Park overview
Lanz and Cox Islands were set aside as a provincial park to protect an unspoiled coastal wilderness environment. Together with the outer three islands of the Scott Islands chain (Beresford, Sartine and Triangle Islands) they protect some of the most important seabird nesting colonies in the world.
Due to the extreme weather conditions and sea states that these islands can experience at any time of the year, this park receives very few visitors. The rugged, rocky coastline of these islands provides poor access for boaters and the steep slopes of the islands makes travel onshore near impossible.
Advisories
Special notes
The only access to Lanz and Cox Islands Park is by boat. Only extremely experienced boaters should consider visiting these islands, as they experience open Pacific Ocean weather conditions. Boaters can reference marine chart #3625 (Scott Islands) for more information on this area.
Facilities
While small fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. 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.
Activities
Though this area has been traditionally utilized by commercial fishers, the extreme weather and sea conditions make it unsuitable for recreational fishers. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
The difficult access to these parks limits wildlife viewing opportunities however boaters could expect to see a number of marine mammals and a variety of seabirds.
Lanz and Cox Islands provide critical habitat for a number of seabirds, such as rhinoceros auklets, Cassin’s auklets and tufted puffins, as well as several species of cormorant and petrel. These islands also contain numerous bald eagle nests. In recent years there has been a reestablishment of a sea otter population in the kelp beds surrounding this area.
Lanz and Cox Islands are accessible by boat only. Cox Island lies approximately 6 nautical miles off the tip of Cape Scott on the northwest tip of Vancouver Island. Lanz Island sits less than half a nautical mile further west. Only extremely experienced boaters should consider visiting these islands. Boaters can reference marine chart #3625 (Scott Islands) for more information on this area. Lanz and Cox Islands are part of the Scott Islands chain, however the outer three islands are provincial Ecological Reserves and public access is prohibited. Nearby communities include Port Hardy and Winter Harbour.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 5,556 hectares (1,950 ha upland and 3,606 ha foreshore)
Nature and culture
History
Lanz and Cox Islands were established as a Protected Area on July 12, 1995 as a result of the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan.
Cultural Heritage
The Scott Island chain lies in the asserted traditional territory of the Quatsino and Tlatlasikwala First Nations.
Conservation
Lanz and Cox Islands have extremely high conservation values as they provide critical habitat for a number of seabirds, such as rhinoceros auklets, Cassin’s auklets and tufted puffins, as well as several species of cormorant and petrel. These islands also contain numerous bald eagle nests. In recent years there has been a reestablishment of a sea otter population in the kelp beds surrounding this area.
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.