Pirates Cove Marine Provincial Park

Pirates Cove Marine Provincial Park is a marine reserve on De Courcy Island covering approximately 31 hectares. It features two sheltered coves with sandstone beaches and natural caves positioned along the southeastern edge of the island.

Archaeological evidence shows that First Nations communities inhabited this area as far back as 3,000 years ago. Shell deposits found during excavations reveal a lengthy history of human settlement along this coastline.

The island became a gathering place in the 1920s when a spiritual community led by Edward Arthur Wilson drew thousands of followers to its shores. This period left its mark on how people remember and visit the place today.

The park offers six walk-in camping sites, hiking trails, and boat docking facilities for water access. Visitors should prepare for water-based access and plan around tidal conditions for the best experience.

The sheltered harbor sustains rare plant species like Poison Oak and Pipsissewa that naturally occur at few locations along this coast. This botanical feature makes the site particularly noteworthy for nature enthusiasts exploring the region.

Location: Regional District of Nanaimo

Website: http://env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/pirates

GPS coordinates: 49.09639,-123.72583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02