| Helliwell Provincial Park | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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The cliffs of Helliwell Provincial Park |
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| Location | Hornby Island, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nearest city | Courtenay |
| Coordinates | [1] |
| Area | 2,872 hectares (7,100 acres)[2] |
| Established | September 16, 1966[1] |
| Governing body | BC Parks |
| Official website | |
Helliwell Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada located on a headland at the southeast end of Hornby Island.
The land, formerly a farm belonging to the Acton family, was donated by Mr. J. L. Helliwell.[3] The park was established by Order in Council 2681 on September 16, 1966 and expanded several times thereafter.[1] Its 2,872 hectares (7,100 acres) now include Flora Islet and part of Lambert Channel.[2]
There are facilities for hiking, canoeing, picnicking, sightseeing, and scuba diving. Restroom facilities consist of four pit toilets.[2]
There is a lovely hike around the park. The park has large old-growth Douglas Fir tree and rare Garry Oak Meadows (Ecosystems). A trail loops around the bluffs that overlook the Strait of Georgia and links-up with Tribune Bay. The Garry Oak Meadow ecosystem is one of the many microclimates located within British Columbia and is considered an endangered habitat.[4]
The southern park of the park has very beautiful and scenic cliffs. These cliffs form a unique microclimate that local community groups are attempting to protect. These cliffs are also nesting areas for the Pelagic Cormorant.[5]