Plan Read Island Park by boat with old-growth forest, bald eagle habitat, paddling, wilderness camping, Rosen Lake swimming, ocean fishing, and marine charts.
Read Island Park is on the southern tip of Read Island in the Quadra Island Group, off the east coast of central Vancouver Island. BC Parks says access is by boat only, with marine charts 3538 and 3539 useful for the area.
The closest communities are Read Island, Cortes Island, Quadra Island, and Campbell River.
Because there is no road access to the park, every visit depends on marine weather, boat planning, and safe landing choices.
Why Visit Read Island Park
Read Island protects old-growth and second-growth forest, bog, fertile lowlands, and high-density bald eagle habitat. Eagles nest in the tall trees, and BC Parks also lists river otters, seals, sea lions, black-tailed deer, weasels, mink, beaver, cougars, and wolves.
The park is part of the BC Marine Trail Association network, which connects campsites, resting areas, and safe havens for recreational boaters and paddlers. Visitors come for sheltered-water paddling, rustic hiking, wilderness camping, swimming at Rosen Lake, ocean swimming, fishing, scuba diving, and wildlife observation.
Things To Do
Arrive by boat, paddle sheltered waters, camp in a wilderness setting, swim in the ocean or at Rosen Lake without lifeguards, fish under provincial and federal regulations, scuba dive if equipped, and watch bald eagles and marine wildlife from a respectful distance.
Planning Notes
Plan as a self-sufficient marine visitor. Check current advisories, marine weather, charts, and fishing rules before travel. Pets must be leashed and kept away from beach areas and park buildings. Backcountry areas are not suitable for pets because of wildlife concerns.