The Hakai
LúxvbálÃs Conservancy is managed under an agreement between the Heiltsuk
Nation and the Province of British Columbia and is the largest marine
park on the coast of British Columbia, Canada, encompassing 122,988 hectares
of land and sea. The Hakai LúxvbálÃs Conservancy preserves some of the
most varied and beautiful coastline of western Canada. Lagoons, reversing
tidal rapids, sandy beaches, and forested hills make this a paradise for
boaters, kayakers, scuba divers, anglers and nature enthusiasts.
The Hakai
LúxvbálÃs Conservancy offers an extremely diverse habitat that is
a nature lovers paradise. Mollusca, crabs, starfish, anemones, sea urchins
and many others inhabit the tidal pools in the rocks. The surrounding
waters are home to the orca, grey, minke and humpback whales, seals, sea
lions, dolphins and porpoises. There are over 100 bird species residing
here some of which are the heron, sandpipers, gulls, auklets and pelagic
cormorants. Deer and wolves can be seen on the beaches or swimming from
island to island.
For more
than 10,000 years this area has been inhabited by humans, the first
of which were the Heiltsuk people. Remnants of their life here is evident
from the shell middens, fish traps and canoe haulouts that were left
behind as well as the names they gave to the surrounding area. Hakai
(wide passage), Namu (whirlwind) and Koeye (sitting on water) remind
us of the days before whiteman arrived to the Hakai area.
LOCATION
The
recreation area is about 130 km north of Port Hardy on Vancouver Island
and 45 km south of Bella Bella. The only access to the area is by
sea or air. Scheduled flights and chartered boats and flights are
available from Vancouver, Port Hardy, Bella Bella or Bella Coola.
Information & Services
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PARK
FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES
Camping
- Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities
are provided. Campfires are allowed but firewood is not provided. Be
prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking. If you must have a fire,
please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to extinguish the fire
fully. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and
animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively,
if at all. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your
campfire small.
Fresh water is not readily available so visitors are recommended to
bring their own.
Fishing
and Boating - This area is world famous for its salmon fishing.
There are a number of commercial fishing camps and resorts within
the Hakai Area. Fishing for salmon with cut plug herring at Odlum
Point, The Gap, Foster Rocks and Barney Point will prove rewarding
for the avid angler. Visitors may also try their luck for halibut,
ling cod and rock fish in this area. This area is prized by sports
fishermen for both salmon and rockfish. Rockfish Conservation Areas
occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish
Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish
Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans
Canada DFO. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have
an appropriate licence. The Hakai Recreation Area is a wonderful place
for the experienced sea kayaker to visit with its interesting sheltered
bays, rich marine life and peaceful deserted beaches.
Hiking
- Due to the dense vegetation and rough terrain, hiking oppurtunities
are limited. There are trails on Calvert Island to its west and north
beaches and a trail from the south side of Keith Anchorage to the
BC Tel repeater station.
Scuba
Diving - The Mosquito Islets and the Serpent Group of Kildidt
Sound offer some of the finest underwater sights in the world.
