Park overview
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.
Advisories
Safety info
- 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.
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.
Facilities
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.
Activities
There is no designated swimming area at this park however there are opportunities for swimming.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
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.
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.
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.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 2,232 hectares (1,235 ha upland and 997 ha foreshore)
Nature and culture
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.