Oliver Cove Marine Park

Highlights in this park

This marine park is also known as Port Blackney. The excellent all-weather anchorage and sheltered inside route provides protection for small boats. There are no landing docks or other facilities.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Closely follow marine charts, as there is a risk of hitting a large rock on the south entrance to the cove.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.

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

Location Map

Getting there

Oliver Cove Marine Park is at the south end of Don Peninsula near the junction of Milbanke Sound and Mathieson Channel. Refer to Canadian Hydrographic Charts 3710 and 3728. The park is accessible by boat only. The closest communities for supplies are Bella Bella and Shearwater.

Things to do

Swimming

Swimming is possible from your boat, but the water is cold all season long.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

Adventurous and experienced kayakers may enjoy exploring this region.

Fishing

The area surrounding the park is very popular for fishing, though the park itself is not a fishing destination. The park and entire North Coast area are closed to harvest of bivalves.

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

It is possible to scuba dive or snorkel in the park.

Facilities

Campfires

Firewood is not provided. If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to extinguish the fire fully. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

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.

About this park

Cultural heritage

This park is within the traditional territory of First Nations people.

History

This park was established in 1992.

Wildlife

As you cruise through the waters near the park, watch for orcas, Pacific white sided dolphins, sea lions and other marine mammals. Enjoy identifying the weird and wonderful creatures of the intertidal zone when the tide is low. You may find sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, chitons, sea stars, molluscs, urchins and multicoloured algae. Please look, but do not disturb them or move rocks.

On shore, watch for Columbia black-tailed deer, mink, black bear and wolves.

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.

Contact