North Island. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- The waters around this park are subject to very high tidal runs. Anyone accessing the park should consult current tidal charts.
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
Surge Narrows is located on the south end of Maurell Island (east of Quadra Island), off central Vancouver Island. The park is accessible by boat only. From the north, access is through Okisollo Channel, from the South use Hoskyn Channel. Boaters can reference marine chart #3537 and #3539 from more information about this area. Nearby communities include: Campbell River, Quadra Island, Cortes Island, Discovery Islands.
Camping
Wilderness camping
There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided and there is no fee. Please practice “Leave no trace” camping ethics. This park is accessible year-round. There is no winter camping fee.
When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.
Winter camping
This park is accessible year-round. There is no winter camping fee.
Things to do
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park for experienced paddlers only. Paddlers should avoid Seymour Narrows and only travel through Surge Narrows at slack tide.
Paddlers and boaters should also be familiar with tidal current charts so they can safely explore the rich waters around Surge Narrows Park. Only very experienced kayakers should attempt to paddle in the fast-flowing and treacherous tidal streams at Surge Narrows. Currents can flow through this area at 16 knots and up to 14 knots on the ebb.
This park offers opportunities for ocean fishing. Rock fish and salmon are the main species.
Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and 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.
Facilities
While small fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you do have a fire, please utilize previously constructed fire rings and use small pieces of wood that will burn completely. If you can’t find a previously used site, try to construct your fire rings below the high tide mark. Never leave your fire unattended and practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
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