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Advisories

Camping

Reservations

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.

Vehicle-accessible camping

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. 

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Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for this park.

Drinking water

There are five water taps located throughout the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Boat launch

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.

Sani-station
Sani-station use fee: $5 per discharge
Campfires
Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings only. There is a fire ring in each campsite. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented and some parks may use communal fire rings. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Picnic areas

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.

Pit or flush toilets

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.

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Hiking

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.

Swimming

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

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.

Fishing

There is good tidal fishing at this park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing

Saltery Bay Park offers a typical marine shoreline environment with opportunities to view seals, otters, mink, seabirds and bald eagles.

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 the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.

Cycling

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.

Scuba diving

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.