, and learn how to stay safe using our marine visitor guide.

Winter camping

This park is open year-round.

Things to do

Hiking

Jedediah Island has approximately 3.5km of walking trails, which cross the island and connect the secluded bays. One main trail leads through old-growth forest to an open field and links up with trails on the other side of the field.

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.

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area in this park. However, the sandy bays, particularly on the northeast side of the park, offer nice swimming opportunities.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

This park is a popular destination for kayakers, especially during the summer months. Paddlers visit Jedediah to camp as part of a kayak touring route of this area. Paddlers can set in on Lasqueti Island.

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.

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 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.

Facilities

Campfires

While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfires must be below the high tide mark. Please be careful with fires and refrain from having fires on windy days. Utilize previously constructed fire rings if possible and use small pieces of driftwood that will burn completely. Never leave your fire unattended and practice “ Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

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.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has four pit toilets, located near popular anchorages.

About this park

Cultural heritage

Jedediah has four registered archaeological sites, including an aboriginal fish weir.

History

In 1995 Jedediah Island was purchased from Al and Mary Palmer, owners of the island since 1949. The estate of the late Daniel Culver committed $1.1 million to Jedediah’s preservation. In addition, the Friends of Jedediah, the Marine Parks Forever Society, the Nature Trust of British Columbia and many other individuals and groups undertook extensive fund-raising activities.

Conservation

The Island is home to old-growth stands of Douglas fir and arbutus, flat meadow areas, rocky coves, sandy beaches and deep anchorages. Important seabird nest sites and nesting colonies are located in the vicinity.

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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