Epper Passage Park is a boat-access BC Parks site in Clayoquot Sound, north of Tofino, between Meares and Vargas Islands. The park includes Dunlap and Morfee Islands and lies on route to popular kayak camping areas such as Flores Island and Vargas Island.
BC Parks describes water-based wilderness recreation, not easy upland camping.
Epper Passage is for experienced boaters, paddlers, divers, anglers, and nature photographers exploring Clayoquot Sound. The rocky terrain makes upland access difficult, and BC Parks says the park is unsuitable for wilderness camping.
The surrounding waters are the main draw. BC Parks notes rich marine life around the small islands, including rare massive purple ascidians, also called sea squirts. Ecological Reserve status is being considered for the islands.
Kayakers can travel from Tofino through Maurus Channel to reach Epper Passage, with a launch at First Street Dock in Tofino. Paddlers should be cautious because Epper Passage can be busy with high-speed commercial boat traffic, and dense fog can develop quickly in summer.
Fishing may include salmon, rockfish, halibut, and lingcod, but Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within the park and limit fishing activities. Scuba diving is popular because high subtidal values create strong underwater viewing.
Plan around boat travel, Clayoquot Sound kayaking, ocean swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing regulation checks, marine wildlife viewing, island photography, nature study, and seasonal hunting where permitted.
Use marine chart 3673, check weather and fog, review Rockfish Conservation Area rules, and do not plan upland camping. Nearby communities include Tofino, Ucluelet, Ahousat, Flores Island, and Meares Island.
