Union Passage Marine Park

Highlights in this park

Union Passage Marine Park provides a large and placid body of tidal water where boaters will find numerous peaceful anchorages and beaches. It also provides a safe and scenic anchorage for boaters travelling along the Inside Passage.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Union Passage is reached using narrow entrances to the northeast or southwest. These passages are swept by powerful currents and should be entered cautiously.

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

Park Map [PDF]

Getting there

Union Passage Marine Park is located at the southern end of Grenville Channel, between Pitt and Farrant Islands. The closest communities are Hartley Bay (12 km), Kitimat (90 km), Port Edward (105 km) and Prince Rupert (120 km). Only accessible by boat or floatplane. For reference, use marine charts #3945 (Approaches to Douglas Channel), #3946 (Grenville Channel) or #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach).

Camping

Marine-accessible camping

Wilderness camping are allowed, but no facilities are provided. Marine-access only.

When visiting marine-accessible sites, be respectful of the sensitive wildlife habitats, and learn how to stay safe using our marine visitor guide.

Things to do

Canoeing

Kayaking can be enjoyed in this area, with landing beaches available. Wilderness and backcountry camping is allowed. Kayaks are available for rent in Prince Rupert and in Kitimat.

Fishing

Excellent tidal water fishing opportunities for salmon and groundfish can be found here. Fishing licences are available for purchase in Kitimat and Prince Rupert.

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. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Scuba diving

There are opportunities for scuba diving in this marine park.

Facilities

Campfires

No firewood or fire rings are available. If you must make a fire, please keep it minimal. Before you leave, make sure the campfire is extinguished and spread the ashes and rocks about.

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

History

Established as a class A park, June 14, 1993.

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.

Contact