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Hiking Incredible Cape Scott Provincial Park
Incredible beaches and fascinating history await you!
Cape Scott Provincial Park is not to be missed if you are even a mildly enthusiastic hiker. Located at the Northern tip of Vancouver Island (about 65 kms west of Port Hardy) this large park - over 22,000 hectares - contains some of the most beautiful scenery and interesting history on the island. Access to the Park's parking lot from Port Hardy is by means of a combination of public and logging roads. Cape Scott is a "hike-in" park, as there is no motorized access in from the parking lot itself.
To San Josef Bay From the parking lot, one of the most spectacular attractions, San Josef Bay, is just an easy 45 min. hike away (2.5 kms). This well-maintained trail is suitable for the entire family and leads to what may well be one of the best beaches in Canada (and perhaps one of the most beautiful). San Josef Bay is a protected cove, with a fresh-water source (the San Josef River) at the far east end of the bay. The beaches are puctuated with rocky outcroppings and fascinating sea-stacks. Camping is permitted on or near the beach, and this location is frequently (and inexplicably) deserted even in the height of summer. A night spent here in July or August is very worthwhile and will not be forgotten. On to Cape Scott The rest of Cape Scott Park lies to the north and west of the parking area. The other main camping areas are Nissen Bight ( appx. 15 kms, or 5 1/2 hours) and Nels Bight (appx. 17 kms or 6 hours). The trail to these parts of the park is flat, but can be rough and WET (Cape Scott can receive up to 500 cms of rain per year). This area of the island was first settled in the late 1890s by Danes who attempted to carve farms from the forests. Many artifacts left behind by these early settlers are still in evidence, and the parks service has provided information pamphlets and signage that describes these early settlements and some of the observable remnants of them. Nels Bight offers exceptional beach camping, and tends to be quite popular in the summer months. From Nels Bight, Cape Scott is approximately 7 kms (2 hrs) away. You'll discover remnants of the Canadian military's presence during WWII (particularly in the plank roads used to move supplies) when a radar station was located at the Cape. The trail terminates at a large lighthouse (run by the Department of National Defense) on a cliff overlooking the open ocean and, at a distance, Lanz, Cox and Triangle islands. The lighthouse keepers run a small store where a snack can be purchased and are always happy to see hikers and offer up minor first aid if required. A Good Plan for Seeing the Best of this Park Hike to San Josef Bay early on day 1, stay the night, then hike to Nels Bight on day 2. Stay at Nels Bight at least two nights, allowing for a full day for the hike to the Cape Scott lighthouse and back to Nels Bight. The whole last day can be used to hike back from Nels Bight to the parking lot, or return to San Josef Bay for more beach time. Insert a day or two for recovery time as necessary! Things to remember: Bring a portable water-purification unit, as potable water is not available in the park. Outfitters all around the island rent them, and can provide guidance as to the most appropriate type. Be prepared for rain. Cape Scott gets lots of it, and the weather changes quickly and frequently. July and August provide the best chance for clear skies. For more information on this gorgeous place,
Click Here to visit Cape Scott Provincial Park, BC Parks Service site.
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