Main Lake Park is on east-central Quadra Island and protects six lakes in a biologically diverse freshwater system. BC Parks says the park includes more than 72 bird species and 234 plant species, with wilderness camping, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.
Visitors reach Quadra Island by ferry from Campbell River, then travel by road, but BC Parks says the park is best enjoyed by canoe, kayak, or small boat.
The Main Lake chain is the largest freshwater waterway in the Gulf and Discovery Islands. Main Lake, Village Bay Lake, and Mine Lake are connected by shallow marshes that are navigable by canoes and dinghies only, while other lakes require rough user-created portage routes.
The park also has striking physical features, including narrow channels, limestone sinkholes, waterfalls, and the close relationship between marine and freshwater ecosystems. Wildlife noted by BC Parks includes wolves, cougars, owls, bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcons, and wintering swans. Cultural values include red ochre pictographs on Main Lake and evidence of an old portage route from Yeatman Bay.
Canoe or kayak the connected lakes, camp in designated wilderness sites, swim in lakes with no lifeguards, fish under provincial and federal regulations, hike rough routes toward Yeatman Bay, and hunt in permitted portions during open seasons.
Bring drinking water or treatment. Campsites require online registration during the service season, weather can change quickly, and motor limits apply: 10 horsepower on Main and Mine lakes and electric motors only on smaller lakes.
