About Vargas Island
Due to its close proximity to Tofino, Vargas Island Provincial Park in Clayoquot Sound is a very popular kayaking and wilderness camping destination. Visitors also come here for the exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities offered, including the chance to see Gray whaleswhile kayaking in the area around Ahous Bay. Naturalists are drawn to this area every spring as the Gray whales pass by the island on their way to summer feeding grounds in the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea.

Vargas Island Provincial Park protects the rugged western portion of Vargas Island, Blunden Island and the tiny La Croix Group of islands immediately northwest of Tofino. Much of the island is relatively flat and its interior features a number of bogs. Marine features including exposed rocky coast, sandy beaches, sheltered channels and bays, an intertidal lagoon and mudflats are all protected within the park’s boundaries.

The park is also home to ancient sand berms - rows of crescent-shaped sand mounds that indicate earlier sea levels. These berms can be seen on the historic 3-km telegraph trail, which crosses the island from east to west. The trail leads to spectacular Ahous Beach on the island's west coast, an excellent kayaking and camping location.

The park area also includes the Cleland Island Ecological Reserve, home to a great diversity of nesting sea bird colonies including the Rhinoceros auklet, Cassin's auklet, Pigeon guillemot and the Black oystercatcher. Access to the Ecological Reserve is prohibited, as the breeding seabirds are very sensitive to disturbances.

Special Features
This park has many opportunities for wildlife and nature viewing, including bird viewing in the waters around the Cleland Ecological Reserve, watching for migrating Gray whales and exploring the geological features of the park. These include ancient dune berms - rows of crescent-shaped sand mounds that indicate earlier sea levels. These berms can be seen along the historic telegraph trail.

Location
Vargas Island Provincial Park is located immediately northwest of Tofino and west of Meares Island on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The park is accessible by boat from Tofino. Small planes can land on the beach of Ahous Bay. Nearby communities include: Tofino, Ucluelet, Ahousat, Flores Island.

General Info
Due to its scenic values and close proximity to Tofino, Vargas Island is a very popular paddling and camping destination. Gray whales frequent the Ahous Bay area and the La Croix Group of small islands is a peaceful spot for paddling, bird watching and viewing seals. Kayakers can launch at the First Street Dock in Tofino. Canoeing is not recommended.

>>>Go visit the BC Parks website for more info.....
>>>Check out our Vargas Island Voyager Kayaking Expedition....
>>>Check out our Hot Springs Cove Kayaking Expedition.....