Thurston Bay Marine Park

Highlights in this park

Thurston Bay Marine Park is located on the northwest side of Sonora Island in the Johnstone Strait. The park provides sheltered anchorage and recreational opportunities for boaters traveling the popular Inside Passage. Thurston Bay Marine Park has two separate portions. One section is bordering and taking up part of Thurston Bay and the other bordering Cameleon Harbour.

Access to the park is by boat only. There are no developed facilities at the park, although random camping is allowed. Visitors can go swimming, fishing, hiking or paddling, or explore the small, pretty beaches dotting the rocky shoreline. An unmaintained trail leads to Florence Lake, ideal for peaceful swimming, fishing and paddling.

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

Thurston Bay Marine Park is located on the northwest side of Sonora Island, in Johnstone Strait off the east coast of central Vancouver Island. This park is accessible by boat only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3539 and #3543 from more information on this area.

Camping

Marine-accessible 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 and there is no winter camping fee.

Winter 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 and there is no winter camping fee.

Things to do

Swimming

Ocean swimming is available. There is no designated swimming area at this park.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. Kayakers can explore Cameleon Harbour, Handfield Bay, Block Island and Anchorage Lagoon, as well as a number of other interesting islets and coves in and around Thurston Bay Park. Paddlers can also head to Florence Lake.

Fishing

Various species of salmon and rock fish can be found in the waters around Thurston Bay. 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 on leash

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.

Hunting

Portions of this park are open to hunting for waterfowl only. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current 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, 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”.

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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