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Vargas Island Park

Advisories

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Wilderness camping

There are no designated campsites at this park, however wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided other than six pit toilets and five food caches, located in popular camping areas. Vargas Island is accessible year-round; there is currently no winter camping fee, however a fee may be implemented in the future. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

Winter camping
There are no designated campsites at this park, however wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided other than six pit toilets and five food caches, located in popular camping areas. Vargas Island is accessible year-round; there is currently no winter camping fee, however a fee may be implemented in the future. Please practice “ Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Pit or flush toilets
There are six pit toilets located at Vargas Island’s most popular camping beaches.
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 use small pieces of wood that will burn completely and keep the fire below the high tide mark. Never build your fire near the beach log piles as the fire could ignite the logs and get out of control; also do not leave your fire unattended and practice “ Leave No Trace”.
Hiking
Exellent beach hiking can be found on the outside beaches of the park.
Swimming
There are opportunities for ocean swimming at this park. There are no lifeguards at provincial parks.
Canoeing
Due to its scenic values and close proximity to Tofino, Vargas Island is a very popular paddling and camping destination. Gray whales frequent the Ahous Bay area and the La Croix Group of small islands is a peaceful spot for paddling, bird watching and viewing seals. Kayakers can launch at the First Street Dock in Tofino. Canoeing is not recommended.
Kayaking
Fishing

The waters of Clayoquot Sound may contain a variety of fish species, including salmon, rockfish, halibut and lingcod. One of the more popular areas is around Wilf Rock at the southern portion of the park. 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 or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing
This park has many opportunities for wildlife and nature viewing, including bird viewing in the waters around the Cleland Ecological Reserve, watching for migrating Gray whales and exploring the geological features of the park. These include ancient dune berms – rows of crescent-shaped sand mounds that indicate earlier sea levels. These berms can be seen along the historic telegraph trail.
NOTE: Please abide to current DFO Marine Viewing Guidelines when viewing marine wildlife in BC Parks.
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 Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.