Helliwell Provincial Park

Helliwell Provincial Park
IUCN category II (national park)

The cliffs of Helliwell Provincial Park
Location Hornby Island, British Columbia, Canada
Nearest city Courtenay
Coordinates 49°31′00″N 124°36′20″W / 49.51667°N 124.60556°WCoordinates: 49°31′00″N 124°36′20″W / 49.51667°N 124.60556°W[1]
Area 2,872 hectares (7,100 acres)[2]
Established September 16, 1966[1]
Governing body BC Parks
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/helliwell/

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]

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 cliffs in the southern part of the park form a unique microclimate that local community groups are attempting to protect . These cliffs are also nesting areas for the Pelagic Cormorant.[5]

See also

References

External links