Plan Garden Bay Marine Park near Sechelt with secure anchorage, dinghy dock, Mount Daniel Trail, swimming, paddling, fishing, shishalh cultural values, and no fees.
Garden Bay Marine Park is a Pender Harbour marine park about 30 kilometres from Sechelt on the Sechelt Peninsula. Established in 1969, it provides 200 metres of shoreline, secure anchorage, a small dinghy dock, and a backdrop rising to Mount Daniel.
BC Parks says the park is open all year with no fees.
Why Visit Garden Bay Marine Park
Garden Bay is a practical Sunshine Coast stop for boaters, swimmers, hikers, paddlers, anglers, and picnic plans. Nearby marinas, stores, resorts, restaurants, repair facilities, and fuel outlets support the busy Pender Harbour boating area.
The Mount Daniel Trail is accessed from Garden Bay Road, not from the marine area. BC Parks describes it as about 90 minutes to the top, four kilometres from Garden Bay Road, and moderate to difficult because of its steep grade. Views from the summit look over the surrounding area.
The park lies within the swiya, the lands and birthplace of the shishalh Nation. Shelkem, or Mount Daniel, is a culturally important site described by BC Parks as a Women’s Place, and visitors are asked to respect the area by staying on trails.
Things To Do
Plan around anchoring, dinghy dock use, swimming from the steep rocky beach, picnicking, kayaking or canoeing, salmon and cod fishing, Mount Daniel hiking, summit views, cultural respect, and wildlife viewing.
Planning Notes
Use holding tanks because sewage discharge is not allowed in the anchorage. Bring charts 3512 and 3535 for marine context, leash pets, and remember there are no sani-station or dump facilities.