Broughton Archipelago Park is BC's largest marine park, a collection of dozens of undeveloped islands and islets near the mouth of Knight Inlet on the west side of Queen Charlotte Strait. BC Parks places it about 30 kilometres east of Port McNeill.
Access is by boat only, with launches at Port McNeill, Telegraph Cove, and Port Hardy.
Broughton Archipelago is a world-known sea kayaking and boating destination with sheltered waters, anchorages, coastal mountain views, and Queen Charlotte Strait to the west. BC Parks says the many small islands and protected waters make the park excellent for kayaking and canoeing.
Visitors come for paddling among orcas and other marine mammals, wilderness camping, saltwater fishing, and learning about First Nations culture. The southern part of the park is the most popular, especially Village Channel and Indian Channel, though the northern islands and protected waterways are also drawing more paddlers.
The islands have been used by First Nations for thousands of years, and BC Parks notes white midden beaches, culturally modified trees, clam terraces, and a petroglyph. These sites must not be disturbed.
Plan around sea kayaking, canoe camping, boating, sheltered anchorage planning, marine wildlife viewing, saltwater fishing for salmon, rockfish, halibut, crabbing, prawning, winter camping, and respectful cultural-site awareness.
Fresh water is difficult to find, so bring what you need and treat any surface water. Expect sudden strong winds, rough water, summer fog, tides, no moorage buoys, busy shipping lanes near launch crossings, and common wolves and bears.
