South Island. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- This park is essentially backcountry with no facilities. Be prepared for all kinds of weather and conditions.
- This is bear and cougar country. Be prepared and read the wildlife safety information.
- Park Access: There is no road access or motorized vehicle use in this park. Walking and hiking access is via Harbour View Road and visitors must be prepared to wade across Charters River as there are no bridges.
Special notes
- Overnight camping is not allowed in the park due to concerns about the risk of fire and the absence of necessary facilities and services that would be required to allow for this activity to safely occur in the park.
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
Things to do
There are no developed trails at this park. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey any posted signs. Shortcutting any designated trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Recreational fishing is permitted in Shields Lake, subject to current provincial fishing regulations.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Hunting is allowed in the park. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for specific hunting regulations.
Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
About this park
The park fulfills a significant conservation role in protecting threatened ecosystems such as Garry oak and rocky outcrops. The creek and moist valley forest provides valuable habitat for amphibians, reptiles and birds. The park also protects some of the watershed for the important fish-bearing Sooke River.
This park is one of the largest areas in the region for protecting large predator and prey habitat including Roosevelt elk, gray wolf, black bears and cougars. Grouse, songbirds and hawks are also found throughout the park.
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.
Contact
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
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