The Province is acquiring more lands to grow Cape Scott Provincial Park and providing updated facilities for park staff and the public.

The main access point to Cape Scott Provincial Park is on private land owned by the Anglican Diocese of BC, which also holds another parcel of land within the park boundary. Combined, the two parcels of land total 4.5 hectares.

Although the land value is estimated at more than $100,000, the Anglican Diocese offered the lands to the Province for only $2,000. The Province is purchasing the lands, growing the size of Cape Scott Provincial Park to more than 22,300 hectares in size.

As well, construction of the new Nels Bight Ranger Cabin is now complete in Cape Scott Provincial Park. This cabin serves as a remote base and accommodation for park staff who, in the summer months, operate and maintain this popular park.

In the off-season, the cabin provides hikers with a welcoming shelter from the wind and rain, common on the north coast of Vancouver Island.

The new Nels Bight Ranger Cabin is double the size of the original structure built over 30 years ago. The cabin provides more space for staff and the public to move about the main area, which includes a woodstove for warmth and to dry gear. There are also two small bedrooms and a loft sleeping area, available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis from September to June. A large deck with a roll-out tarp keeps the cooking area dry with plenty of room for food prep and camp stoves.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment -

“People travel from around the world to Cape Scott Provincial Park to explore the rugged coastal wilderness and kilometres of beaches the area is known for. Thank you to everyone involved in the land acquisition and the ranger cabin replacement projects. The generosity of the Anglican Diocese of BC ensures public access to this popular, remote park for years to come.”

Peter Daniel, asset manager, Anglican Dioceses of BC -

“We acquired these properties over 100 years ago and now no longer need them. Both properties are surrounded by provincial park land. We were happy to make an accommodation with the Province so that they could add to the park inventory.”

Quick Facts:

• Hikers are advised to come prepared and follow the pack-in, pack-out method throughout the park, including the cabin.
• Due to recent confrontations between wolves and dogs in Cape Scott Provincial Park, pets are not allowed in the park.
• Report any human-wildlife conflicts that threaten public safety by calling the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line, toll free at 1 877 952-7277 (RAPP), or visit the RAPP website at: www.rapp.bc.ca
• British Columbia has the highest percentage of its land base dedicated to protected areas of all provincial Canadian jurisdictions, and is one of the largest protected areas systems in North America.
• Since 2004, the system of Class A parks, conservancies, ecological reserves and protected areas has increased by more than 3.3 million hectares.
• Parking is free in all provincial parks making them more accessible to families.

Learn More:

To view a map of the acquired lands, visit: https://flic.kr/p/q1FCb9

To view pictures of the Nels Bite Ranger Cabin, visit: https://flic.kr/p/pJbC94

For more information about B.C.’s provincial parks, visit: www.bcparks.ca

Connect with BC Parks on Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834