Cape Scott Provincial Park, Provincial park at Vancouver Island northern tip, Canada
Cape Scott Provincial Park covers around 22,000 hectares along the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, combining sandy beaches with old-growth forests. A network of hiking trails connects these varied landscapes and reveals the park's natural diversity.
The cape received its name in 1786 to honor David Scott, a merchant who backed a maritime fur trade expedition in the region. Danish settlers arrived later, establishing a community around Hansen Lagoon starting in 1897 that added another layer to the area's history.
The Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations have deep roots in this territory, with their connection to the land visible throughout the park. Visitors walking the trails and beaches encounter places shaped by generations of indigenous presence.
Most visitors access the western section through forest roads connecting Port Hardy and Holberg to San Josef Bay. The eastern part of the park requires boat or floatplane access, so travelers should plan their route ahead of time.
Remnants of the Danish settlement at Fisherman's Bay can still be found as historic sites, including gardens and the remains of a general store. These ruins tell the story of a European community that took root far from home.
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