Porpoise Bay Provincial Park

Please note: East Porpoise Bay Road, between Wharf Road and Xenichen Avenue will be closed September 8, 2009 for a six to eight week period. Access to Porpoise Bay Provincial Park will also be impacted by this road closure.

A detour route using Tita Way and Schetxwen Road will be marked and available. The speed limit on the detour route is 30 kilometers per hour.

About This Park

Porpoise Bay Provincial Park on the Sunshine Coast offers many opportunities for coastal fun and is a favourite family park. The park is separated from the Strait of Georgia by the isthmus at Sechelt. This park is characterized by second-growth forest, open grassy areas and sandy beaches. This park also makes an excellent base camp for paddlers exploring the Sechelt Inlet.

Park Size: 61 hectares

Special Notes:

A clean air policy is in effect at this park. Campfires are restricted to three communal sites. Campfires are not allowed at individual campsites.
It is recommended that you make a reservation to stay at this park during the months of July and August.
Cyclists can always be accommodated at the cyclists campsite.

Campground Hours of Operation All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.)	Year round – camp at group site as campground gate is closed during off-season.
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:	April 15 – September 15 Off-season: camp at group site; no fee; no services.
Campground Reservable Dates:	May 5 – September 15
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:	84
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)	50
Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts.

Reservations

For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:
Group campsite and/or group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park.

Location and Maps

Located at the southern end of Sechelt Inlet on the Sunshine Coast, Porpoise Bay Provincial Park is 4 km north of Sechelt off Hwy 101. Vehicle access is via Sechelt Inlet Road northeast of Sechelt.

Location Map

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Park Map [PDF]
Brochure [PDF]

Nature and Culture

History - The Sechelt Indian Band frequented the area with a major village at Sechelt itself. Today, the Sechelt Indian Band plays an important role in the community of Sechelt.

At the turn of the century, as interest in the Sunshine Coast area heightened, the Crowston family homesteaded the east side of Sechelt Inlet. The park was purchased from the Crowston’s in 1966 and on January 29, 1971, Porpoise Bay Provincial Park was established.
Conservation - Porpoise Bay Provincial Park is characterized by second-growth forest of Douglas fir, western cedar, western hemlock, maple and alder. The area also contains a waterway used by chum and coho salmon for spawning. There is also an estuary in the park that is home to many shore birds. Please keep a safe, respectful distance when viewing wildlife. Keep dogs on a leash at all times, and stay out of the creek.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

Approved Master Plan for Porpoise Bay Provincial Park

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are near the park. Kayakers can use the cyclist campsite. There are rentals available outside the park in Tuwanek. Calmer conditions often prevail in early morning and late afternoon.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted but it is hard to fish from shore as the water is shallow. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking

Enjoy the coolness of the lush forests along the trails beside Angus Creek. A bridge over the creek leads to the mudflats of the estuary where a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds can be observed. Harbour seals and bald eagles may be seen year-round. Please keep a safe, respectful distance when viewing wildlife, and keep dogs on a leash. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Swimming

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Facilities Available at this Park

Campfires

Fires are only permitted in the 3 communal fire pits. No fires are allowed in individual sites due to a clean air policy within the park. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator in some parks or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented and some parks may use communal fire rings. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

Drinking Water

Cold water taps are located in both the day-use and campground areas. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Group Camping

There is one group campsite that can accommodate from 15 to 50 people. Click here for reservation information. More reservation information also available from Swens Contracting website.

Group Camping Fee: $22.00 per party / night

Youth Group Camping Fee: $50.00 per group / night

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area. There are 2 open picnic shelters, one change area in the toilet building, pit and flush toilets, and a sandy beach area. The day-use area can still be accessed if the gate is locked. There is an adventure playground.

Day-use Area Vehicle Parking Fee: $1.00 per vehicle / hour to a maximum of $3.00 per vehicle per/day. For information about yearly parking passes, or further information about parking fees, click here.

One day-use picnic shelter can be reserved through the Park Facility Operator. Please click here for list of contact numbers. More reservation information also available from Swens Contracting website.

Group Picnicking Fee: $50.00 per group

Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit and flush toilets are located in both the day-use and the campground areas.

Playground

There is a playground area at the beach, less than 5 minutes walk from the day-use parking area. There is an adventure playground, grassy area and beach area.

Showers

There are hot showers and change houses located in both the day-use and campground areas

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $22.00 per party / night

BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only): $11.00 per senior's couple/night

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

There is a cyclist-only camping area. This site is only for cyclists or persons who arrive at the park without a vehicle (backpackers). This site is an open area, there are no designated sites but room for approximately 10 small tents and this area is on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. The site has a communal fire pit, shared picnic tables and there is a shower building with flush toilets nearby.

Walk/Cycle-in Frontcountry Camping Fee: $10.00 per party / night

Wheelchair Access

The picnic tables, showers, toilets, and one campsite (site #35) are all wheelchair accessible.