Paddle Routes: The Copeland Islands

Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park is located just north of Lund. This archipelago of islands and islets (also known locally as the Ragged Islands) offers a fantastic kayaking experience on its own, or makes for a great stopping point for paddlers on their way to and from Desolation Sound. 

The Copeland Islands are located within the traditional territory of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Xwémalhkwu Nations. It’s important to be safe, responsible, and respectful as you explore the area.

Location & Route Notes

The best way to access Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park is by using Lund as your starting point. In Lund, you’ll find accommodations, a handful of restaurants and shops, a convenience store where you can pick up basic supplies, kayak rentals, lessons and tours, and a government boat launch. There is an in/out fee for use of the Lund Harbour launch ramp, payable to the Lund Harbour Authority—they will direct you on how to safely launch on the shared ramp. 

You can reach the southern tip of the islands within an hour or less (pending weather conditions; the southern tip is just over one nautical mile from Lund). At minimum, you'll want to set aside five or six hours to explore, picnic, and swim. You can also turn your paddling trip into a multi-day adventure by staying at one of two marine-access campsites. 

When you set out from the Lund Harbour you’ll follow the Salish Sea’s rugged shoreline in a northerly direction. After rounding the first corner (Sevilla Island) the Copeland Islands will be in sight, but they are still about 30 minutes of paddling time away. Remember to stay away from the boat traffic in Thulin Pass—which can be busy in the summer months—by 'hand-railing' (staying close to the shore and choosing the shortest, most direct location for crossing) the Malaspina Peninsula. This will allow you to cross Thulin Pass from a small rocky islet to the white beacon on the on the most southern island. 

Once you reach the southernmost tip, you can weave your way between the islands and islets from south to north and back, and spend as much time as you want (or have) to linger and take in the views. Use traditional canoe-skids to land and leave some space on the canoe-skids for other recreational users to come on land and enjoy the beauty and stunning landscapes of the islands. Remember to be respectful of any fenced-off areas, which are in place to protect sensitive areas.

Keep a keen eye open for wildlife ranging from bald eagles and seals to river otters and also the occasional orca. As the tides change, see if you can spot any colourful ocean creatures that inhabit the intertidal zone along the shore. And depending on the season, you might see other wildlife such as sea lions and migrating birds. On the shores of the Peninsula, sightings of deer, black bears, and even wolves have been reported during the last few years.

Campsites

Planning a multi-day adventure? BC Parks operates two designated marine-access campsites with tent platforms, pit toilets, and shared picnic table and benches in the northern part of this marine park. North Copeland features 21 tent pads, while Middle Copeland features 10 tent pads. 

Please note that:

• Backcountry camping fees apply to all campers, and are collected between June 1 to September 15. Current fees are $5 per person, per night for anyone 6 years old or older.
• Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Camping is only permitted in designated campsites, to help protect sensitive ecosystems.
• Campers must use tent pads. Please help prevent erosion by placing tents and other equipment on the tent pads.
• Campfires are prohibited within the marine parks. Vegetation on the island is extremely dry due to shallow soils and wind exposure.
• This is a remote area, so you’ll need to pack accordingly and bring all necessary supplies with you.

There are two ways to pay your camping fees. The first way is online (and this option is highly encouraged). The BC Parks reservations system allows you to purchase a backcountry camping permit by registering online at camping.bcparks.ca. While this system does not reserve a campsite for you, it eliminates the need to carry cash. You can pay your Copeland Islands fees by:

• Paying online in advance at camping.bcparks.ca. Select the "Backcountry" tab, and then then the "Backcountry Registration" option. Use the dropdown park list to select "Desolation Sound Marine" (which includes the Copeland Islands), and then input your dates, party size, and entry point. Remember, this is a registration, not a reservation!
• Paying with cash, if the online system isn't available. Look for registration information at the BC Parks kiosks in either Lund Harbour or Okeover Arm Provincial Park. In the summer months, BC Parks will collect fees at campsites, but it's best to pay online ahead of time if you can.

Local Operators

While some people may opt to bring their own kayaks and gear to explore the Copeland Islands on their own, others may opt for the convenience that local operators offer. These experienced operators offer different options, which may include rentals, tours (day or multi-day), and lessons. Please note that offerings can change from year-to-year.

Local operators include:

• Terracentric Coastal Adventures
• Footprint Kayak & Hike Explorations
• Powell River Sea Kayak 
  *Powell River Sea Kayak is currently not planning to offer sea kayak rentals, lessons, or day tours for the 2025 season.
   

Tips & Safety Notice

The Copeland Islands are in a remote area and it’s important to do your part to ensure this area of the Sunshine Coast is protected for future enjoyment. Please adhere to the following guidelines and protocols:

• Pay attention to any signage and fencing, which can denote sensitive environmental areas.
• Be respectful of the many First Nation sites and features in the area, such as fish traps, shell-middens, culturally modified trees, and pictographs. Cultural heritage sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act.
• Pay your backcountry camping fees. These fees help to preserve and maintain Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park for generations to come.
• Read BC Parks’ Marine Visitor Guide for guidelines on visiting marine parks.
• Adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace.
• Get the details on the Three Ts: trip planning, training, and taking the essentials via AdventureSmart.
• Check out WildSafeBC to learn about reducing conflicts with wildlife such as bears.

You can learn more about Copeland Islands Marine Provincial park and view detailed maps on the BC Parks website.