Saltery Bay Provincial Park photo
ParkBritish Columbia, CA

Saltery Bay Provincial Park

Saltery Bay Provincial Park offers a delightful blend of coastal beauty and rich marine life, making it a haven for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

About

Saltery Bay Provincial Park offers a delightful blend of coastal beauty and rich marine life, making it a haven for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. This picturesque park, nestled on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, provides unparalleled access to the Georgia Strait and its vibrant underwater world. Whether you're exploring the rocky shoreline, diving into the clear waters, or simply enjoying the tranquil forest, Saltery Bay promises an immersive natural experience.

The park is a treasure trove for observing diverse flora and fauna. At low tide, the rocky beaches reveal fascinating tidal pools brimming with marine creatures such as the vivid Ochre Sea Star, the scuttling Yellow Shore Crab, and various small fish and sea urchins. Offshore, keen observers might spot majestic Humpback Whales, playful Harbor Seals, or the elusive North American River Otter. Above, the impressive Bald Eagle often soars, while in the lush forest canopy, you can encounter native plants like Pacific madrone and salal, alongside the more subtle beauty of broad-leaved sweet pea.

Saltery Bay Provincial Park truly offers a memorable escape, inviting visitors to connect deeply with nature. From the unique diving attraction of the submerged "Emerald Princess" mermaid statue in Mermaid Cove to the serene ambiance of the old-growth forest, there's a sense of wonder at every turn. It’s a place where every visit offers new discoveries, encouraging both relaxation and adventure in equal measure, and leaving you with lasting memories of British Columbia's stunning coastal wilderness. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.

Saltery Bay Provincial Park was established in 1962, primarily to provide public ocean access on the Sunshine Coast of Georgia Strait. The name "Saltery Bay" itself originates from a fish saltery that operated nearby in the early 1900s. This area has a much longer history of human presence, as evidenced by mounds of seashells, known as "middens," which indicate that it was a traditional gathering and feasting area for First Nations peoples for centuries.

What to do here

Scuba Diving: Explore Mermaid Cove and its famous mermaid statue, along with abundant marine life, underwater caves, and shipwrecks.

Wildlife Viewing: Look for Harbor Seals, North American River Otters, Humpback Whales, Bald Eagles, and various seabirds.

Beachcombing: Discover unique shells and intertidal creatures along the rocky and pebbly beaches.

Camping: Enjoy vehicle-accessible campsites nestled under a mature forest canopy.

Kayaking/Canoeing: Paddle the clear ocean waters to explore the coastline.

Picnicking: Utilize the picnic tables in the day-use areas.

Seasonal info

Spring/Summer: Ideal for camping, swimming, kayaking, and general outdoor activities. Marine life in tidal pools is easily observed.

Fall: Good for fishing, especially for salmon, and opportunities for raptor and bear viewing as salmon spawn in nearby streams.

Year-round: Wildlife viewing, especially of seals and sea lions, is possible, and the park remains open for day use.

Accessibility

The park offers wheelchair-accessible pit toilets in both the campground and day-use areas. There is also a disabled access ramp at Mermaid Cove for divers, best used during high tide.

Don't miss

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Mermaid Cove

A world-renowned dive site featuring the "Emerald Princess," a 3-meter bronze mermaid statue submerged 20 meters (60 feet) below the surface.

2

Tidal Pools

Explore the rocky shoreline at low tide for diverse marine life like Ochre Sea Star, Yellow Shore Crab, sea urchins, and small fish.

3

Day-use Area & Beaches

Popular for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying marine views.

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Forest Trails

A mellow 1 km hiking trail meanders through the forest near the campground.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Check Tide Tables

Plan your visit around low tide to maximize opportunities for exploring the fascinating tidal pools.

Bring Binoculars

Essential for spotting distant marine mammals and diverse birdlife, such as Bald Eagles and Red-necked Grebes.

Wear Sturdy Footwear

The beaches are rocky and can be slippery, especially at low tide, so appropriate shoes are recommended.

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the scenic day-use areas with numerous picnic tables and beautiful ocean views.

Respect Marine Life

When exploring tidal pools, observe without disturbing the creatures or their habitat.

Leash Your Pets

Pets are welcome in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times and are not permitted in beach or picnic areas.

Frequently asked questions

At Saltery Bay Provincial Park, visitors can explore tidal pools at low tide to find species like Ochre Sea Stars, Yellow Shore Crabs, sea urchins, and small fish. Offshore, there are opportunities to spot larger marine mammals such as Harbor Seals, North American River Otters, and even Humpback Whales, alongside various seabirds like Bald Eagles and Marbled Murrelets.
Yes, Saltery Bay Provincial Park offers several accessible features. There are wheelchair-accessible pit toilets available in both the campground and day-use areas. Additionally, Mermaid Cove features a disabled access ramp specifically designed for scuba divers, which is most effectively used during high tide.
Beyond its renowned scuba diving opportunities, Saltery Bay Provincial Park is popular for a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy camping in vehicle-accessible sites, picnicking, swimming, and exploring the rich tidal pools. Kayaking and canoeing are excellent ways to explore the coastal waters, and there are opportunities for wildlife viewing, including seals, otters, and bald eagles.

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