Read Island

Read Island Provincial Park protects portions of Read Island, a small island in the Discovery Islands archipelago of British Columbia located between Vancouver Island and the mainland coast. The park preserves coastal ecosystems, marine shorelines, and forest habitats characteristic of the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage. Read Island and the surrounding area are known for exceptional marine biodiversity, scenic beauty, and opportunities for kayaking and boating through the intricate network of islands, channels, and passages. The park provides protected anchorages, camping areas, and access to marine environments for boaters exploring this remarkable region. The combination of protected waters, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery makes the Discovery Islands a premier destination for marine-based recreation, with Read Island Provincial Park contributing to the network of marine parks that support multi-day kayaking and boating trips.

The park and surrounding waters support rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems including harbor seals, sea lions, and occasional orcas and humpback whales that transit the passages. The intertidal zones teem with life including ochre sea stars, giant green anemones, purple sea urchins, and numerous crab and mollusk species. Bald eagles are abundant, often seen perching in large trees or feeding along the shoreline, while great blue herons stalk the beaches during low tide. The forests provide habitat for black-tailed deer, mink, river otters, and various small mammals. Diverse seabird populations include cormorants, pigeon guillemots, and numerous gull species. The protected waters attract thousands of migratory birds during spring and fall including loons, grebes, and various waterfowl species. The rich marine environment supports salmon, rockfish, and other species that form the base of the food web supporting larger predators.

The park's vegetation features typical coastal British Columbia forest communities dominated by Douglas-fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock, with Arbutus trees adding distinctive orange-barked beauty to drier, south-facing slopes. The understory includes salal, Oregon grape, and oceanspray, while the forest floor supports sword fern, mosses, and seasonal wildflowers including camas and chocolate lily. The shoreline features unique coastal plant communities adapted to salt spray including gumweed, seaside plantain, and various grasses and sedges. Kelp forests in the surrounding waters provide critical habitat for marine species and protect shorelines from wave action. The intertidal zone supports diverse algae and seaweeds including sea lettuce, rockweed, and coralline algae. Old-growth forest remnants on the island harbor centuries-old trees and specialized plant species that require mature forest conditions.

Read Island and the surrounding Discovery Islands archipelago were shaped by the complex geological processes that formed coastal British Columbia, including volcanic activity, sediment deposition, uplift, and extensive glaciation. The underlying bedrock consists of volcanic and sedimentary rocks that were subsequently metamorphosed and deformed by tectonic forces. Glaciation during the Pleistocene epoch carved the channels and passages between islands, creating the intricate waterways visible today. As glaciers retreated approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, sea levels rose to flood the glacially-carved valleys, creating the current island and channel configuration. The coastline shows evidence of past sea level changes and ongoing erosion from wave action, tidal currents, and storms. The islands are located in a tectonically active region with earthquakes periodically occurring along nearby fault systems.

The park experiences a maritime climate moderated by the Pacific Ocean and protected by Vancouver Island from the full force of Pacific storms. Average temperatures range from 3 degrees Celsius in winter to 17 degrees Celsius in summer, creating a mild climate favorable for year-round recreation. Annual precipitation is approximately 1,400 millimeters, with most falling during fall and winter months while summers are relatively dry and pleasant. The sheltered waters among the islands experience less severe weather than the exposed outer coast, though wind funneling through channels can create challenging conditions for small boats. Fog is possible during summer when warm air moves over cooler waters. Tidal currents in the narrow passages can be strong, requiring careful planning for kayakers and boaters navigating the area.

Read Island and the surrounding Discovery Islands lie within the traditional territories of Coast Salish peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years, utilizing the abundant marine resources including salmon, shellfish, and sea mammals. Evidence of this long occupation includes archaeological sites, culturally modified trees, and place names that reflect indigenous connections to the landscape. European exploration of the region occurred in the late 18th century with Spanish and British expeditions charting the complex coastline. The area became important for logging during the 19th and 20th centuries, with accessible old-growth forests harvested and mills established at various locations. Small communities developed on some islands including Read Island, supported by logging, fishing, and later by tourism and recreation. The establishment of provincial marine parks recognized the exceptional natural values and recreation potential of the Discovery Islands archipelago.

Read Island Provincial Park was established as part of the BC Marine Parks system, a network of protected areas along the coast that provide anchorages, camping, and access to marine environments for kayakers and boaters. The creation of marine parks recognized the growing popularity of coastal recreation and the need to provide public facilities while protecting sensitive shoreline and marine ecosystems. The park preserves representative coastal forest and marine shoreline habitats while supporting recreation activities including kayaking, sailing, and wildlife observation. Management emphasizes low-impact recreation consistent with marine park values, with facilities designed to concentrate use in designated areas while protecting sensitive habitats. The park contributes to regional tourism and provides important waypoints for multi-day kayaking trips through the Discovery Islands.

The primary attractions are the protected anchorages and beaches that provide stopping points for kayakers and boaters exploring the Discovery Islands, with opportunities for camping, picnicking, and exploring the shoreline. The park offers excellent kayaking through sheltered waters with opportunities to observe marine wildlife including seals, eagles, and possibly whales. Hiking trails may provide access to viewpoints overlooking the surrounding islands and channels, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities for photography. Beachcombing and tide pooling during low tide reveal abundant intertidal life and provide education opportunities about marine ecosystems. The clear waters are suitable for swimming during summer months, though the temperature remains cool year-round. The combination of marine and terrestrial environments creates diverse recreation opportunities within a compact area.

The park provides basic marine park facilities including designated camping areas, picnic tables, outhouses, and possibly trails connecting different parts of the park. Camping is typically walk-in or boat-in only, with no vehicle access, requiring visitors to arrive by kayak, canoe, or larger boat. The park may include protected anchorages or mooring buoys for boats, though availability can be limited during peak season. Potable water may not be available, requiring visitors to carry adequate supplies or have water treatment capabilities. Access is exclusively by water, with the nearest launch sites at communities on Vancouver Island or the mainland. The park is managed as part of the BC Marine Parks system with no entrance fees but camping fees applicable. Visitors should be experienced in marine travel, tide and current navigation, and self-sufficient camping practices.

The park protects sensitive coastal and marine ecosystems including intertidal communities, kelp forests, and nearshore habitats that face increasing pressures from recreation, development, and climate change. Conservation priorities include minimizing visitor impacts to fragile shoreline vegetation, protecting nesting seabirds from disturbance, and maintaining water quality in surrounding marine areas. Climate change impacts including ocean warming, acidification, and sea level rise pose significant threats to marine species and coastal habitats. Invasive species monitoring focuses on preventing the introduction and spread of non-native plants, marine organisms, and diseases that could disrupt native ecosystems. The park contributes to regional marine conservation by providing protected areas within the intensive use zone of the Inside Passage. Education programs encourage responsible marine recreation practices including proper waste disposal, respect for wildlife, and protection of archaeological and cultural sites that are important to First Nations communities.