Oak Bay Islands Ecological Reserve protects island and marine habitats east of Oak Bay on southern Vancouver Island. BC Parks says it was established to protect vulnerable nesting seabirds, uncommon meadow communities, showy and rare early spring wildflowers, and representative shallow-water marine habitats.
The reserve is closed to the public.
For most people, Oak Bay Islands is a place to respect from outside its boundaries rather than a destination to enter. Ecological reserves protect special natural ecosystems and support research and education, but they are not intended for outdoor recreation.
The reserve has three units. The largest, Great Chain Island and the Chain Islets, lies two kilometres east of Oak Bay. Jemmy Jones Island is 2.5 kilometres north of Great Chain Island in Baynes Channel. Alpha Island, part of the Chatham-Discovery Group, is 5.5 kilometres east of Oak Bay. BC Parks identifies the reserve's biogeoclimatic zone as Coastal Douglas-fir and both its terrestrial and marine ecosections as Strait of Georgia.
Do not land or enter the reserve. Learn from the official map and detailed reserve description, observe marine birds only from lawful outside viewpoints or vessels that remain outside closed areas, and keep distance from nesting seabirds and sensitive shorelines.
Research and educational activities require a permit. Any maps are informational and should not be used for navigation. Respect the public closure, avoid disturbing seabirds or wildflower meadows, follow marine safety guidance nearby, and keep all recreation outside reserve boundaries.
