Sandy Island (or Tree Island)
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A spring trip to Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park is a magnificent way to spend the day. This, rather convoluted name, was given to the park when it was established in 1966. But locals refer to it as Tree Island. Protects a number of rare plants and animals as well as provides endless fascination to those who like to wander in the broad sandy tidal flats that extend to its neighbour, Deman Island.
Flushes of blooming spring flowers wash over the island all spring and into the summer. From the early abundant yellow Arnica, through to the startling blue larkspurs that come later, there is always something to photograph here.
You can get to the park either by motorboat, kayak or by taking the ferry to Denman Island, driving to a trail-head, and walking at low tide over to the island. It is also very popular with sail boats. On the island, which is scarcely more than a large forested sand dune surrounded by meadows, there are a number of places to camp and a pit toilet. You can wander through the forest and meadows along paths taking in magnificent views of both the coastal and Vancouver Island mountains, proceed with your head down checking out the variety of blooming flowers.
Tide flats also are magnificent, they are a stopping point for a good variety of sandpipers, gulls, terns, ducks, herons, grebes, loons, and so on. The parks also attracts nesting Bald Eagles, Warblers, Towhees, and other upland birds. Particularly along the eastern side of the island you’ll also find seals and sealions. And on your way across to the park, you may encounter dolphins or even Killer Whales. Needless to say, the park also attracts a good number of birdwatchers and naturalists.
Want to learn more about the natural wonders of Vancouver Island? Check out Rainbird Excursions.