Mount Douglas Park

Mount Douglas Park is the largest and most fascinated park in the Saanich area, with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the majestic mountain, island, and ocean. It is known for its age-friendly hiking trails lush with plenty of trees and wildflowers. Walking through its sandy beach and the tremendous forest lets you experience peace and enjoy the wildlife.

Elk Falls Provincial Park

Elk Falls Provincial Park is a National Park, a friendly site for hiking in nature trails or enjoying lying in the sun listening to the waterfall's soothing sound. The Suspension Bridge stretching across the canyon below the falls is the highest pedestrian bridge on Vancouver Island. Old-growth Douglas firs and cedars are a prominent visit. This nature park is a year-round salmon fishing destination in Canada.

East Sooke Regional Park

Answer the call of nature and step into breathtaking trails while watching wildlife. Excellent hiking trails on the beach with a fantastic ocean view will get you to East Sooke Regional Park. With its 1,435 hectares of natural and protected coastal landscape, feel the real nature at the west coast of Vancouver Island, where all attractions await visitors.

Helliwell Provincial Park

Are you a nature lover looking for ocean views, beaches, forests and mountains all in one? Do you struggle with busy life challenges? Discover how the tranquil area of Helliwell Provincial Park gives you the exact solutions to emotional healing and inner strength. This environmentally sensitive area is a gem on Hornby Island, with Douglas fir and Garry oak forest overlooking the ocean.

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Vancouver Island Parks

Last Update: 2021-07-17

Due to its location along the ocean, Vancouver Island has several rivers and lakes, and the mild climate of the island has led to the emergence of Vancouver Island parks. You may not find an extensive area of green nature elsewhere in Canada as beautiful as Vancouver Island. Parks are natural attractions that are home to wildlife species. It is impressive to watch various birds, insects, and mammals while living freely in their habitat.
There are many parks on Vancouver Island, from the Cape Scott Provincial Park in the north to the East Sooke Regional Park in the south, from Elk Falls Provincial Park in the east to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in the west. Vancouver Island parks have unique features, so all of them are important as Canada's heritage. You can find National Parks, Provincial Parks, and Regional Parks on Vancouver Island. The nature and environment of the first and second types are protected according to Canadian law. The first one is under the federal government's protection, and the provincial government runs the second one.
If you are interested in nature photography, enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or other family activities in a safe environment, we recommend Vancouver Island parks. Some of these parks, such as the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with sandy beaches, provide you with the opportunity to sunbathe and relax or offer water sports. You can participate in festivals at Vancouver Island parks, like the Silly Boat Regatta at Maffeo Sutton Park. The oldest provincial park in British Columbia is Strathcona Provincial Park, also the largest park on Vancouver Island. Waterfalls, mountains, historic bridges, and caves are other attractions you can find at Vancouver Island parks.

Top 20 Parks on Vancouver Island

1. Pacific Rim National Park
2. Goldstream Provincial Park
3. Ruckle Provincial Park
4. Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
5. Cape Scott Provincial Park
6. Tribune Bay Provincial Park
7. French Beach Provincial Park
8. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
9. Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
10. McMillan Provincial Park
11. Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park
12. Neck Point Park
13. Elk Falls Provincial Park
14. Beacon Hill Park
15. Staratgona Provincial Park
16. Pipers Lagoon Park
17. Nymph Falls Nature Park
18. Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
19. Miracle Beach Provincial Park
20. East Sooke Regional Park

Top 10 Camping Parks on Vancouver Island

As many Vancouver Island parks offer excellent areas for camping, you have chances to watch the wildlife and have a fantastic time in nature with spectacular views. Considering safety tips and guidelines, make RV camping and setting up a tent possible at some of them. Here are the best camping parks on Vancouver Island.

1. French Beach Provincial Park
2. Rathtrevor Provincial Park
3. Goldstream Provincial Park
4. Jordan River Regional Park
5. Strathcona Provincial Park
6. Goldstream Provincial Park
7. Miracle Beach Provincial Park
8. Gordon Bay Provincial Park
9. Bamberton Provincial Park
10. Kitty Coleman Beach Provincial Park

Top Ten-Plus Kid-Friendly Parks on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island offers some of the best parks for children in Canada. The waterfront parks with beach access, wildlife viewing possibility, playground areas, and several facilities and things to do are available at the parks.
1. Bowen Park
2. Village Green
3. Cadboro-Gyro Park
4. Willows Park
5. Dick Murphy Park
6. MacMillan Provincial Park
7. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
8. Rathrevor Beach Provincial Park
9. Goldstream Provincial Park
10. Miracle Beach Provincial Park
11. Cape Scott Provincial Park
12. Thetis Lake Regional Park
13. Coles Bay Regional Park
14. WildPlay Element Parks

Top 10 Waterfront Parks on Vancouver Island

Waterfront Parks have the potential for multiple purposes. You have several options in the same package; jungle, ocean, variety of wildlife, water-based and land-based activities, camping, hiking trails, and so on. The best waterfront parks of Vancouver Island are mentioned here.

