Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park
IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park Location in British Columbia
Location	British Columbia, Canada
Established	1961

Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park is a special natural area in British Columbia, Canada. It is found on Mitlenatch Island, a small piece of land in the northern Strait of Georgia. This park is a protected place where nature can thrive.

Discovering Mitlenatch Island's Past

Mitlenatch Island became a Provincial Nature Park in 1961. The government of British Columbia bought the island in 1959. The name "Mitlenatch" comes from First Nations languages. In the Coast Salish language, it means 'calm waters all around'.

Another meaning comes from the Sliammon language. Here, 'metl' means calm and 'nach' means behind. So, 'calm waters behind' describes the island well during a storm. The Kwakwaka'wakw people had a name for it too. In their Kwak'wala language, ‘mah-kwee-lay-lah’ meant "it looks close, but seems to move away as you approach it."

Amazing Wildlife of Mitlenatch Island

Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park is a very important home for many animals. It has the biggest group of seabirds in the Strait of Georgia. Birds like Glaucous-winged gulls, pelagic cormorants, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auklets, and black oystercatchers come here every spring. They come to build nests and raise their young.

Marine Life Protection

All sea creatures that stay in one place are safe here. This includes abalones, scallops, and sea cucumbers. They are fully protected in this park.

Snakes and Sea Mammals

You might also see some of the largest garter snakes in British Columbia on the island. These snakes often hang out near trails, beaches, and tide pools. They like to eat small fish. The park is also a favorite spot for harbour seals. You can also see northern and California sea lions. These sea lions are usually here from late autumn until mid-May. Sometimes, river otters, killer whales, and harbour porpoises are seen swimming near the island.

Fun Activities at Mitlenatch Island

You can enjoy some fun activities at Mitlenatch Island. You can go canoeing or kayaking around the island. It's also a great place for nature watching.

Visitor Access and Trails

Most of the island is closed to visitors. This is because it is a very sensitive home for the birds. There is a short trail that goes from Camp Bay to Northwest Bay. This is the only area where visitors are allowed to go.

Where is Mitlenatch Island Park?

Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park is located about 45 kilometers northeast of Courtenay, British Columbia. It sits in the Strait of Georgia.

How Big is the Park?

The park covers an area of 155 hectares.

Images for kids

• 

  Sea lions resting on Mitlenatch Island