Raft Cove Provincial Park

Raft Cove Provincial Park is a coastal protected area on northwest Vancouver Island covering approximately 787 hectares (1,943 acres). The landscape features a crescent-shaped sandy beach, river estuary, and dense forests dominated by western hemlock and red cedar.

The protected area was established in March 1990 and contains an old trapper's cabin from the region's early settlement period. The cabin once belonged to Willie Hecht, an early settler in the Cape Scott area.

Surfers from around the world are drawn to this remote spot for its reliable ocean swells throughout the year. The beach has become a gathering place for those seeking the power and rhythm of Pacific waves.

A roughly 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) trail through coastal forest leads to the main beach, and visitors should bring drinking water and prepare for muddy, challenging terrain. The best time to explore is during low tide, when the beach expands and longer walks become possible.

The surrounding wilderness is home to large predators including black bears, wolves, and cougars that roam the area. This wildlife presence adds an element of wildness and raw nature that few coastal parks can offer.

Location: Regional District of Mount Waddington

Inception: 1990

GPS coordinates: 50.58330,-128.23300

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:14