Where is Ch’uiss Beach – Kennedy Lake Campground?
It is in the heart of Clayoquot River Valley and is part of the proposed Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Tribal Park. It is about a 3 hr drive from Nanaimo, heading towards Tofino. All vehicles will be meeting at the Pacific Rim National Park Information Centre parking lot where the convey will then drive on a gravel road for about 20 minutes to the campground.

What are campground arrival and departure procedures and timelines?
There will be two places to meet up with the vehicle convoy: Victoria and Nanaimo.  A convoy will leave Victoria at 8am (please arrive at 7:45) from the Robins parking lot downtown on Discovery Street at Douglas (Beside discovery coffee).

In Nanaimo the WC van will meet walk off passengers at the Departure Bay ferry arrival parking lot at 10:15.  (We will be meeting the ferry that leaves Vancouver at 8:30am.)  At 10:30 am the convoy will then converge at the parking lot of Muddy Waters Marine Pub (1724 Stewart Ave.) and meet up with final members and drivers of the carpool.

If you are coming from Vancouver Saturday morning, please note that car reservations for the morning ferry are full.

It is essential that you register for the campout, and let the Wilderness Committee know if you need a ride arranged, and which of these three meeting places you will be joining us at.  

We will be leaving the camp site Monday at 2 pm, although our departure time is subject to change. Our aim is to get Nanimo ferry travelers back for late afternoon or early evening ferry time. For those heading back to Victoria, we will be arriving back in Victoria in the evening.

A special message to those driving their personal vehicles:
Please note that we will be driving in some places along rugged roads, so please ensure that your vehicle is capable of the drive. Please make sure that you stay with the convoy, or the Wilderness Committee cannot be responsible for your safe and timely arrival and exit from the campout.

Return Transportation
If you arrived in transportation we provided, please check in with Wilderness Committee staff on Sunday afternoon to find out the return transportation plan.

Is there drinking water on site?
The Wilderness Committee will be providing portable drinking water as there isn’t a fresh water source. If campers boil water from the lake for at least 2 mins it should be fine for washing dishes.

Is food provided? Is Cooking Communal? Where should I cook?
All campers should bring enough food for themselves and their families, although people can share meals with each other. There will be designated fire pits for cooking and recreation, however respect the area and don’t light fires elsewhere as there is a risk of forest fires. People are welcome to use camping stoves as well.
 
Do I have to hang my food?
No. We do recommend putting your food in a cooler to restrict small animal access.

Are there washroom facilities?
There are some pit toilets available for campers near the main campground, but if you don’t use these please bury your waste away from water sources and campgrounds.

What camping supplies should I bring?
Everyone will need to bring camping supplies for themselves and their families, which should include tents, sleeping bags and mats, flashlights, suitable clothes and shoes and food and camping stoves. Be prepared for both hot and cold weather and bring bug spray if mosquitoes bother you. Swimsuits and towels if you plan to go swimming

Where can I camp?
There are no delineated “campsites” at the campground but there are plenty of areas to set up tents either in the forested areas or on the beach of Kennedy Lake.
 
Where is the nearest gas station?
There is gas station in Port Alberni and in Tofino

What will the weather be like?
It will probably be quite warm during the day but be prepared for cooler temperatures at night and the possibility of rain.

Are the insects abundant?
There are a moderate amount of mosquitoes and other insects. Bring bug repellant and/or a head net if you are bothered by insects.

Is there electricity at the campground?
No. Bring flashlights

Is the campground suitable for children?
Yes, this campground is suitable for people of all ages, however parents or guardians must supervise their children, particularly around the lake and campfires.

Please no radios or CD or tape players, please, although non-electric musical instruments are welcome.

Are there wild animals at the campground?
Yes. The campground is in a wilderness setting. All animals associated with wilderness areas, including black bears, wolves and mountain lions, can be expected, day or night. Although the risk of an encounter with a large wild animal is low, campers must be prepared for such encounters. Wild animal safety and awareness talks will occur regularly around the central camp fire.

Are there any poisonous animals at the campground?
Black widow spiders are common, but generally occur in dark, dry and protected areas like underneath woodpiles. Ticks are very uncommon but do occur in the area.

Is this camping trip suitable for pets?
No. There are many wild animals in and around the campground. Pets are not allowed under any circumstance.

What are the conservation issues in this area?
Clayoquot Sound has been a conservation battle for over 20 years as it the largest temperate coastal rainforest in the world. Home to an abundance of wildlife both on the land and in the sea, it is also a culturally sensitive area with the different First Nations having lived in the area for thousands of years. Many people visit this area as tourists so there has been significant development of the towns in the area, however there are still threats to intact old-growth valleys from logging and mining.

What is a tribal park and how is the Wilderness Committee involved with its creation as an ally to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation?
A tribal park is a protected area that for most intents and purposes is very similar to a provincial park except that the park is managed by First Nations. Campgrounds and trails are maintained by the Tribal Park employees and much of the park is open to park visitors. Traditional First Nation uses of the land is also allowed eg fishing and berry and mushroom collection. The Wilderness Committee has been involved in the struggle to protect Clayoquot Sound from industrial development for over 20 years and in the past 3 years has been actively reopening hiking trails in the Clayoquot River Valley.