Park overview
Situated on the south side of the Strait of Georgia, Kitty Coleman Provincial Park is a popular destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and oceanfront camping. The park protects the mature forest of Western hemlock, Western red cedar and Douglas fir in the upland portion, the estuary of Kitty Coleman Creek, and 900 metres of shoreline. Park facilities include a picnic shelter, picnic tables, pit toilets, two boat launches, several nature trails and camping for individuals and groups.
Kitty Coleman Provincial Park is classified as a Class “C” Park, whereby the park is managed by a local community board.
Special Features
The eastern portion of the park is home to a single majestic old-growth Douglas fir, estimated to be more than 500 years old. Wild onions can also be found growing throughout the area.
Advisories
Dates of operation
Open to public access April 16, 2023 to September 30, 2023
Current status:
Open to public access
- Facility type
- Vehicle-accessible camping
- Number of campsites
- Vehicle-accessible sites: 65
- Main camping season dates
- 2023: April 16 to September 30
- Winter note
- The gate is closed during the off-season.
- Facility type
- Group camping
- Number of campsites
- Groupsites: 6
- Main camping season dates
- 2023: April 16 to September 30
- Winter note
- The gate is closed during the off-season.
- Facility type
- Picnic areas
- Main operating season dates
- 2023: April 16 to September 30
- Reservation note
- Reservations are accepted for group camping or group use of the picnic area by contacting the park caretaker at 250-338-1332.
- Winter note
- The gate is closed during the off-season.
Safety info
- The water hand pumps are under boil water advisory and are to be used for extinguishing fires, only. There is potable water available at the park office.
Camping
- Total number of campsites
- Total vehicle-accessible sites: 65
- Total groupsites: 6
This Class “C” park is managed by a local community board. While no reservations are taken for individual sites, reservations are accepted for group camping or group use of the picnic area by contacting the park caretaker at 250-338-1332. Please note the telephone number for group reservations is in operation from April 16 – September 30 of each year.
This park has 1 group camping area that can accommodate 4 to 6 units. Group camping reservations are available from April 16 - September 30. Phone 250-338-1332 for reservations. Please note that the telephone number for group reservations is not in operation until the end of April 16 of each year.
There are 65 vehicle-accessible campsites at this park. Many of these sites overlook the beach. There is a camping fee charged and can be confirmed by contacting the park caretaker.
Facilities
This park has a day-use/picnic area with a covered picnic shelter, tables, fresh water and pit toilets.
Please note: There is no sani-station/dump in this park. The closest facility is located at Miracle Beach Provincial Park.
This park has a day-use/picnic area with a covered picnic shelter, tables, fresh water and pit toilets.
The hand pumps are under boil water advisory, however, there is potable water located by the park office.
There are two paved boat launches located in the park. The launch fee is $45/year or $10 per daily launch.
Campfire rings are provided at most campsites and in the group campground. Firewood can be purchased from the park caretaker. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act ). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Activities
Kitty Coleman park offers a series of nature walking trails, which run through a mature forest and alongside a stream. 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.
There is no designated swimming area at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Opportunities for canoeing or kayaking exist from this park.
The waters around Kitty Coleman Park are popular for angling. Salmon and rock fish are the most available species, along with a variety of shellfish that can also be found in the area. 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.
Seals, sea lions, whales, Dals porpoises, sea birds and bald eagles can all be spotted from Kitty Coleman Park. During the summer, passing cruise ships on their regular routes north and south offer a spectacular sight.
Pets/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.
Maps and location
Kitty Coleman Park is located 6 kilometres northwest of Courtenay on central Vancouver Island. This park is accessed via Coleman Road off Hwy 19A, north of Courtenay. Turn on Left Road, then right on Whittaker Road until you reach the park. Nearby communities include Courtenay, Comox Valley, Merville and Campbell River.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: November 14, 1944
- Size: 10 hectares
Park contact
For information concerning the vehicle-accessible campground, contact the park caretaker at 250 338-1332.
Nature and culture
- History: The original park was donated to the settlers of Merville around 1900 and operated by the community until the 1940s, when financial difficulties led to the province assuming management responsibility. Kitty Coleman was established as a Class “C” Provincial Park in 1944, and a community park board was set up to oversee its operation.
Wildlife: The local park board has done extensive stream restoration. Kitty Coleman Creek is a sensitive habitat, home to coho and pink fry, cutthroat trout, crayfish and other marine life. Please keep to the trails along the creek. All adults, children and pets need to stay out of the creek.
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.