Small Inlet Marine Park

Highlights in this park

Located at the northern tip of Quadra Island, Small Inlet Marine Park provides a well-protected anchorage where boaters can wait for slack water to pass through the tidal rapids of Discovery Passage, Okisollo Channel and Hole in the Wall.

The park encompasses Newton Lake, a small lake suitable for swimming and picnicking, although no facilities are provided. A rough trail from the southeast corner of Small Inlet leads to the lake. It is also possible to portage from the head of Small Inlet Marine Park to nearby Waiatt Bay in Octopus Islands Marine Park via a rough trail, approximately 1.5 km long.

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

Park Map [PDF]

Getting there

The park is located on the northeastern tip of Quadra Island. Access to the park is by boat from Johnstone Strait or from Granite Bay on Quadra Island. Boaters can reference marine chart #3538 for more information on this area. Nearby communities include Campbell River, Sayward, Quadra Island.

Camping

Marine-accessible camping

There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided and there is no fee. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics. Small Inlet Marine is accessible year-round and there is no camping fee.

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

Winter camping

There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided and there is no fee. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics. Small Inlet Marine is accessible year-round and there is no camping fee.

Things to do

Hiking

This park has one rough trail to Newton Lake from the southeast corner of Small Inlet. This trail is approximately 1.5 km. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area. However, visitors can swim in the ocean or at Newton Lake.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

There are ocean kayaking opportunities in this park. Paddlers can set in at Rock Bay, north of Campbell River. It is possible to portage from Small Inlet Marine Park to nearby Waiatt Bay in Octopus Islands Marine Park via a rough trail, approximately 1.5 km long.

Fishing

Salmon and rockfish can be found in the waters around Small Inlet. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations.

Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO.

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 under control at all times. 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.

Facilities

Campfires

While small fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you do have a fire, please utilize previously constructed fire rings and use small pieces of wood that will burn completely. If you can’t find a previously used site, try to construct your fire rings below the high tide mark. Never leave your fire unattended and practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

About this park

Conservation

The park protects second-growth forest and contains two small lakes, as well as an important sheltered anchorage.

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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