Plan Tahsish-Kwois Park near Kyuquot with boat access, old-growth forest, river valleys, camping, fishing, elk habitat, logging-road caution, and fire rules.
Tahsish-Kwois Park is in Kyuquot Sound on northwestern Vancouver Island, about 20 kilometres east of Kyuquot and 40 kilometres south of Port McNeill. BC Parks describes one of Vancouver Island’s largest parks, with old-growth forest, two lakes, a scenic river canyon, river valleys, and important Roosevelt elk winter range.
Access is primarily by boat through Tahsish Inlet.
Why Visit Tahsish-Kwois Park
Tahsish-Kwois is a rugged wilderness park for experienced visitors seeking old-growth exploration, backcountry camping, wildlife viewing, nature study, and difficult river access. The south end encircles Tahsish River Ecological Reserve, and paddlers may travel through the river portion of the reserve to reach the park, though recreational use of the reserve itself is prohibited.
The Tahsish and Kwois rivers support coho, chinook, chum, pink salmon, trout, and char, and the lower Tahsish ranks among Vancouver Island’s best elk ranges. Bald eagles are common year-round, especially during salmon runs.
Things To Do
Boat into Tahsish Inlet, walk or camp in undeveloped backcountry, swim without a designated area or lifeguards, fish under current rules where access allows, watch elk and eagles from a distance, and hunt during open seasons outside ecological reserves.
Planning Notes
Logging-road access to Kyuquot Sound can be hazardous because loaded logging trucks have the right of way; use pullouts and drive defensively. Campfires are closed except within two kilometres of the coastline. Marine chart 3682 covers Kyuquot Sound. Travel in the park is restricted to boating or walking, and fishing access on the rivers is difficult. Pack for isolation.