Rock Bay Marine Park

Highlights in this park

Rock Bay Marine Park is located northwest of Campbell River on Vancouver Island at the junction of Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait. It consists of foreshore only. All land-based operations near the park are private.

This area is an important destination area for marine recreation. An attractive waterfront, anchorage and boat launching area make this a good spot for boaters. Otter Cove on the eastern end of the park provides sheltered anchorage for small boats waiting to navigate the nearby tidal passes.

Activities in the park include excellent scuba diving and fishing, boating, paddling and wildlife viewing. This accessible park is located on Vancouver Island north of Campbell River between Elk Falls and Schoen Lake Park.

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

Getting there

The park is a rocky headland and two adjacent bays on the east coast of Vancouver Island, approximately 40 km northwest of Campbell River at the junction of Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait. The park is accessible by land or water. A logging road connects the park to Hwy 19. The closest communities are Kelsey Bay, Sayward, Campbell River and Quadra Island. Boaters can reference marine chart # 3539 and #3543 for more information on this area.

Things to do

Canoeing

This foreshore-only park offers good canoeing and kayaking opportunities.

Fishing

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

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

The rich waters of Rock Bay Marine Park offer excellent scuba diving opportunities.

About this park

Conservation

This park protects marine ecosystems.

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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