Strathcona Park: Megin-Talbot

Highlights in this site

The Megin-Talbot addition to Strathcona Park contains the largest undisturbed watershed on Vancouver Island, karst limestone geography, old-growth forests, and salmon habitat. Located in the northeast portion of Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Megin-Talbot addition was identified for protection in the Clayoquot Sound land-use decision in 1995.

Megin Lake offers wilderness camping, recreational fishing, and canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. Majestic trees, crystal clear waters and a variety of wildlife including waterfowl, seals, sea lions, and lots of black bears makes this a memorable trip within the park.

This park contains old-growth forests of spruce, fir, and cedar, as well as a fresh water lake and an estuary.

Cultural heritage

This park contains Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations heritage sites.

Conservation

The Megin watershed is the largest undisturbed watershed on Vancouver Island. The watershed is characterized by karst limestone geology, rare plants, old-growth spruce, fir, and cedar forests, a large fresh water lake and an estuary. This park addition includes all of the Megin and Talbot river drainages.

Date established: 1995

Size: The Megin-Talbot addition to Strathcona Park is 27,390 hectares (26,877ha upland, 513ha foreshore)

Know before you go

Advisories

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

The Megin-Talbot addition to Strathcona Park is located in the northeast portion of Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Access to the park addition is by boat and by hiking from Shelter Inlet. The closest communities are Tofino and Ucluelet.

Camping

Wilderness camping

There are no designated campsites at this park, however wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided. This park is accessible year-round; there is no winter camping fee at this time. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.

Things to do

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at this park, however, there are opportunities for swimming in Megin Lake.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

Canoeing and kayaking opportunities exist on Megin Lake. This is a beautiful scenic area, with lots of wildlife viewing possibilities. It’s a beautiful trip down river, with huge trees, clear waters, waterfowl, seals, sea lions, and lots of bears.

Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking opportunities exist on Megin Lake. This is a beautiful scenic area, with lots of wildlife viewing possibilities. It’s a beautiful trip down river, with huge trees, clear waters, waterfowl, seals, sea lions, and lots of bears.

Fishing

Megin Lake offers good fishing opportunities for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations outside of Megin River ecological reserve. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Hunting

Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the hunting guide for more information.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.