North Island · Von Donop
Octopus Islands Marine Park
About this Park
The group of small islands that make up the Octopus Islands Marine Park provide safe anchorages for boaters travelling the scenic Inside Passage. BC Marine Trails Network Association includes Octopus Islands as a stop within a network of connected marine accessible campsites, resting areas, and safe havens.
The park offers a number of different recreational opportunities in addition to boating and paddling, including swimming, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, wilderness camping and nature appreciation. A portage route to Small Inlet Marine Park on the west side of Quadra Island can be accessed from the Octopus Islands. From this trail, a hiking trail leads to Newton Lake which is a lovely place for a freshwater swim. Access to the park is by boat only.
Location notes
The park is located on the northeast side of Quadra Island at the southern tip of Sonora Island and the junction of Quadra, Sonora and Maurelle Islands. Access to this marine park is by boat only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3537 and #3539 for more information on this area. Nearby communities include Quadra Island, Cortes Island, Campbell River.
Activities
- 265:Hiking There are no developed trails at this park. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs. Shortcutting any developed trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- 265:Canoeing The sheltered waters in this small group of small islands and a large bay are popular for paddlers. It is possible to portage from Waiatt Bay to nearby Small Inlet Marine Park via a rough trail, approximately 1.5km.
- 265:Swimming There are opportunities for ocean swimming at this park however there is no designated swimming area.
- 265:Fishing Ocean fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. 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.
- 265: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.
- 265:Scuba diving There are opportunities for scuba diving in this park.
- 265:Hunting Portions of this park are open to hunting for waterfowl 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
- 265:Picnic areas There is a day-use and picnicking area at this park but no facilities.
- 265: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.
- 265:Mooring buoy
Location
50.27388, -125.23175 · Von Donop