Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park

Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park protects Mitlenatch Island in the northern Strait of Georgia, northeast of Courtenay, preserving one hundred fifty-five hectares of upland and foreshore. Purchased by British Columbia in 1959 and designated a Provincial Nature Park in 1961, the island carries names from Coast Salish languages and Kwak'wala that reflect its sheltered waters and striking appearance. It is renowned for the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia, important marine life in the surrounding protected waters, and unusually large garter snakes on land. Because its bird habitat is sensitive, access is by boat only and most of the island is closed, with visitors restricted to limited trails and quiet wildlife viewing.