Nuchatlitz Park | BC Parks

Park overview

Nuchatlitz Park encompasses the very northwest tip of Nootka Island and a large number of small island groups. This picturesque area is perfect for exploring by kayak and paddlers can enjoy meandering through these peaceful islands, pulling out at random locations to camp as they see fit. A wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts exists, including boating, sport fishing, camping and wildlife viewing within the park and its surrounding area.

Advisories

Camping

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Marine-accessible camping

Wilderness camping is allowed on the northwest tip of Nootka Island and the many small island groups within the park. There are some small developed sites accessible by kayaks and smaller boats at Rosa Island. Undeveloped but useable areas are scattered throughout the island groups and on the northwest coast of Nootka Island. Pit toilets are located at Rosa Island and at some of these other sites.

Winter camping

Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed on the northwest tip of Nootka Island and the many small island groups within the park. There are some small developed sites accessible by kayaks and smaller boats at Rosa Island. Undeveloped but useable areas are scattered throughout the island groups and on the northwest coast of Nootka Island. Pit toilets are located at Rosa Island and at some of these other sites. This park is accessible year-round and there is no fee for winter camping.

Activities

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Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Canoeing

Sea canoeing and kayaking is very popular in this area. Little Espinosa Inlet on Vancouver Island (located on the road to Fair Harbour from Zeballos) is the nearest put in point for kayakers. Other locations are available from Tahsis. A number of commercial kayak operators offer tours to this area. Paddling features include protected waters amongst the island groups, however there are some exposed west coast paddling dangers on the west side of the park, such as high winds, tidal currents and exposed rocks.

Fishing

This area is one of the more popular salt-water sports fishing destinations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The protected waters among the island groups are home to Chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon and a variety of rockfish. Float lodges are located outside of the park throughout Esperanza Inlet and offer fishing and eco tourism opportunities. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing

There is no viewing platform but this park offers ample opportunities for visitors to see a variety of marine life, including gray whales, seals, sea lions and sea otters, as well as numerous birds. Nuchatlitz Park is also an excellent place to study intertidal life, as many tide pools can be found throughout the maze of islets and reefs that make up the park.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. This area is not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with wolves and bears. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Scuba diving

This area offers excellent cold water scuba diving opportunities.

Hunting

Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.

The park is located approximately 18 km southwest of Zeballos, on the west coast of Vancouver Island between Nuchatlitz and Esperanza inlets. Access is by boat or float plane only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3676 and #3662 for more information about this area. The closest communities are Zeballos, Tahsis, Gold River and Nootka Island.

Learn more about this park

Park details

Date established: April 30, 1996
Size: 2,105 hectares (442 ha upland and 1,663 ha foreshore)

Nature and culture

Cultural Heritage

The park encompasses a number of archaeological sites. Nuchatlitz Park borders a seasonally occupied First Nations village site of the same name.

Conservation

The park protects a great diversity of flora and fauna within an extensive range of terrestrial, intertidal and marine environments. The shoreline is an area of importance for its herring spawning values, which makes it significant for migrating gray whales. The park also protects sea otter and marbled murrelet habitat and rare, red-listed marine algae. Nuchatlitz Park is an excellent place to study intertidal life, as many tide pools can be found throughout the maze of islets and reefs that make up the park.

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.