Park overview
Surge Narrows Park is located on the south end of Maurelle Island, east of Quadra Island off central Vancouver Island. With its high tidal changes and many reefs, this park has ideal conditions for marine life. Sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea stars and anemones flourish in these prime conditions.
A unique feature of this park are the tidal rapids caused by the convergence of two flood tides. This natural occurrence, located in the middle of the park, gives the park its name.
These tidal currents are also notorious for their strength, particularly at Surge Narrows on the east and Seymour Narrows on the west. Paddlers should avoid Seymour Narrows and only travel through Surge Narrows at slack tide. Paddlers and boaters should also be familiar with tidal current charts so they can safely explore the rich waters around Surge Narrows Park. Only very experienced kayakers should attempt to paddle in the fast-flowing and treacherous tidal streams at Surge Narrows. Currents can flow through this area at 16 knots and up to 14 knots on the ebb.
Random wilderness camping is permitted on the upland portions of the park, which is undeveloped and has no facilities.
Advisories
Safety info
- The waters around this park are subject to very high tidal runs. Anyone accessing the park should consult current tidal charts.
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. This park is accessible year-round. There is no winter camping fee.
This park is accessible year-round. There is no winter camping fee.
Facilities
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.
Activities
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park for experienced paddlers only. Paddlers should avoid Seymour Narrows and only travel through Surge Narrows at slack tide.
Paddlers and boaters should also be familiar with tidal current charts so they can safely explore the rich waters around Surge Narrows Park. Only very experienced kayakers should attempt to paddle in the fast-flowing and treacherous tidal streams at Surge Narrows. Currents can flow through this area at 16 knots and up to 14 knots on the ebb.
This park offers opportunities for ocean fishing. Rock fish and salmon are the main species.
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 and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. 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.
Surge Narrows is located on the south end of Maurell Island (east of Quadra Island), off central Vancouver Island. The park is accessible by boat only. From the north, access is through Okisollo Channel, from the South use Hoskyn Channel. Boaters can reference marine chart #3537 and #3539 from more information about this area. Nearby communities include: Campbell River, Quadra Island, Cortes Island, Discovery Islands.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 30, 1996
- Size: 515 hectares (206 ha upland and 309 ha foreshore)
Nature and culture
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.