Park overview
This park is a dry island in Georgia Strait and 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.
Simson Park is accessible by boat, only, has limited anchorage for large boats, and there are no facilities in the park.
Special Features
There is a wetland area with a beaver pond that is easily accessed from Farm Bay.
Advisories
Camping
Rustic, marine-accessible camping is available at this park at Farm Bay and Pebbly Beach. No facilities provided.
Activities
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.
Ocean swimming 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 at provincial parks.
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:
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... Sechelt Inlet 92G12 & Sechelt 92G5
Saltwater/ocean fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets/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 is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.
Maps and location
This park is located on South Thormanby Island close to Halfmoon Bay on the Sunshine Coast. Access is only by boat from Halfmoon Bay.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: March 19, 1986
- Size: 461 hectares
Nature and culture
- 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.