Penrose Island Marine Park
About this Park
This park’s land includes an attractive archipelago of small coves and narrow channels, excellent for kayak and dinghy exploration. The excellent anchorages and interesting beaches provide ideal conditions for nature viewing, diving and fishing.
There is a network of narrow channels and sand and white shell beaches along the southwest shoreline. Scuba diving, kayaking, and fishing are popular pursuits.
Safety information
- Parts of this park are exposed to the winds and weather of the Pacific Ocean, especially when the wind is blowing from the southwest. Listen to broadcasts of marine weather forecasts and warnings, and do not venture onto the outer coast in small boats, dinghies or kayaks during stormy weather or after storms when swells can remain high for days.
- Do not harvest clams or other bivalves. The entire coastal area including this park is closed to harvest of bivalves due to the presence of red tide, which can lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Special notes
- This park is used by the Owikeeno Nation for traditional shellfish gathering. Mariners must use their own holding tanks while visiting the park.
Location notes
Penrose Island Marine Park is 86 km north of Port Hardy at the entrance to Rivers Inlet and the south end of Fitz Hugh Sound. Refer to Canadian Hydrographic Chart 3921. Enter from Klaquek Channel into sheltered anchorages on the east side of the island. Access is by boat only. Rivers Inlet is the nearest supply centre. There you can purchase gas, diesel and supplies.
Activities
- 389:Canoeing There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
- 389:Fishing This area is prized by sports fishermen for salmon and rockfish. The entire coast is closed to bivalve (such as mussel and clam) harvest due to the risk of red tide, which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.
- 389: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.
- 389:Kayaking There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
Facilities
- 389:Campfires Campfires are allowed but firewood is not provided. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking. If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to extinguish the fire fully. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small.
Location
51.47989, -127.73253 · Central Coast
