Francis Point Marine Park is
an eco friendly park established in 2001 to protect some very
sensitive ecological marine and forested areas. The large park
protects the waterfront of the Francis Peninsula closest to Madeira
Park. The parkland is a combination of forested hills and open
grassy, moss covered landscapes. Because the Francis Point
Marine Park is a protected ecological area be mindful
of the landscape and do not wander off the paths.
People come to the Francis Point Marine Park
to explore by hiking, kayaking, swimming or scuba diving. The
short trail in the park that navigates the hiker through the ecological
sensitive area leads all explorers to the top of the Francis Peninsula
and some spanning ocean sight lines.
The forest trail is a short route to the ocean. Take a right
at the junction for the best scenic views looking out over Vancouver
Island, Texada
Island and some Gulf
Islands. Take a left and end up at the ocean. Trail is a leisurely
jaunt taking maybe 1 hr. to complete.
Scuba divers and boaters like the marine park also, as it is
a popular destination with many diving the waters around the Francis
Point Lighthouse.
Access to Francis Point Marine Park: Follow
the Hwy101 past Sechelt,
BC and Gibson
continuing on north past Pender Harbour (5km (3.4 mi.) north of
Madeira Park) turn left off Hwy 101 onto Francis Peninsula Road.
Follow the road for 1 km (0.4 mi.) and the take a left on Merrill
Road. The entrance is ahead.
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