1. Lochside Waterfront Park
2. French Beach Provincial Park
3. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
4. Island View Beach Provincial Park
5. Fillinger Waterfront Park 2
6. Kin Beach Provincial Park
7. Colwood Waterfront
8. Beach Estates Park
9. Cape Scott Provincial Park
10. Saratoga Beach Access Park

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Parks on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island dog parks allow you and your dog to do well-deserved exercise and fun. Spend perfect time together and let your dog enjoy playing, swimming, running, and companionship with others. Vancouver Island dog-friendly parks are like heaven for dogs. The best Vancouver Island dog-friendly parks are as follows.
1. Beban Park
2. Diver Lake Park
3. Seal Bay Park
4. Mack Laing Park
5. Goose Spit Park
6. Nymph Falls Nature Park
7. Agate Park
8. Clover Point Park
9. Dry Creek Park
10. Beaver Lake Off-Leash Area

Vancouver Island Parks Common Questions and Answers

Are there any national parks on Vancouver Island?

Yes, there are two national parks, one on Gulf Island (The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve) and another on the west coast of Vancouver Island (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve).

Are dogs allowed to be at Vancouver Island parks?

There are many options for you to camp on Vancouver Island parks, such as provincial, national, or private parks, RV Parks, and Tent Parks.

Can I go camping at the Vancouver Island parks?

Yes. There are many options for you to camp on Vancouver Island Parks, such as provincial, national, or private parks, RV Parks, and Tent Parks.

When are the gates of Vancouver Island parks closed?

Usually, park gates are closed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. This period is also considered "quiet time" in most parks. While you are at the parks, please respect other campers' right to enjoy a peaceful camping experience.

How long can I stay at Vancouver Island provincial parks?

The maximum stay permitted at provincial parks of Vancouver Island is 14 days, per park, per calendar year.

Have Vancouver Island parks wheelchair accessibility?

Most parks and their trails have wheelchair accessibility.

Can I smoke at Vancouver Island provincial parks?

According to the BC Parks Smoking Restrictions: In Provincial Parks and Protected Areas, smoking is only permitted within a designated front-country campsite or group campsite, occupied by a registered party or their guests. This restriction applies to the smoking and/or vaping of tobacco, cannabis, or other substances.

What are the best provincial parks on Vancouver Island?

Goldstream Provincial Park, Ruckle Provincial Park, Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, Cape Scott Provincial Park, Tribune Bay Provincial Park, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, Strathcona Provincial Park, Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park, and Pacific Rim National Park

What kind of facilities are available in Vancouver Island parks?

Drinking water, pit toilets, picnic areas, and parking lots can be found at most Vancouver Island parks, but you can check each one for complete information.

Is carrying firearms allowed in Vancouver Island parks?

According to BCParks.ca: No person shall possess or discharge a firearm, bows or crossbows in a park or recreation area except during an open season as specified under the Wildlife Act or as authorized.

Is there a risk of bear attacks in Vancouver Island parks?

According to the report, only two bear attacks occurred in the last 50 years on Vancouver Island, so the risk of bear attack is really low.

Do I need bear spray on Vancouver Island?

As mentioned, the risk of bear attack is very low, and bear spray may make you feel safer, but it really doesn't need that.

Can I cut off trees for firewood on Vancouver Island Park?

According to the Firewood Permits British Columbia, You should have a "Free Use Permit for Firewood," and that just for dead or downed trees, but more conditions should follow.

Can I light a fire or a campfire in Vancouver Islands park?

Open fire and campfires are prohibited in BC. Under the ban, Category 2 or 3 open fires will be prohibited. This includes any fire more than 0.5 meters (1.64 ft) high and 0.5 meters (1.64 ft) wide. Cookstoves and grills are also still allowed. You can read the complete information on the Fire Bans and Restrictions in British Columbia.

What Vancouver Islands' Parks are located in the mountains?

The location of Vancouver Island made an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy mountain parks. Activities like hiking, climbing, camping, mountain biking and watching the unique wildlife are possible in the area. The best mountain parks on Vancouver Islands include Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park, Sooke Mountain Provincial Parks, Sugarloaf Mountain Park, Cobble Hill Mountain Regional Recreation Area, Mquqᵂin/Brooks Peninsula Provincial Park, Schoen Lake Provincial Park and Notch Hill Park.