Sited on the eastern flank of Sechelt Inlet, north of Sechelt town and Tuwanek village, Mount Richardson Provincial Park offers rustic and backcountry camping opportunities for RV campers. This 10 sq. km. (4 sq. mile) provincial park, which is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles, sits close to the summit of the mountain. Three camping sites in the park are accessible by boats on the shore of Sechelt Inlet – Tuwanek, Oyster Beach, and Nine Mile Point.
Only basic amenities such as pit toilets, firewood, and fire rings are available in the park. There is no potable water in the park, so campers are advised to bring their own water. Although a stream flows through Tuwanek camping area, it is usually dry in summer and the flow can be intermittent. A boil water advisory is in effect for all streams in the park.
Recreational opportunities at Mount Richardson Provincial Park include hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. The presence of the water allows for scuba diving and swimming, and the lush forests are ideal for hunting, nature photography, and pet walking. The rich ecosystem of the park makes it a perfect habitat for various species of wildlife, fishes, and birds.
One of the most interesting features of the park is the scenic view of Sechelt Inlet, the Sechelt Peninsula, and the town of Sechelt on the Strait of Georgia that hikers enjoy at the summit of Mount Richardson.
Mount Richardson Provincial Park is located about 10 km (6 miles) north of Sechelt, just around Tuwanek. The drive up to the park will take you along winding roads and rugged terrain, making the park only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles. The roads that lead to the park are gravel. Be careful to notice the sections of the road leading up to the park that are active logging roads. Remember that logging trucks always have the right of way.
There are no designated parking spaces at Mount Richardson Provincial Park. Of course, you’ll be able to park your RVs at your campsite. If you are staying overnight, you can enjoy the overnight parking facilities at the park.
There are no direct public transportation services to Mount Richardson Provincial Park.
At Mount Richardson Campground, there are rustic campsites that are accessible by four-wheel drive RVs and available on first-come first-served basis only. Pit toilets and fire rings are available in the campground. RV length limit at the campground is 25 ft (8 m). There are no hookup options available at the campground.
Alternate campsites for tents are also available in the park in three areas; Tuwanek, Oyster Beach, and Nine Mile Point.
Your hiking adventure at Mount Richardson Provincial Park begins on the west side trail, an old grown-in logging road, to the summit of Mount Richardson, where you’ll get to see forest plantations and bushwhack your way to the top. The hiking exercise is moderate to strenuous in difficulty; so you should prepare yourself for the adventure and pack your best hiking boots. It won’t hurt to have your camera too so you can take pictures as you hike the trails.
Mount Richardson Provincial Park sits within a rainforest microclimatic zone, making it a perfect habitat for various wildlife species. As a result, you’ll see creatures such as turkey, black-tailed deer, osprey, buzzards, eagles, flying squirrels, pileated woodpeckers, owls, doves, bobcats, coyotes, martens, black bear, cougars, snowshoe hare, and loons. You’re definitely in for a memorable wildlife viewing experience at Mount Richardson Provincial Park.
Opportunities to enjoy canoeing and kayaking are available at Mount Richardson Provincial Park. As the park sits directly east of Sechelt Inlet, you can launch your boats and kayaks on to the Inlet and paddle away, even all the way to Salmon Inlet. Boat rental services are available at Sechelt and Tillicum Bay.
Scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts love to visit Mount Richardson Provincial Park because of the opportunities available for such pursuits in the park. At the nearby Sechelt town, scuba diving and snorkeling rental services are available.
While at Mount Richardson Provincial Park, you can always take a refreshing dip in the park’s waters. As there are no lifeguards on duty at the park, and no designated swimming areas are available in the park, all swimmers are advised to be cautious when swimming.
During lawful game hunting season, hunting is permitted at Mount Richardson Provincial Park. So, campers who enjoy hunting can do so at the park, after consulting the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations that guide hunting in British Columbia.
