Octopus Islands Marine Park

Highlights in this park

The group of small islands that make up the Octopus Islands Marine Park provide safe anchorages for boaters travelling the scenic Inside Passage. BC Marine Trails Network Association includes Octopus Islands as a stop within a network of connected marine accessible campsites, resting areas, and safe havens.

The park offers a number of different recreational opportunities in addition to boating and paddling, including swimming, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, wilderness camping and nature appreciation. A portage route to Small Inlet Marine Park on the west side of Quadra Island can be accessed from the Octopus Islands. From this trail, a hiking trail leads to Newton Lake which is a lovely place for a freshwater swim. Access to the park is by boat only.

Know before you go

Advisories

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:

Maps and location

Park Map [PDF 2MB]

Getting there

The park is located on the northeast side of Quadra Island at the southern tip of Sonora Island and the junction of Quadra, Sonora and Maurelle Islands. Access to this marine park is by boat only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3537 and #3539 for more information on this area. Nearby communities include Quadra Island, Cortes Island, Campbell River.

Camping

Wilderness camping

There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed year-round. No facilities are provided and there is no camping fee. Please practice “ Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

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

Things to do

Hiking

There are no developed trails at this park. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs. Shortcutting any developed trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Swimming

There are opportunities for ocean swimming at this park however there is no designated swimming area.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

The sheltered waters in this small group of small islands and a large bay are popular for paddlers. It is possible to portage from Waiatt Bay to nearby Small Inlet Marine Park via a rough trail, approximately 1.5km.

Fishing

Ocean fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. 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.

Scuba diving

There are opportunities for scuba diving in this park.

Hunting

Portions of this park are open to hunting for waterfowl in season. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to current printed Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Facilities

Campfires

While small fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you do have a fire, please utilize previously constructed fire rings and use small pieces of wood that will burn completely. If you can’t find a previously used site, try to construct your fire rings below the high tide mark. 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.

Picnic areas

There is a day-use and picnicking area at this park but no facilities.

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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