The Carmanah
Walbran Provincial Park encompasses 16,450 hectares of old growth forest
where ancient cedar and Sitka spruce thrive in the wet climate. The
diverse ecosystem of the surrounding area is home to a wide array of
wildlife such as squirrels,
mice, raccoons,
wolves, and bears.
Birdlife is also abundant and includes species such as the woodpecker,
northern flicker, red-breasted sapsucker, winter wren and pigmy owl.
The waterways of the park support Coho
and Chinook salmon,
steelhead and
cutthroat trout.
The lower Carmanah valley was the first part of the area to be declared
park land. The Walbran and upper Carmanah valley were added five years
later.
LOCATION
The park
is located south of Bamfield
on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
There are three ways to get to the park: from Port Alberni, Highway
14 and Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan to the Caycuse River Bridge. The
park is 29 kilometres past the Caycuse River Bridge.
PARK
FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES
The only
park facilities are located in the Lower Carmanah Valley.
Camping
- There is a campground with sites providing tent pads, tables and fire
rings. Short term vehicle camping is permitted in the parking lot. Drinking
water is available.
Hiking
and Trails - Extensive trails lead the nature enthusiast to the parks
scenic features.
Windsurfing
- Some of the worlds best windsurfing is found at the B.C.F.S. campground
at Nitinat Lake.
COMMERCIAL
FACILITIES
Accommodation,
meals, gas and other services are found in Lake Cowichan, Port Alberni
and Youbou. Vehicle camping facilities are located at B.C.F.S. campgrounds,
private campgrounds and nearby provincial parks throughout the area.
Information & Services
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