Thurston Bay Marine Park
About this Park
Thurston Bay Marine Park is located on the northwest side of Sonora Island in the Johnstone Strait. The park provides sheltered anchorage and recreational opportunities for boaters traveling the popular Inside Passage. Thurston Bay Marine Park has two separate portions. One section is bordering and taking up part of Thurston Bay and the other bordering Cameleon Harbour.
Access to the park is by boat only. There are no developed facilities at the park, although random camping is allowed. Visitors can go swimming, fishing, hiking or paddling, or explore the small, pretty beaches dotting the rocky shoreline. An unmaintained trail leads to Florence Lake, ideal for peaceful swimming, fishing and paddling.
Location notes
Thurston Bay Marine Park is located on the northwest side of Sonora Island, in Johnstone Strait off the east coast of central Vancouver Island. This park is accessible by boat only. Boaters can reference marine chart #3539 and #3543 from more information on this area.
Activities
- 215:Canoeing There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. Kayakers can explore Cameleon Harbour, Handfield Bay, Block Island and Anchorage Lagoon, as well as a number of other interesting islets and coves in and around Thurston Bay Park. Paddlers can also head to Florence Lake.
- 215:Fishing Various species of salmon and rock fish can be found in the waters around Thurston Bay. 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.
- 215:Swimming Ocean swimming is available. There is no designated swimming area at this park.
- 215: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.
- 215:Hunting 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
- 215: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”.
Location
50.36170, -125.32274 · South Central Coast
