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Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park attracts people worldwide to kayak and lets them enjoy the natural hot springs, sandy beaches, scenery, and wildlife. Natural hot springs, which are located on Matilda Inlet's shores, are considered therapeutic value. Hiking through the "Wild Side Trail" from the village of Ahousat to Cow Bay and following pristine coastal beaches, and passing through old-growth Sitka spruce forest is one of the main attractions you can find around the park on Flores Island. Those who visit the island are also enthusiastic about exploring and camping in the remote Clayoquot Sound.


Gibson Marine Provincial Park Location

Gibson Marine Provincial Park is southeast of Flores Island and east of Flores Island Provincial Park on Vancouver Island's west coast. The view from Mount Flores is among one of the features of the park.
You should take a one-hour boat ride from Tofino to Ahousaht Village and walk the Wild Side Trail to reach the park.
Water taxis leave the 1st Street dock in Tofino to Ahousaht numerous times a day.


How to Get to Gibson Marine Provincial Park by Car

To access Gibson marine Provincial Park, you need to drive toward Tofino. It requires a one-hour boat ride from the 1st Street Dock in Tofino to Ahousaht village and then going the park route.

From Victoria:
The Fastest route from Victoria to Tofino is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-4 W, which is 317 km (196.9 miles) and takes about 4 hours and 12 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 W in Nanaimo G. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N. After 155 km (96.3 miles), follow BC-4 W to Campbell St in Tofino. Drive for 161 km (100 miles) more to reach Tofino.

From Nanaimo:
The Fastest route from Nanaimo Tofino is via BC-4 W, which is 207 km (128.6 miles) and takes about 2 hours and 52 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N for 3.3 km (2 miles). Follow BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 W in Nanaimo G. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N. After 42.8 km (26.5 miles), follow BC-4 W to Campbell St in Tofino. Drive for 161 km (100 miles) more to reach Tofino.


The Hike to Get to Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Wild Side Trail is an out and back moderate trail near Marktosis 15, British Columbia, Canada. It has a 15.8 km (9.8 miles) length and 280 m (918 ft) of elevation gain. The trail is best accessed from the village of Ahousaht. Wild Side Trail is a rustic route that mostly follows sandy beaches and allows seeing wildlife. The path is frequently used for hiking, running, and backpacking.


History of Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park was established on November 30, 1967. Much of the park was a gift from the W.F. Gibson family.
Gibson Marine Provincial Park was Ahoushat First Nation's traditional territory. Many of the nation's heritage of Nuu-chah-nulth, including middens and Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs), is located on this site.


Things to do around the Gibson Marine Provincial Park Area

Gibson Marine Provincial Park offers various activities all-around a year. Hiking through the Wild Side Trail, camping in remote Clayoquot Sound, soaking in the hot springs, kayaking, swimming and enjoying the sandy beaches, scenery, and wildlife are some of these activities. Based on the BC Act, Gibson Marine Provincial Park is one of the protected areas on Vancouver Island, where you are not allowed to hunt.

The Best Parks Near Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park Activities

Camping

A campsite consists of 3-tent platforms is located on the park's easterly end near the Sand Dunes. Random wilderness camping is allowed too.

Fishing

A variety of fish species such as salmon, halibut rockfish, and lingcod may be found in Clayoquot Sound's waters.
Fishing is permitted in Gibson Marine Provincial Park, but you should have an appropriate licence.

Kayaking & Canoeing

Gibson Marine Provincial Park offers opportunities for canoeing or kayaking that attract People from around the world.

Hiking

You can experience a pleasant walk through Wildside Trail, a rustic route that mostly follows sandy beaches and allows seeing wildlife.

Swimming

Although there is no designated swimming area at the park, there are opportunities for ocean swimming. Be careful; there is no lifeguard on duty at provincial parks.

Wildlife Viewing/ Bird Watching

Lots of people come from around the world to enjoy the sandy beaches, scenery and wildlife.

What you Can Expect to Do Near Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Tofino Whale Watching

Tofino Whale Watching

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Wya Point Camping

Wya Point Camping

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Long Beach Storm Watching

Long Beach Storm Watching

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Long Beach Surfing

Long Beach Surfing

Florencia Bay Surfing

Florencia Bay Surfing

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

Gibson Marine Provincial Park Outline

Specifications

Climate

Timing

Trails


1- The numbers are estimated on average.


What you Can Expect to See Near Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Cape Beale Lighthouse

Cape Beale Lighthouse

Ucluelet

Ucluelet

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach

Tofino

Tofino

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Low Tide Sea Cave

Low Tide Sea Cave

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Tofino Botanical Gardens

Tofino Botanical Gardens

Virgin Falls

Virgin Falls

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Ahousat Hot Springs

Ahousat Hot Springs

Cox Bay Beach

Cox Bay Beach

Long Beach

Long Beach

Kennedy Lake

Kennedy Lake

Planning for Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Tips

Packing



1. Shops and restaurants are available in Tofino.

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