Sulphur Passage Park

Highlights in this park

Sulphur Passage Park is situated in the northeast portion of Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Known as the Upper Shelter area, the park is nestled between Flores Island and the Megin River watershed and encompasses Obstruction Island and coastal upland strips of Sulphur Passage and Shelter Inlet, a popular kayaking destination.

This undeveloped wilderness area is a great place to see wildlife, including whales and other marine mammals and a variety of birds. The park protects old-growth Sitka spruce forests, a fjord and an estuary. The estuary is a sensitive and biologically productive marine ecosystem. It supports large numbers of birds, fish and intertidal creatures. Access to this undeveloped park is by boat only.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. All surface water must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.

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

Known as the Upper Shelter area, Sulphur Passage Park is situated in the northeast portion of Clayoquot Sound, between Flores Island and the Megin River watershed on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Access to the park is by boat only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3674 for more information about this area.

Nearby communities include Tofino, Ucluelet, Ahousat, Flores Island.

Camping

Wilderness camping

There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided and there is no fee.

Sulphur Passage Park is accessible year-round. There is no winter wilderness camping fee at this time.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Things to do

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at this park however there are opportunities for swimming.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Kayaking

Sulphur Passage Park is a very scenic and popular spot kayaking destination. Paddlers will be inspired by the majestic old growth forest, as well as the variety of wildlife that can be spotted from the park.

Fishing

The waters of Clayoquot Sound may contain a variety of fish species, including salmon, rockfish, halibut and lingcod. 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.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in this park.

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

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 use small pieces of wood that will burn completely. Build your fires 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

Cultural heritage

Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations heritage sites are located in the park.

Conservation

The park encompasses Obstruction Island, Hayden Passage, and a coastal strip of Sulphur Passage and Shelter Inlet. The park protects a fjord, an estuary, old-growth Sitka spruce forests and salmon spawning habitat.

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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