North Island · Von Donop
Jáji7em and Kw'ulh Marine Park [a.k.a. Sandy Island Marine Park]
About this Park
Jáji7em and Kw’ulh Marine Park [a.k.a. Sandy Island Marine Park] includes Sandy Island, known locally as Tree Island, as well as the nearby Seal Islets. The park is located off the northern tip of Denman Island and is accessible by boat from Union Bay on Vancouver Island or by foot from Denman Island at low tide.
This park has long been popular with Comox Valley residents, and is becoming a draw for visitors as well. Sandy Island offers good opportunities for bird watching and nature appreciation, as well as sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Sandy Island is a sensitive ecosystem of rare and fragile plants and animals. Numerous species of birds make their home on the islands and observing these can provide endless hours of enjoyment for photographers and nature lovers.
Safety information
- Visitors walking to Sandy Island need to be aware of the tides so they don’t become stranded at high tides. The park is only accessible by foot at a low tide of 2.4m or less.
- Sandy Island and the Seal Islets are part of White Spit, which extends out from Denman Island towards Courtenay. Use caution while boating, as many areas are not navigable due to shallow waters.
- There are no fresh water sources on the island.
Special notes
- Jáji7em and Kw’ulh Marine Park [a.k.a. Sandy Island Marine Park] is a sensitive ecosystem of rare and fragile plants and animals. While visiting the island please be respectful and help minimize any damage to the ground cover and the plants and animals that live there.
Location notes
The park is located off the northern tip of Denman Island and is accessible by boat from Union Bay on Vancouver Island or by foot from Denman Island at low tide. Visitors walking to Sandy Island need to be aware of the tides so they don’t become stranded at high tides. The park is only accessible by foot at a low tide of 2.4m or less. Boaters can launch at Union Bay, directly west of the island. The closest communities are Denman Island, Union Bay, Courtenay and Comox Valley.
Activities
- 412:Hiking There are several easy walking trails through the park. Please avoid eroded areas and nesting sites. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- 412:Canoeing Visitors can access Sandy Island by canoe or kayak from Union Bay on Vancouver Island, or from Denman Island.
- 412:Swimming This park offers ocean swimming with a rocky beach area; water can be quite cold.
- 412:Fishing Saltwater fishing opportunities exist in this marine 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.
- 412:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
- 412:Hunting This park is open for waterfowl hunting only, in season. The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
Facilities
- 412:Pit or flush toilets This park has two centrally-located pit toilets.
Location
49.62190, -124.85061 · Von Donop