Park overview
Main Lake Park on Quadra Island, encompasses six lakes and protects a biologically diverse freshwater system that includes more than 72 bird species and 234 plant species. The park offers significant wilderness recreation opportunities, including wilderness camping, canoeing, kayaking and hiking.
Visitors to the park can see a variety of wildlife, including wolves, cougars, owls, bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcons and wintering swans. The geography of park is exceptional. It offers spectacular physical features such as narrow channels, limestone sinkholes, waterfalls and the close proximity of marine and fresh water ecosystems.
The Main Lake Chain of interconnected lakes forms the largest freshwater waterway in the Gulf and Discovery Islands. Main Lake, Village Bay Lake and Mine Lake are connected by narrow, shallow marshes navigable by canoes and dinghies only. Other lakes can be reached via rough, user-created portage routes.
Advisories
Dates of operation
The park is open year-round
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Main operating season
- 2024: year-round
- Winter season
- Not known
- Booking required
- 2024: May 15 to September 15
- Winter season note
- Winter wilderness camping is allowed. This park is open year-round.
Safety info
- Boaters and paddlers should be prepared for quick changing weather, which can result in rough water on the lakes.
- Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park. All surface water must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
Special notes
- A 7.5kw (10hp) restriction is in place on Main Lake and Mine Lake, as well as outside the park on Village Bay Lake.
- An electric motors only restriction is in place on Little Main Lake, Stramberg and Clear Lake.
- Camping is permitted in designated sites only.
- Backcountry camping fees are collected May 15 to September 15, when backcountry services are provided. Registration is available online only, two weeks in advance. You must have a copy of your registration with you at all times while in the park.
Camping
Backcountry camping is allowed at seven designated camping areas in the park, but no facilities are provided. These areas are accessible by boat only. Camping is not permitted in other areas of the park. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.
This park is open year-round. Backcountry camping fees are 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 up to two weeks before your arrival date. Please note that this is a registration only and will not reserve you a site. You must have a copy of your registration with you at all times while in the park. No payments can be taken in the park.
Winter backcountry camping is allowed at seven designated camping areas in the park, but no facilities are provided. These areas are accessible by boat only. Camping is not permitted in other areas of the park. This park is open year-round.
Facilities
A sandy bottom boat launch is available for small boats only. Please be aware that a 7.5kw (10hp) motor restriction is enforced on the Main Lake system.
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
An unmaintained, rough route leads from the access road just north of the entrance of the parking lot to Yeatman Bay. Another undeveloped route runs from Yeatman Bay to the northeast corner of Main Lake, approximately 1.6km away.
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. However, there are ample opportunities for lake swimming.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. Please 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.
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.
Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Main Lake Park is located on east-central Quadra Island. Visitors can reach Quadra Island via BC Ferry service from Campbell River on central Vancouver Island. While the park may be accessed by vehicle via ferry and highway, it is best enjoyed by canoe, kayak or small boat. The closest communities are Heriot Bay, Quadra Island and Campbell River.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 30, 1996
- Size: 3,530 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
Quality Recreation Ltd.
250 308-4479
info@explorebcparks.ca
Nature and culture
History
Main Lake Park was designated in 1997 as a result of recommendations made in the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan.
Cultural Heritage
First Nations presence in the park is depicted in a panel of pictographs in red ochre on Main Lake. There is also evidence of an old portage route from Yeatman Bay.
Conservation
This park protects a biologically exceptional area that includes more than 72 bird species and 234 plant species. Physically, the park is exceptional with limestone sinkholes and waterfalls.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the park includes wolves, cougars, owls, Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, Peregrine falcons and wintering swans.
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.