Sydney Inlet Park

Highlights in this park

Sydney Inlet Park contains one of the finest examples of a fjord on Vancouver Island, and is a perfect wilderness area for sea kayaking and pleasure boating.

Located in northern Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the park protects old-growth Sitka spruce and Douglas fir forests, portions of the Sydney River and its estuary.

This estuary supports four species of salmon, including a notable population of chinook. A variety of rare and unusual flora and fauna can also be found in this undeveloped, pristine wilderness park.

Know before you go

Advisories

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

The park is situated in northern Clayoquot Sound between Hesquiat Lake and Pretty Girl Lake on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Sydney Inlet Park is accessible by float plane or boat. Boaters can reference marine chart #3674 for more information on this area.

Nearby communities include: Tofino, Ucluelet, Hotsprings Village, Ahousat.

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. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

Winter camping

Sydney Inlet Park is accessible year-round. There is no winter backcountry camping fee.

Things to do

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at this park however opportunities exist for ocean swimming.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Kayaking

There are kayaking opportunities at this park. Canoeing is not recommended.

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

Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to current printed Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.

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.

About this park

Cultural Heritage

This park contains Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation heritage sites.

History

This area was identified for protection in the Clayoquot Sound Land-Use Decision in 1995.

Conservation

Sydney Inlet is one of the best examples of a fjord on Vancouver Island. The Sydney River and its estuary support four species of salmon, including a notable population of chinook. Old-growth Sitka spruce and Douglas fir forests are also protected within the park, as well as a variety of rare and unusual flora and fauna.

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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