Simson Park | BC Parks

Highlights in this park

This park is a dry island in the Georgia Strait which has a rocky coastline and small bays. The forested upland and pebble beach are backed by impressive Spyglass Hill. While exploring the island you can view the old homestead rock walls and orchards. There is a wetland area with a beaver pond that is easily accessed from Farm Bay.

Simson Park is accessible only by boat and has limited anchorage for large boats. There are no facilities in the 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

This park is located on South Thormanby Island close to Halfmoon Bay on the Sunshine Coast. Access is only by boat from Halfmoon Bay.

Camping

Marine-accessible camping

Rustic, marine-accessible camping is available at this park at Farm Bay and Pebbly Beach. No facilities provided.

When visiting marine-accessible sites, be respectful of the sensitive wildlife habitats, and learn how to stay safe using our marine visitor guide.

Things to do

Hiking

There are no developed hiking trails. However, there are old skidder roads that criss-cross the park. Care must be taken as these are not marked. Please respect private property.

Swimming

Ocean swimming is available. The beaches are rocky, gravel and cobbles with barnacles. All the bays have a south, southeast exposure and are subject to small craft warnings. Take care as there is little protection from the winds and waves.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

There is some good canoeing and kayaking when weather permits. Paddlers can access paddle-in sites. There are rentals available at Halfmoon Bay and Sechelt. Please respect private property.

Charts and 1:50,000 Topo Maps:

...# 3512 Strait of Georgia Central Portion
...# 3535 Plans Malaspina Strait including Welcome Passage,
...Secret Cove & Smuggler Cove, Pender Harbour Topo Maps:
... Sechelt Inlet 92G12 & Sechelt 92G5

Kayaking

There is some good canoeing and kayaking when weather permits. Paddlers can access paddle-in sites. There are rentals available at Halfmoon Bay and Sechelt. Please respect private property.

Charts and 1:50,000 Topo Maps:

...# 3512 Strait of Georgia Central Portion
...# 3535 Plans Malaspina Strait including Welcome Passage,
...Secret Cove & Smuggler Cove, Pender Harbour Topo Maps:
... Sechelt Inlet 92G12 & Sechelt 92G5

Fishing

Ocean fishing is offered at this park.

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.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

About this park

History

This park is named after the family of Vancouver pioneer Calvert Simson, whose family donated the land.

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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