A group of small islands near Quadra make up the beautiful Octopus Islands Provincial Marine Park. This park is only accessible by boat and offers safe, protected anchorages, plus a fantastic spot for swimming and kayaking.
Quick Park Facts
- Features: Protected anchorage; kayaking destination; marine accessible camping spots
- Park Size: 762 hectares
- Trails: No developed trails
- Suitability: Only accessible to boaters
- Hazards: Powerful tidal currents occur around Quadra Island, especially at Surge Narrows. See more information below.
- Bike Trails: none
- Camping: No designated campsites, but boat-in wilderness camping is allowed
- Washrooms: no facilities of any kind
- Pets: As this is a Provincial Park, dogs must remain on a leash at all times when onshore
A Bit of History
Octopus Islands Provincial Marine Park was established in 1974, but continues to grow in size thanks to the BC Marine Parks Forever Society. This society advocates for and financially supports the creation, expansion and/or enhancement of BC Marine Parks. Since 2004, private donors have contributed a total of $783,000 specifically to Octopus Island PMP, enabling a significant expansion of the area.
The area also has significant historical value, for the islands were heavily used by First Nations people long before the park was established. Archeological researchers who studied the area found culturally constructed clam gardens along the shore.
It's also thought that the portage route between this park and Small Inlet PP, found on the west side of Quadra Island, was also used by Indigenous peoples.
The park protects a fragile Coastal Western Hemlock ecosystem and a habitat for harbour seals, porpoises, marine invertebrates, groundfish, salmon, and octopus.
Visiting Octopus Islands Provincial Marine Park
Octopus Islands is part of the BC Marine Trail Association network, providing a series of resting areas and safe havens for boaters and kayakers. This park, in particular, offers a marine experience for travellers along the Inside Passage.
Recreational activities at this park include a safe spot for an ocean swim, kayaking around the bays and inlets to view wildlife, hiking along the portage trail mentioned above, and even free wilderness camping opportunities. Due to the abundance of ocean wildlife, I imagine this area would be a fantastic spot to scuba dive.
If you decide to camp on the beach, please follow the “Leave No Trace” rules. This means everything you bring to the beach, including human waste, leaves with you! While best practices are not to have campfires, use only driftwood found on the beach if you do. Also, ensure your fire is below the high tide line, and upon leaving, ensure there is no visible evidence of your fire.
Getting There
Octopus Islands Provincial Marine Park is located off the northeast side of Quadra Island and at the southern tip of Sonora Island. It's in Okisollo Channel at the junction of Quadra, Sonora and Maurelle Islands. Boaters can reference marine charts #3537 and #3539 for more information about this area.
We launched our boat in Campbell River, made our way to the north end of Quadra Island and ducked into Okisollo Channel from there.
If you go this route, you'll be travelling along Seymour Narrows. This is a particularly tricky section as the current can roar through the narrows at 16 knots. It's best to transit through the area at slack tide. However, boaters should be prepared and know how to navigate strong currents before attempting it.
If you head south from the park, you come to Surge Narrows. Although this section can also be turbulent and run fast, it's less so than Seymour Narrows and is a much shorter section of powerful currents. It's also a wonderful place to see. However, you'll still need to travel through Seymour Narrows to get back to where you launched your boat.
Why You Should Go
The Octopus Islands are one of those places that remind you why exploring BC’s coast by boat is such a gift. Tucked away in a maze of calm channels and forested islets, this little pocket of wilderness feels wonderfully out of reach in the best way.
Whether you’re kayaking through the sheltered coves, wandering the shoreline at low tide, or simply soaking up the stillness from your boat, the Octopus Islands offer a level of peace that’s hard to find anywhere else.
What makes this marine park so special is that it’s both remote and welcoming. The anchorage is mellow, the scenery is spectacular, and the sense of discovery is endless. Every paddle, every cove, every little passage feels like a mini adventure. If you’re craving quiet waters, stunning coastal scenery, and a true get-away-from-it-all experience, the Octopus Islands absolutely deliver.
To save this article for future use, please pin this image on Pinterest:
Subscribe Today!
Like what you are reading? Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about the best ways to explore Vancouver Island, and you'll also receive this free adventure guide.
