South Island · Saanich/South Gulf Islands
Discovery Island Marine Park
About this Park
Discovery Island Marine Park is a popular kayaking and camping destination for visitors, local residents and school groups. The park features a large open field, southwest of Pandora Hill, where campers can set up a tent. The only facilities provided are a pit toilet, information shelter, self-registration box for camping fees, two racoon caches, and picnic tables.
The park is accessible from Victoria, where paddlers can launch from Cattle Point, just north of the Oak Bay Marina. Kayakers paddling between Oak Bay and Discovery Island will be delighted by the wildlife along this route, which features a sensitive seabird nesting area and ecological reserve. Sightings of seals, sea lions, otters and bald eagles are common around the park.
Safety information
- Paddlers should be aware that these waters can be treacherous, as strong currents and frequent winds create dangerous conditions, including rip tides. Crossings are best made at slack tide in calm weather.
- Be aware that there is no safe anchorage and no moorage in the park. The closest safe harbour is in Oak Bay. Mariners should exercise extreme caution, as the main access to the park is via the rock and reef-strewn Rudlin Bay, which is exposed to the elements from the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait.
- All food and fragrant items must be secured away to prevent access from wildlife.
Special notes
- Bring your own water, as potable water is not available in the park.
- Campfires are not permitted at this park due to lack of firefighting equipment available on the island. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
- There is private land and federal land to the northeast of Discovery Island Marine Park on Discovery Island. Please respect these areas. The boundaries are marked or enclosed to deter trespassing.
- The northern portion of Discovery Island, Chatham Island and some of the smaller islands nearby are First Nations Reserve lands. They are closed to the public and trespassing is not permitted.
- Several of the nearby islands constitute parts of the Oak Bay Island’s Ecological Reserve. These habitats are extremely sensitive to human disturbance and vulnerable to the introduction of non-native animal or plant species. Please do not enter into these areas.
- There is no vehicle access to this park. Access is by water only.
- Sensitive meadows areas. Stay on designated trails and camp only in the designated camping area.
Location notes
Discovery Island Marine Park is located two nautical miles east of Victoria on southern Vancouver Island. Access to the park is by boat only. The nearest boat launch is located at Cattle Point in Oak Bay, Victoria. Boaters can reference marine chart #3424, #3440 and #3461 for more information on this area.
Activities
- 237:Hiking One main trail provides a junction to reach various points in the park. Head west to visit the open grass fields and rocky shoreline. Designated trails provide access to the area around the lighthouse to the east and to the open grass fields to the west of the park. Please remain within the park boundary. The area to the north of the boundary is private First Nations land and is not open to the public.
- 237:Canoeing Discovery Island is accessible from Victoria by canoe or kayak. Paddlers can launch at Cattle Point in Oak Bay (Victoria). Be prepared for potentially strong currents and unpredictable weather in this area. A number of operators offer tours or rentals in Victoria.
- 237:Swimming There is no designated swimming area at this park.
- 237:Fishing The waters around Discovery Island are home to a variety of salt water species of fish. Seasonal or year-round closures on specific species may be in place. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO.
- 237:Kayaking Discovery Island is accessible from Victoria by canoe or kayak. Paddlers can launch at Cattle Point in Oak Bay (Victoria). Be prepared for potentially strong currents and unpredictable weather in this area. A number of operators offer tours or rentals in Victoria.
Facilities
- 237:Picnic areas This park has a day-use and picnic area within the designated camping area.
- 237:Pit or flush toilets This park has one pit toilet, located near the day-use and camping area.
Location
48.42404, -123.23674 · Saanich/South Gulf Islands