Saltery Bay Park was established in 1962 to provide ocean access on the Sunshine Coast of Georgia Strait. The park is divided into two separate sites: the campground and the day-use area.
The day-use area with its rocky beaches is a popular swimming and picnic site. Lush forests with large, old trees create a quiet setting for the campground at Mermaid Cove. At low tide, the rocky shoreline often has tidal pools with starfish, sea urchins, small fish and crabs. Scuba diving provides a close-up look at the abundant marine life and a 3 m bronze mermaid statue.
The Emerald Princess statue and wheelchair access ramp were placed in the park through efforts of local scuba enthusiasts. From the shore, killer whales and sea lions can sometimes be seen. Mounds of seashells called “middens” indicate that this was a traditional gathering area for First Nations.
Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available.
All campsite reservations must be made the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first come, first served.
This park offers 42 vehicle-accessible campsites. Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available.
There are two double sites and no pull-through sites. Campsites are located under mature forest canopy. There is no gatehouse or locked gate. There is room for two vehicles at each site and extra parking is available for a fee of $10 per night.
If no staff is available to help find a site, find an unoccupied site that has no camping receipt posted at the site. Pay for camping by self-registration. The closest store is in Black Point enroute to Powell River approximately 6km away.
Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $20 per party per night |
BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $10 per senior party per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
Accessibility information is available for this park.
There are five water taps located throughout the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
There is a concrete boat launch in the day-use area 1.5 km north of the campground. It is a double ramp with a tie up groin. There are no closures or parking for trailers available. No commercial activity is permitted at boat launches in BC Parks. Overnight parking is available at the owner’s risk. Boats cannot be left in the water or beached overnight. There is a marina 1 km south by boat or car to moor boats over night.
This park has a day-use and picnic area. There are no covered shelters available. The day-use area is located 1 km from the campgrounds. There is a concrete boat ramp, hand pump for water, grassy area, large paved parking lot and two wheelchair-accessible pit toilets. The beach is mostly rocky with some sandy areas at high tide. Fires are not permitted in the day-use area.
This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets. There are six pit toilets in the campground, two of which are wheelchair-accessible. There is one at Mermaid Cove and two at the day-use area which are all wheelchair-accessible.
The Mermaid Cove Trail starts at the bridge over Park Creek near the entrance to the campground. It is an easy 1 km hike through 90 year old second growth stand of forest.
Some sections of the trail traverse short sections of rocky out crops where footing may be slippery. The trail is for hiking only and is not suitable for wheelchairs. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk its length.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, please obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Good summer swimming in the ocean is available. There is no designated or roped-off swimming area and there are no lifeguards on duty.
The beach is quite rocky with some sandy areas at high tide at the day-use site. Please use caution as the beaches are rocky and subject to tidal action and sudden changes in weather. Mermaid Cove is best suited for experienced scuba divers.
Canoeing and kayaking can be done in the ocean. Please be cautious and aware of the ocean currents. Contact the Powell River Chamber of Commerce 604-485-4051 for information on kayak and canoe rental companies.
There is good tidal fishing at this park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Saltery Bay Park offers a typical marine shoreline environment with opportunities to view seals, otters, mink, seabirds and bald eagles.
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 the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. There are no specific bicycle trails. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Saltery Bay Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
There are excellent scuba diving opportunities. Scuba diving provides a close up look at the abundant marine life and a 3 m bronze mermaid statue. The Emerald Princess statue and wheelchair access ramp were placed in the park through efforts of local scuba enthusiasts. There is a diver change house and cold showers are available. Scuba rentals are available in Powell River approximately 27 km north.
The campground is approximately 1 km north of Saltery Bay ferry terminal on Hwy 101, 27 km south of Powell River.
The day-use area is located 1.5 km north of the Saltery Bay campground on Hwy 101. From there you can launch your boat or have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful view.
R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd.
250-474-1336
office@rlcparks.ca
www.rlcparks.ca
History
Saltery Bay Park was named for the fish saltery that was nearby in the early 1900’s. The shallow offshore waters in the vicinity of this park offer an assortment of marine life, underwater caves and shipwrecks which attract divers from all over the world.
Cultural Heritage
First Nations people played a significant cultural role in the history of the Powell River area. Mounds of seashells called “middens” indicate that this was a traditional gathering area for First Nations.
Wildlife
An abundance of marine life is found in the ocean area around the park. At low tide you will often find tidal pools that harbour urchins, star fish, small fish, and small crabs. Please do not disturb their habitat.
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.