Flores Island (British Columbia)



Flores Island is a small island (approximately 155 km2) in Clayoquot Sound, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

The area of Marktosis (population around 900) is the island's only major settlement. Most residents are members of the Ahousaht nation (population around 2000) and form the largest part of the Nuu-chah-nulth or Nootka First Nation. Some of the indigenous language is spoken, though English is predominant.

Residing within the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, Flores contains one of the largest tracts of contiguous old-growth forest on Vancouver Island. 41 km2 of the island has been demarcated as the Flores Island Marine Provincial Park. At 1.43 km2 in area is Gibson Marine Provincial Park. There are hot springs at the southern banks of the Matilda Inlet. The Marktosis reservation is 1.2 km2 ; the rest of the island is Crown land.

The island was named in 1791 by Francisco de Eliza, in honor of Manuel Antonio Flórez, 51st viceroy of New Spain.

Fishing is the island's main industry. Tourism is promoted through the 'Walk the Wild Side' hiking trail and accommodations at the Aauuknuck Lodge. Cow Bay on the island's west side has been voted one of Canada's top ten beaches.

The island can be reached by water taxi or seaplane from Tofino.