Raft Cove Provincial Park
Raft
Cove Provincial Park is a hidden gem with a large, remote sandy beach located on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Raft Cove is often over shadowed by the larger more popular Cape Scott Provincial Park. The cove is easily accessed from a short trail which takes no longer than 30 -45 minutes to complete. At the end of the trail is a 1.4 kilometre sandy beach.
The Raft Cove Trail, although short, is considered a moderate hiking experience which will require some effort. Do not be fooled. There are fallen trees converted to foot
bridges. There are mud holes to navigate
when hiking in the early spring and late fall seasons.
There are plenty of exposed tree roots located along the trail with very few
areas covered in boardwalk.
The sandy beach is an ideal destination for people who want big scenery and a short hike. The beach is littered with massive logs thrown ashore by storms. Along the beach are log huts built by campers for protection from the winds and rain.
The road leading
to the trailhead of Raft Cove is rough. It is a heavily used gravel road extending over 60+ kilometres.
The
trailhead is located just west of the Cape
Scott Trail. Raft Cove Provincial
Park trail is 1.1 kilometres. The trail explores through
dense forests, bogs, ferns and fallen trees. The park provides possible wildlife sightings including Bald Eagles, Oyster Catchers and, sometimes, Black Bears. Because
the area is a shared environment with Black Bears and Cougars,
do keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings.
How to Get to Raft Cove Provincial Park
The turn off to access the gravel road leading to Raft Cove is located south of Port Hardy,
BC, Canada. The gravel road continues past the community
of Holberg. Follow the small Raft Cove and Cape Scott signs until you reach the Raft Cove Provincial Park parking
lot located just west of Cape Scott Provincial Park.
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