Bulletins

Restricted Activity Order

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Pursuant to Section 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, the following activity is hereby restricted by the Superintendent of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada:

Travel by kayak or canoe by any custodial group* in marine waters managed by Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada

* A “custodial group” means a group affiliated with an institution, where at least one person is below the age of majority and that minor is not in the company of his/her parent or legal guardian. Institutions include but are not limited to schools, Scouts/Guides, churches, clubs, cadets, and community youth programs.

Custodial Group Travel Permits:

Upon application, a permit for a custodial group to travel by kayak or canoe may be issued by the Superintendent, subject to the following terms and conditions:

• Leaders of custodial kayaking groups are required to have valid “Lead Guide” certification from at least one of the following professional organizations and conduct themselves according to the standards of the organization:
- the Association of Canadian Sea Kayak Guides (ACSKG),
- the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia (SKGABC), or
- the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

• Leaders of custodial canoeing groups are required to have valid “Big Canoe Intermediate Leader” certification (or higher), including “Canoe Tripping Skills” endorsement from the following professional organizations and conduct themselves according to the standards of the organization:
- Paddle Canada, or
- the Recreational Canoe Association of British Columbia (RCABC).

• Commercial operators or guides leading custodial groups in kayaking/canoeing activities, are required to have a valid business licence with Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

• The group must have a minimum of $2 million comprehensive general liability insurance coverage (along with signed indemnification document) for the duration of the activity in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

• Group leaders are required to possess a radio in good working order programmed with the relevant marine VHF channels (e.g. Canadian Coast Guard, Marine Weather Broadcast, and relevant non-commercial working channels).

• Group sizes are limited to a maximum of fifteen (15) persons for day trips and twelve (12) persons for overnight excursions, including guides. Special consideration and review will be afforded to all requests where group sizes exceed the maximum daily or overnight limits.

• Custodial groups must adhere to Gulf Islands National Park Reserve’s General Terms and Conditions.

• Custodial groups must adhere to Transport Canada Regulations.

• The group must carry their travel permit with them, and shall, at the request of Parks Canada staff, produce the valid permit for inspection.

• Any other terms and conditions that the Superintendent deems necessary for the preservation, control and management of the park reserve.


The purpose of this order is to enhance visitor experience and visitor safety.

Contravention of this order may result in fines or court prosecution under regulations pursuant to the Canada National Parks Act.

Effective date: 23 February 2016

Marcia Morash, Superintendent
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada