South Island · Saanich/South Gulf Islands
Dionisio Point Park
About this Park
Dionisio Point Park on quaint Galiano Island features rocky headlands flanked by sandy beaches and picturesque bays. Overlooking Porlier Pass, this park is accessible by boat only and provides opportunities for walk-in camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scuba diving.
The forested uplands at Dionisio Point are rimmed by a varied and unique shoreline that includes sculpted sandstone shelves, pebble and sand beaches, and colorful wildflower meadows. Fast flowing tidal currents have created a rich intertidal life. Sea-stars, nudibranchs, and chitons can be seen in the tide pools, and at times large quantities of swimming scallop shells can be found on the beaches.
This Gulf Island park has a rich human history. Large mounds along the shores mark the shell middens (refuse heaps) that indicate native occupation dating back more than 3,000 years. Castaway shells left by centuries of harvesting formed berms on the foreshore of the park. These middens contain many of the archaeological clues that help to unravel the history of earlier cultures.
The park also contains well documented archeological sites previously used by the Penelakut First Nation. These sites are fenced to the public and identified though interpretive signage at Maple Bay.
Safety information
- Paralytic shellfish poisoning can be a problem in this area. Check with Fisheries and Oceans Canada for shellfish closures prior to the consumption of any shellfish.
- A boil water advisory is in place for this water system. Water must be boiled for a minimum of five minutes, filtered or treated prior to consumption. Water is available from May 1 to September 30.
Special notes
- Picking of wildflowers is not permitted.
- There is no bicycle or vehicle access to this park. Access is by water only.
- In your observation of tide pools, please remember to carefully place overturned rocks in their original position. Do not touch the marine life or remove any shells or marine organisms from the park.
- A mooring buoy in the park is for BC Parks staff use only.
- Reservations are not accepted at this park for the walk-in style campsites.
Location notes
Dionisio Point Park is located on the northeast tip of Galiano Island overlooking Porlier Pass in the southern Gulf Islands. Access to the park is by boat only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3442, #3461, #3443 and #3473 for more information on this area.
Nearby communities include: Galiano Island, Saltspring Island, Mayne Island, Valdes Island, Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver.
Activities
- 384:Hiking The park offers a number of hiking opportunities on trails leading through the forest and along the shoreline. Information shelters at the camping areas contain maps of park trails, which are maintained on a regular basis. 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.
- 384:Swimming There is no designated swimming area at this park, however sandy beaches do offer nice opportunities for ocean swimming.
- 384:Fishing
- 384:Wildlife viewing Dionisio Park offers great opportunities for year-round viewing of marine life, including seals, sea lions, and otters, as well as shorebirds and bald eagles.
- 384: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 the potential for encounters with wildlife.
- 384:Cycling Bicycles are permitted on some trails as identified on the park maps. Bicycles must remain on these identified trails and roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Dionisio Point Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 384:Scuba diving An abundance of marine life due to a high current zone makes this a good spot for scuba diving. As currents are strong, this area is only recommended for experienced divers.
Facilities
- 384:Picnic areas This park has a day-use and picnic area in the vicinity of Coon Bay. Facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, a cold water hand pump and an information shelter. Camping is not allowed in the day-use or picnic area.
- 384:Pit or flush toilets This park has a number of pit toilets located adjacent to campsites and day-use areas.
- 384:Drinking water Water System repairs and upgrades have been completed and water service in this park has resumed. A boil water advisory is in place for this water system. Water must be boiled for a minimum of five minutes, filtered or treated prior to consumption. Water is available from May 1 to September 30.Drinking Water System ReportsDrinking Water System Report 2024: Dionisio Point [PDF]
Location
49.00737, -123.57406 · Saanich/South Gulf Islands