North Island · Von Donop
Main Lake Park
About this Park
Main Lake Park on Quadra Island, encompasses six lakes and protects a biologically diverse freshwater system that includes more than 72 bird species and 234 plant species. The park offers significant wilderness recreation opportunities, including wilderness camping, canoeing, kayaking and hiking.
Visitors to the park can see a variety of wildlife, including wolves, cougars, owls, bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcons and wintering swans. The geography of park is exceptional. It offers spectacular physical features such as narrow channels, limestone sinkholes, waterfalls and the close proximity of marine and fresh water ecosystems.
The Main Lake Chain of interconnected lakes forms the largest freshwater waterway in the Gulf and Discovery Islands. Main Lake, Village Bay Lake and Mine Lake are connected by narrow, shallow marshes navigable by canoes and dinghies only. Other lakes can be reached via rough, user-created portage routes.
Safety information
- Boaters and paddlers should be prepared for quick changing weather, which can result in rough water on the lakes.
- Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park. All surface water must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
Special notes
- A 7.5kw (10hp) restriction is in place on Main Lake and Mine Lake, as well as outside the park on Village Bay Lake.
- An electric motors only restriction is in place on Little Main Lake, Stramberg and Clear Lake.
- Camping is permitted in designated sites only.
- Backcountry camping fees are collected May 15 to September 15, when backcountry services are provided. Registration is available online only, two weeks in advance. You must have a copy of your registration with you at all times while in the park.
Location notes
Main Lake Park is located on east-central Quadra Island. Visitors can reach Quadra Island via BC Ferry service from Campbell River on central Vancouver Island. While the park may be accessed by vehicle via ferry and highway, it is best enjoyed by canoe, kayak or small boat. The closest communities are Heriot Bay, Quadra Island and Campbell River.
Activities
- 6093:Hiking An unmaintained, rough route leads from the access road just north of the entrance of the parking lot to Yeatman Bay. Another undeveloped route runs from Yeatman Bay to the northeast corner of Main Lake, approximately 1.6km away. 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.
- 6093:Canoeing There are excellent opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
- 6093:Swimming There is no designated swimming area at this park. However, there are ample opportunities for lake swimming.
- 6093:Fishing Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. Please check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
- 6093: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 wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 6093:Hunting Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. 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
- 6093:Pit or flush toilets There are pit toilets available at this park.
- 6093:Boat launch A sandy bottom boat launch is available for small boats only. Please be aware that a 7.5kw (10hp) motor restriction is enforced on the Main Lake system.
- 6093:Campfires Campfires are allowed in fire rings only. You can help conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using a camping stove for cooking. If you use a campfire, please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics and use campfire rings.
Location
50.20645, -125.20982 · Von Donop