RVYC has been the official Marine Park Host for Portland Island Marine Park since 1987.  We provide park host services from the Victoria Day weekend to the last weekend in September.  RVYC Member Hosts moor to the Parks Canada float in Princess Bay.  Duties include providing information to visiting boaters in Princess Bay, through the park’s Marine Host program, and recording information to assist Parks Canada with park management.

First settled by Kanaka (Hawaiian) immigrants in the 1880s, Portland Island’s history is primarily agricultural—some plants and trees still exist on the island, reminiscent of this era. The island was presented as a gift to Princess Margaret in 1958 to commemorate her visit to the province. In turn, she returned the island to British Columbia as a provincial park in 1967. Now part of the National Park Reserve, the island features cliffs, protected coves and sand beaches. The island was once the site of a First Nations village, but now the shell midden beaches ringing the island are the most visible reminder of their presence. Visitors are asked not to disturb midden sites.

Marine access only. Wilderness campsites with picnic tables are available at three locations---Shell Beach (open field), Princess Bay (open field, composting toilet), and Arbutus Point (6 designated sites, composting toilet). There is no drinking water available on the Island.

For more information, or if you are interested in participating in the Portland Island Park Host program, contact RVYC Marine Park Co-ordinator John Stenstrom.

The following links to Portland Island are useful when hosting or visiting Portland Island.

One is general information about the island and the other a good map of the trails.

www.pc.gc.ca  and download the Portland Island Trail Map

The second is Guidelines for hosting at Portland Island