Denman Island Provincial Parks
Denman Island is lucky to have three beautiful Provincial Parks
for visitors and residents to enjoy year-round. Each park is highlighted
by the superlative beauty that BC's Gulf Islands are known for,
and represent an excellent overall view of Denman's diverse ecosystems.
Fillongley Provincial Park
Located on the northeast side of Denman Island, Fillongley Provincial
Park features some of the largest remaining stands of Douglas Firs
and Cedars in the region. There is a wheelchair accessible path
through the forest and a series of walking trails woven around the
lush salmon-spawning habitat called Beadnell Creek, named after
the land's original owner.
 George
Beadnell originally settled the 23-hectare parcel of land, now known
as Fillongley Park. He sold the deed for one dollar to the provincial
government in 1953. Mr. Beadnell is buried on the property, and
his grave can be seen along the Homestead Trail.
Fillongley is the only location on Denman Island for public camping,
and advanced booking is usually required to secure a spot in this
picturesque oceanfront campground. The 10 available sites are designed
for drive-in camping. Campfires are allowed but no firewood is provided.
Fire bans are implemented during Denman Island's dry summer season,
so be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking. There is hand
pump for water but a boil advisory remains in effect all year.
Fillongley's sandy and rocky beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking,
canoeing, beachcombing and long walks, where the panoramic views
take in Hornby Island and the mountain ranges of mainland Canada.
For camping reservations, please call 1-800-689-9025.
Boyle Point Provincial Park
Boyle Point is a breathtaking 125-hectare Provincial Park located
at the south end of Denman Island. It is an ideal spot for eagle
watching, especially during the spring herring run. Vociferous California
and Stellar Sea Lions come to the area to feed on the herring, and
Boyle Point Park is a beautiful place to observe these very large
creatures, as well as many magnificent migratory and local seabirds.
On any given day, a visitor can witness a Great Blue Heron or Osprey
fishing alongside the noble Bald Eagle.
From the lookout point at the south end of the trail, one can see
the Chrome Island lighthouse. Twice annually (but only once in the
summer), at the lowest tides of the year, you can walk across the
ocean floor to this 2-acre island. Visitors are enticed by the isolated
charm of the lonely lighthouse and the ancient Aboriginal petroglyghs
carved onto the yellow rock face.
Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park
 Sandy
Island Marine Provincial Park is a rare niche of sand dunes, fragile
vegetation, diverse animal species, and a variety of birds. On Denman
Island, the marine park is commonly referred to as Tree Island or
the Seal Islets. It became a provincial park in 1966, and over the
past several years an increasing number of visitors have been using
Sandy Island as a recreational area. It is particularly popular
with kayakers.
Located off of Denman's northern tip, this 32-hectare park can
be reached most easily by boat. Walking to Sandy Island requires
a tide of ten feet or lower. A tide any higher than 10 feet will
require that you swim back to Denman Island, so be sure to check
the tide charts before you set out!
During the summer of 2001, the extremely rare moth, Copablepharon
fuscum, was positively identified on Sandy Island. The larvae
of this moth (which is so unique that there is no common name for
it) dine exclusively on sand verbena, Abronia latifolia.
This plant is one of over 140 noteworthy wildflowers growing on
Sandy Island.
There are numerous species of birds who make their home in this
unique West Coast ecosystem and observing them can provide endless
hours of enjoyment for photographers and nature lovers.
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed in the Sandy
Island Marine Provincial Park. To preserve the many plant species
that call Sandy Island home, fires are prohibited year-round.
Denman Island's Provincial Parks are a large part of what makes
the island so magical. When you visit, please respect the posted
regulations so that their beauty can be sustained for many years
to come.
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