South Island · Saanich/South Gulf Islands
Wallace Island Marine Park
About this Park
Wallace Island Marine Park, located in beautiful Trincomali Channel between the northern ends of Saltspring Island and Galiano Island, is a popular destination for boaters and kayakers exploring the southern Gulf Islands.
The numerous beaches, coves and offshore islets provide plenty of sheltered paddling opportunities in this picturesque park, which is ideal for day trips from Vancouver Island and overnight camping. Bald eagles, black-tailed deer and mink are common in the park, as well as harbour seals, sea lions and river otters, which can often be spotted offshore.
This park has limited development, but offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Walking trails will take you throughout most of the park, providing views of the folded rock formations that compose the island. Facilities are limited to an information shelter, pit toilets, picnic tables and 18 walk-in campsites at the designated camping areas of Conover Point, Chivers Point and Cabin Bay.
Campfires are not permitted. A small dock is available at Conover Cove, as well as an octagonal dingy dock at Princess Bay. Sheltered anchorage and stern tie rings are available in Conover Cove and Princess Bay.
Safety information
- The entrance to Conover Cove is shallow at low tide and care must be exercised to avoid grounding. Boaters should approach the park with caution, due to numerous reefs and shoals in the area.
- Potable drinking water is not provided in this park.
Special notes
- Please do not discharge sewage or grey water while moored here. It is against park regulations.
- Boaters should not tie up at the portion of the dock reserved for BC Parks staff.
- There are two private properties on the island. Please respect them.
- Maximum vessel length for the dock is 11 metres or 36 feet year-round.
- Dock facilities use fee: $2 per metre per night
Location notes
Wallace Island Marine Park is only accessible by boat. This park lies in Trincomali Channel between Galiano Island and the northern tip of Saltspring Island, off southern Vancouver Island. Boats can enter the sheltered anchorages at Princess Bay and Conover Cove from Houston Channel. Boaters can reference marine chart #3442 and #3463 for more information on this area. Nearby communities include: Galiano Island, Saltspring Island, Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan.
Activities
- 382:Hiking A series of fairly flat, well-maintained walking and hiking trails travel throughout the park providing views of the folded rock formations that compose the island. Head south to Panther Point, named after the Panther, a ship that ran aground here in 1874. A trail also leads partway out to the point at Princess Cove, as well as one that leads to Chivers Point at the northwest end of the park. An information shelter at the head of the wharf at Conover Cove offers more details on walking routes.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.
- 382:Canoeing Wallace Island Marine Park is a popular stopover and destination point for paddlers. Paddlers can launch from Saltspring Island, Galiano Island and a number of other Vancouver Island locations, including Duncan and Ladysmith. Be prepared for potentially strong currents and unpredictable weather in this area.
- 382:Swimming There is no designated swimming area at this park.
- 382:Fishing The park is surrounded by ocean waters and provides saltwater fishing opportunities, subject to periodic closures.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 (DFO).
- 382: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.
- 382:Kayaking Wallace Island Marine Park is a popular stopover and destination point for paddlers. Paddlers can launch from Saltspring Island, Galiano Island and a number of other Vancouver Island locations, including Duncan and Ladysmith. Be prepared for potentially strong currents and unpredictable weather in this area.
Facilities
- 382:Pit or flush toilets Pit toilets are located at Conover Cove and Chivers Point.
- 382:Mooring buoy
- 382:Picnic areas A picnic shelter and open grass fields offer day-use opportunities at Conover Cove. Dock facilities use fee: $2 per metre per nightA $20 fee is added for anyone who is not a B.C. resident. For more information, visit the non-resident fee section of the camping fees page.Docking facilities are located at Conover Cove, as well as stern tie rings at both Conover Cove and Princess Cove. Anchorage is available in Conover Cove and Princess Cove. When anchoring, please ensure you are not blocking stern tie rings or access to and from the docks. The entrance to Conover Cove is shallow at low tide and care must be exercised to avoid grounding. Boaters should not tie up at the portion of the dock reserved for BC Parks staff.
Location
48.94247, -123.55158 · Saanich/South Gulf Islands