How do you get to Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park?

Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park is only accessible by boat, making it a popular destination for private boaters and kayakers. Kayakers can launch from various points on nearby Saltspring Island, such as Hudson Point or Southey Point, for a short paddle to the island.

What kind of wildlife can you see at Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park?

Visitors to Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black-tailed deer, and mink on the island. In the surrounding waters, it's common to spot harbour seals, sea lions, and river otters. Tide pools along the shore may also reveal marine life such as purple sea stars and red rock crabs.

Are there camping facilities on Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park?

Yes, Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park offers three designated walk-in camping areas: Conover Cove, Chivers Point, and Cabin Bay. These sites are accessible only by boat, and camping fees apply year-round, payable via self-registration vaults or online.

AquariumBritish Columbia, CA

Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park

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About

Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park, nestled within the picturesque Trincomali Channel between Saltspring and Galiano Islands, is a quintessential Gulf Islands escape, renowned for its pristine natural beauty and tranquil marine environment. Accessible exclusively by boat, this provincial park is a cherished destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in coastal wilderness, offering sheltered anchorages and a network of inviting coves and beaches. It stands as a testament to the region's rich ecological diversity and offers a serene retreat from the bustle of modern life, making it a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts and marine adventurers alike.

The park boasts a vibrant array of wildlife, providing ample opportunities for observation and photography. Keep an eye out for majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, black-tailed deer gracefully moving through the forest, and playful mink along the shoreline. Offshore, the waters are frequented by harbour seals, sea lions, and river otters, often spotted swimming or lounging on rocks. Beyond its fauna, the island's landscape is captivating, featuring striking folded rock formations that tell a geological story, and walking trails that invite exploration of its diverse flora, including remnants of ancient orchards. The coastal life is particularly vibrant, with tide pools potentially revealing colourful purple sea stars and scuttling red rock crabs.

Visiting Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park is an unforgettable experience, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and a touch of local history. Whether you're kayaking through its serene waters, hiking its well-maintained trails, or simply relaxing by the shore, the island provides a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest's wild heart. Its limited development ensures a raw, authentic encounter with nature, while its storied past, hinted at by structures like the historic Conover Lodge and an antique Willys Jeep, adds a layer of charm and intrigue, making every visit truly memorable. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

Wallace Island, originally charted as "Narrow Island," was later renamed in honour of Captain Wallace Houstoun, who surveyed the area in the 1850s. The island's recorded history includes its first known resident, Jeremiah Chivers, a Scotsman who lived there alone until his death in 1927, leaving behind twisted fruit trees from his garden and orchard. In 1946, David and Jeanne Conover purchased the island, transforming it into a successful holiday resort known as "Royal Cedar Cottages" in Conover Cove. David Conover later chronicled their island life in several popular books. The Conovers eventually sold portions of the island, and after a period of various ownerships, the majority of the island was acquired by the Province of British Columbia. Wallace Island was officially established as a marine provincial park in 1990, a collaborative effort involving the provincial government and the BC Marine Parks Forever Society, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, remnants of its past, such as the restored Conover Cabin and an old 1950s Willys Jeep, stand as intriguing historical markers.

What to do here

Engage in activities such as swimming (no designated areas or lifeguards), saltwater fishing (with a valid license and awareness of Rockfish Conservation Areas), kayaking around the numerous coves and islets, and wildlife viewing. Hiking the island's fairly flat, well-maintained trails provides excellent opportunities to observe the diverse landscapes and discover historical artifacts.

Seasonal info

The park participates in the Park Host Program during summer months, with volunteers assisting visitors.

Accessibility

The park is accessible by boat only. While walking trails are generally flat and well-maintained, detailed information on wheelchair accessibility is not specified. Basic facilities include pit toilets and picnic tables. Potable drinking water is *not* provided; visitors must bring their own.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park is perfect for either a day trip or an overnight camping adventure. Many kayakers plan multi-day trips, camping at one of the island's three designated sites.
Best time to visit: For a quieter experience and to avoid peak crowds, consider visiting during midweek or outside the summer high season. Spring (March to May) is ideal for botanical viewing, as many plants unique to the Gulf Islands thrive and flower during this period. The summer months are popular for boating, kayaking, and enjoying the generally dry weather.
Location: British Columbia, CA
Species in this guide: 3

Best for

Boaters And SailorsKayakers And PaddlersWildlife Enthusiasts And PhotographersCampers (especially Kayak Campers)Families Seeking Outdoor AdventureHistory Buffs

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Explore Conover Cove, which features a small dock, camping areas, and the historic Conover Lodge, famous for its unique collection of boater-carved driftwood signs. Princess Bay offers a well-protected anchorage and a dinghy dock. Hike to Chivers Point for spectacular sunset views and potential marine wildlife sightings, or venture to Panther Point for scenic vistas and to learn about the historic shipwreck that gave the point its name. Don't miss the striking folded rock formations visible along the coastline and the old 1950s Willys Jeep tucked away on a trail.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Dark Eyed Junco

Red Alder

Douglas Fir

Hawthorn

Song Sparrow

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Plan your marine approach

Since access is by boat only, consult marine charts (like #3442 and #3463) carefully, as there are reefs and shoals in the area. Note that the entrance to Conover Cove can be shallow at low tide.

Be self-sufficient

The park does not provide potable water or garbage facilities. Ensure you bring all necessary water for your stay and pack out all your trash, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

Explore Conover Lodge

Make sure to visit the historic open-sided lodge at Conover Cove, which has become a unique attraction filled with driftwood plaques carved by visiting boaters.

No campfires

Campfires are strictly prohibited on the island and beaches. If you plan to cook, bring a CSA-rated cooking stove or portable campfire apparatus where the flame is less than 15 cm in height.

Pets on leash

If bringing pets, they must be kept on a leash at all times and are not permitted in beach areas or park buildings.

Consider alternative anchorages

Conover Cove can be very busy, especially in summer, and has a maximum vessel length for its dock. Princess Bay offers good alternative anchorage with stern tie rings.

Frequently asked questions

: Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park is only accessible by boat, making it a popular destination for private boaters and kayakers. Kayakers can launch from various points on nearby Saltspring Island, such as Hudson Point or Southey Point, for a short paddle to the island.
: Visitors to Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black-tailed deer, and mink on the island. In the surrounding waters, it's common to spot harbour seals, sea lions, and river otters. Tide pools along the shore may also reveal marine life such as purple sea stars and red rock crabs.
: Yes, Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park offers three designated walk-in camping areas: Conover Cove, Chivers Point, and Cabin Bay. These sites are accessible only by boat, and camping fees apply year-round, payable via self-registration vaults or online.