West Coast · Nootka
Catala Island Marine Park
About this Park
Sea kayaking, boating and wilderness camping are the main attractions for visitors to Catala Island Marine Park, located in Esperanza Inlet on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, between Nootka Sound and Kyuquot Sound.
The park encompasses numerous reefs, islets and marine ecosystems as well as a lake, bog area and rugged shoreline, all of which provide ample opportunities for exploration. Rustic trails lead to the lake and bog in the center of the island, which features tall trees twisted by the fierce winds coming off the Pacific Ocean. This forest forms a ragged backdrop to the island’s smooth, sandy beaches.
The Rolling Roadstead anchorage of Catala Island is good in calm weather, but when the winds pick up boaters here will be subjected to a constant and steady swell from the Pacific. Nearby Queen Cove off Esperanza Inlet on Vancouver Island provides more sheltered overnight anchorage.
Access to the park is by boat from the towns of Tahsis and Zeballos. Kayakers wishing to explore this remote region can book space for themselves and their kayak aboard the MV Uchuck lll, departing from Gold River and Tahsis. The vessel will unload kayakers into the scenic area of Catala Island en route to its scheduled stop at Kyuquot in Kyuquot Sound.
Safety information
- Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Location notes
Catala Island is located in Esperanza Inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Access is gained via kayak or power boat. The closest boat launch is in Zeballos, although Tahsis and Gold River are also used. A water taxi service is available from these communities, which will transport visitors and kayaks to the Island. Boaters can reference marine chart #3662 and #3663 for more information about this area.
Activities
- 8778:Canoeing There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park for more experienced paddlers. Little Espinosa Inlet on Vancouver Island (located on the road to Fair Harbour from Zeballos) is the nearest put in point for kayakers. Paddlers should be aware of exposed west coast paddling dangers, such as high winds, tidal currents and exposed rocks. Kayakers wishing to explore this remote region can book space for themselves and their kayak aboard the MV Uchuck lll, departing from Gold River and Tahsis. The vessel will unload kayakers into the scenic area of Catala Island en route to its scheduled stop at Kyuquot in Kyuquot Sound.
- 8778:Swimming There is ocean swimming.
- 8778:Fishing There are opportunities for salt water fishing within this park. Species include a variety of salmon and rockfish. 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.
- 8778:Wildlife viewing Visitors to Catala Island Marine Park are likely to spot a variety of marine life, including gray whales, killer whales, seals, sea lions and sea otters, as well as waterfowl, bald eagles, black bears, wolves and deer.
- 8778:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be under control at all times. 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.
- 8778:Scuba diving This area offers excellent cold water scuba diving opportunities. Special features include reefs and sea caves.
- 8778:Hunting 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
- 8778:Pit or flush toilets This park has one pit toilet, located near the camping area on the peninsula at Rolling Roadstead.
- 8778: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” camping ethics.
Location
49.83536, -127.06009 · Nootka