Highlights in this ecological reserve
San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve was established to conserve a representative sample of the lower alluvial forest communities on the San Juan River flood plain. Also to protect the tooth-leaved monkey flower, which is a rare plant known from nowhere else in Canada.
Ecological reserves protect special natural ecosystems, and support research and education. They are not intended for outdoor recreation. However, this ecological reserve is open to the public for non-destructive activities like hiking, nature observation and photography. Consumptive activities like hunting, fishing, camping, or foraging are prohibited. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
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
Any maps listed are for information only. They may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Getting there
Located 5km north east of Port Renfrew.
About this ecological reserve
A detailed description of this ecological reserve is available to support education and research.
Research and educational activities require a permit.
- Biogeoclimatic zone:
- Coastal Western Hemlock
- Terrestrial ecosection:
- Juan de Fuca Strait,
- Windward Island Mountains
- Marine ecosection:
- Juan de Fuca Strait
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.