Situated on North America’s southernmost fjord, Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a wonderland for anyone who loves outdoor recreation. With splendid views and a leave no trace policy that has kept the area looking pristine and natural, this beautiful and expansive space is a jewel in British Columbia’s crown. Fishing, harvesting shellfish, and removing or disturbing marine life is prohibited here, making the area a haven for many of the province’s most delightful species. Let’s take a closer look.
Marine Life
Here, marine life is healthy, abundant, and varied. With schooling perch and different species of rockfish and sculpin, plus some very large lingcod, wolf eels, and others, Porteau Cove is also home to a splendid array of invertebrates and crustaceans, plus cephalopods such as the Giant Pacific Octopus. Watch for Red Irish Lords and look for sea pens and anemones; plus, keep an eye out for the occasional seal.
Diving Porteau Cove
You could dive Porteau Cove all week and never explore the same area twice, if you wanted to. There are several areas of artificial reef which have been constructed both to encourage marine life and to create a haven for divers, and there are two sunken vessels here that are easy for all divers to access from shore.
There are some strict rules for diving here; for instance, though boats are allowed to moor overnight at mooring buoys, no boat diving is allowed within the confines of the marine protected area. Divers may not enter or exit the water at the boat ramp, and all divers are cautioned to stay within the diving area, which is marked with a series of buoys. There are some amenities just for divers though; for instance, during the summer, outdoor showers provide a place to rinse off before heading to the change rooms, and during the cooler months, indoor showers are available in the diver’s building.
To access the park’s diving area, park in the upper lot and walk down the steps that lead to the water’s edge. Once on the beach, you can simply enter the water and let the fun begin. All attractions are well marked; most divers head straight for the wrecks. They are the Granthall, which is a 92 foot steel tugboat, and the wreck of an unknown crane barge. Both are teeming with life, and neither is suitable for penetration.
Maximum depth inside the park is 18 meters, and visibility is usually between 10 and 15 meters, though it is variable. There are often strong currents here, and conditions change quickly on Howe Sound, making the area best suited for strong intermediate divers and above.
You can visit Porteau Cove all year round; during the winter, temperatures can be freezing but the diving can be spectacular. Camping is available all year, with limited facilities open during the winter, and full amenities, including showers, available during the warmer months. Reservations are strongly recommended during the summer since there are rarely any unoccupied campsites, even on weekdays. If you can’t camp, feel free to visit during the daytime and stay in nearby Vancouver. With so much to offer, this is a fantastic place you’re sure to want to explore more than once.