| Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park | |
|---|---|
 Sea lions on Mitlenatch Island | |
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 Interactive map of Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park | |
| Location | British Columbia,Canada |
| Coordinates | 49°57′N125°00′W / 49.950°N 125.000°W /49.950; -125.000 |
| Area | 155 ha (380 acres) |
| Established | July 14, 1961 |
| Website | bcparks |
Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park is aprovincial park inBritish Columbia,Canada encompassingMitlenatch Island, a small islet in the northernStrait of Georgia within theStrathcona Regional District.
Mitlenatch Island is located approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) northeast ofCourtenay, British Columbia in theStrait of Georgia. The protected area is 155 hectares (380 acres) in size, with 36 hectares (89 acres) being upland and 119 hectares (290 acres) foreshore area.
In 1959, the Province of British Columbia purchased Mitlenatch Island from a local family, and in 1961 it was designated as a Provincial Nature Park.
"Mitlenatch" is aCoast SalishFirst Nations word translated to mean "calm waters all around".[1] Perhaps the most descriptive meaning comes from theSliammon language where ‘metl’ meant calm and ‘nach’ meant posterior. Calm (waters) behind is an apt description of the island during stormy weather. In theKwak'wala language of theKwakwaka'wakw, ‘mah-kwee-lay-lah’ meant "it looks close, but seems to move away as you approach it".[citation needed]
Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park is home to the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia. Glaucous-wingedgulls,pelagic cormorants,pigeon guillemots, rhinocerosauklets andblack oystercatchers also return to Mitlenatch each spring to breed. All sedentary marine life, includingabalones,scallops andsea cucumbers are fully protected within this zone. Some of the largestgarter snakes in BC reside here.[citation needed] These snakes are frequently encountered along trails and in beach and tide pool areas, where they feed on small fish such as sculpins and blennies. This park is a favourite haul-out forharbour seals,northern andCalifornia sea lions. The sea lions are generally present from late autumn to mid-May.River otters,killer whales andharbour porpoises are often sighted offshore.
Mitlenatch Island is only accessible by boat, with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and nature-watching. Due to the sensitive bird habitat, most of the island is closed to the public. A short trail from Camp Bay to Northwest Bay, and to East Hill gull blind are the only areas accessible to visitors.
