Squitty Bay Park | BC Parks

Highlights in this park

A rocky point encloses Squitty Bay, a small bay near the southeast tip of Lasqueti Island north of Young Point. This small park is a pleasant place to enjoy a picnic or spend a day exploring the rocky headlands and arid terrain, which is barren but beautiful.

Visitors can walk around the park and out onto the headland, which offers views of distant Mount Baker to the east and the Comox Valley, capped by the stunning white expanse of the Comox Glacier, to the west. Be careful where you walk and sit, as ground-hugging prickly pear cacti grow here alongside Rocky Mountain juniper, far from its montane habitat.

Camping is not allowed in the park, and the only facilities are picnic tables, pit toilets and a public dock.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Several rocks obstruct the entrance to the bay. The safest passage by boat is along the south shore when entering. There is limited maneuvering room in the bay and no space for anchorage. A small federal dock is available to tie up, however it can often be crowded with boats.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Bring a portable stove as campfires are not permitted 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

Park Map [PDF] (September 28, 2018)

Getting there

Squitty Bay Park is located at the eastern end of Lasqueti Island. Lasqueti Island lies between central Vancouver Island and Texada Island. The park can be accessed by boat or road on Lasqueti Island. There is no vehicle ferry service to Lasqueti Island. A passenger ferry service to False Bay on Lasqueti Island operates from French Creek, between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Bicycles, canoes and kayaks can be carried aboard the ferry for an extra fee.

Things to do

Swimming

Ocean swimming opportunities exist at this park. There is no designated swimming area.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. A passenger ferry service to False Bay on Lasqueti Island operates from French Creek, between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Canoes and kayaks can be carried aboard the ferry for an extra fee.

Fishing

Saltwater fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.

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 and 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.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Squitty Bay Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Scuba diving

The waters around this area are considered one of the best locations for cold water scuba diving.

Facilities

Picnic areas

This park has a small day-use and picnic area with two picnic tables, one pit toilet and an information shelter.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has one pit toilet, located at the top of the dock.

About this park

Conservation

With the addition of lands owned by the Nature Trust, Squitty Bay Park protects Rocky Mountain juniper, the blue-listed California hedge parsley and high coastal cliffs.

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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