Penrose Island Marine Provincial Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Penrose Island Marine Provincial Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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![]() Part of the eastern shoreline of Penrose Island
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Location | Central Coast RD, British Columbia |
Nearest city | Bella Bella |
Area | 2,013 ha (7.77 sq mi) |
Created | 16 September 1992 |
Governing body | BC Parks |
Penrose Island Marine Provincial Park is a special protected area in British Columbia, Canada. It's a "provincial park," which means the government helps keep its natural beauty safe. This park is found along the Central Coast of British Columbia. It's about 86 kilometers (53 miles) north of a town called Port Hardy.
The park includes both land and water. It has 1,079 hectares (about 2,666 acres) of ocean and 934 hectares (about 2,308 acres) of land. That's a lot of space to explore! Penrose Island is unique because you can only get there by boat.
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Exploring Penrose Island
Penrose Island Marine Provincial Park is a great place for adventures. Since it's a marine park, many activities happen on or near the water.
Getting Around by Boat
The park is only reachable by boat. This makes it a quiet and peaceful place. When you arrive, you'll find safe places to drop anchor on the eastern side of the island. These spots are called "anchorages." The western side of the island faces the open ocean. This means it can be rougher and isn't a good spot for boats to stay.
Fun Water Activities
Many visitors love to explore the park's waters.
- Dinghy and Kayak Adventures: Small boats like dinghies and kayaks are perfect for getting close to the shore. You can paddle around the islands and discover hidden coves.
- Scuba Diving: The waters around Penrose Island are clear and full of life. Scuba diving is popular here. You can see amazing underwater plants and animals.
- Nature Viewing: Keep your eyes open for wildlife! You might spot sea birds, seals, or even whales. The park is a natural home for many creatures.
Discovering Beaches and Islets
Penrose Island has many beautiful beaches. You can walk along the shore and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are also small islands nearby, called "islets." These tiny islands are fun to explore. They often have unique plants and animals.
Park Information
Penrose Island Marine Provincial Park was created on September 16, 1992. It is managed by BC Parks. They work to protect the park's natural environment.
Supplies and Services
Since the park is remote, there are no stores or services inside it. If you need fuel or food, the closest place to get supplies is the community of Rivers Inlet. It's a good idea to bring everything you need for your trip before you arrive at the park.