Plan Small Inlet Marine Park on Quadra Island with protected anchorage, Newton Lake hiking and swimming, kayaking, fishing, rockfish rules, and pet cautions.
Small Inlet Marine Park is at the northeastern tip of Quadra Island in BC Parks’ North Island region. BC Parks describes it as a well-protected anchorage where boaters can wait for slack water before passing tidal rapids in Discovery Passage, Okisollo Channel, and Hole in the Wall.
The park also includes Newton Lake, a small lake used for swimming and picnicking.
Why Visit Small Inlet Marine Park
Small Inlet is a marine travel stop with more than one option for careful exploration. A rough 1.5-kilometre trail leads from the southeast corner of Small Inlet to Newton Lake. Another rough 1.5-kilometre portage connects the head of Small Inlet with Waiatt Bay in Octopus Islands Marine Park.
BC Parks notes ocean kayaking, ocean or lake swimming, fishing, and sheltered anchorage. The park protects second-growth forest, two small lakes, and the anchorage itself.
Things To Do
Anchor, kayak, canoe, hike to Newton Lake, portage toward Waiatt Bay, swim without lifeguards, picnic at the lake, and fish for salmon or rockfish with the proper licence and current regulations.
Planning Notes
Access is by boat from Johnstone Strait or from Granite Bay on Quadra Island. BC Parks points boaters to marine chart 3538. Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within the park, so fishing is limited in those areas. Pets must be controlled, and backcountry areas are not suitable for pets because of wildlife concerns. Bring water, charts, weather planning, and footwear for rough trails. Pack portage loads conservatively because the lake and Waiatt Bay routes are rough.