Lanz and Cox Islands Park protects an unspoiled coastal wilderness environment in the Scott Islands chain off the northwest tip of Vancouver Island. BC Parks says Cox Island lies about six nautical miles off Cape Scott, with Lanz Island less than half a nautical mile farther west.
The only access is by boat.
Lanz and Cox Islands Park is primarily a conservation destination, and only extremely experienced boaters should consider visiting. Together with the outer three Scott Islands, the park protects some of the most important seabird nesting colonies in the world.
BC Parks is blunt about the difficulty: the islands can experience extreme weather and sea states at any time of year, rugged rocky coastlines provide poor access for boaters, and steep island slopes make onshore travel nearly impossible. The park receives very few visitors.
Wildlife viewing is possible from boats. The islands provide critical habitat for seabirds including rhinoceros auklets, Cassin's auklets, tufted puffins, cormorants, and petrels, plus numerous bald eagle nests. Boaters may also see marine mammals, and BC Parks notes re-established sea otters in surrounding kelp beds.
Plan around expert marine route planning, offshore wildlife viewing, seabird habitat awareness, experienced kayaking only, marine chart review, photography from a safe distance, and conservation-minded boating.
Reference marine chart 3625 for the Scott Islands. Nearby communities include Port Hardy and Winter Harbour. The outer three islands are ecological reserves where public access is prohibited, and recreational fishing is unsuitable because of extreme sea conditions.
