Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy
Interim Public Access Agreement from Pruth Bay to West Beach
The present trail from the anchorage at Pruth Bay to West Beach, located on Calvert Island, crosses private property operated by the Hakai Beach Institute.
The current trailhead at the foot of the pier runs north along the shoreline, and then west around the north side of the Institute buildings to West Beach. The Institute will be opening a visitor center on the pier and members of the public are encouraged to check on current trail conditions at the visitor center, as there are plans to upgrade the present trail system. As part of the development of the current Management Plan for the Protected Area, the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Management Board is working closely with the Hakai Beach Institute to secure a permanent public access route from Pruth Bay to West Beach.
For more information please contact Steven Hodgson, Area Supervisor, Parks and Protected Areas, at (250) 982-2701 ext.2223
About This Conservancy
The Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy is managed under an agreement between
the Heiltsuk Nation and the Province of British Columbia to co-operatively
attain conservation and recreation objectives for the area. This agreement
will also allow the Heiltsuk Nation to access land and resources for
their use within the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy in accordance with their
aboriginal rights.
Encompassing more than 120,000 hectares of land and sea, Hakai
Luxvbalis Conservancy is the largest provincial marine protected area
on the British Columbia coast. Located approximately 130 km north of
Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and 115 km southwest of Bella Coola,
Hakai has no developed facilities and can only be accessed by sea or
air. Sited within the Hecate Lowland ecosection, which is represented
by a large archipelago of outstanding natural beauty, Hakai boasts such
special features as lagoons, reversing tidal rapids, tombolos, and white-sand
beaches. With exposed shorelines, forested hills, a beguiling array
of large and small islands, white-sand beaches, and all-weather anchorages,
Hakai has a varied and scenic coastline. It is the dramatic contrast
between marine and terrestrial landscapes that makes Hakai unique within
the BC provincial park and protected area system.
Park Size: 122,998 hectares
Special Notes:
- All archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act. It is illegal to remove artifacts or to disturb such sites.
- There are some sports fishing lodges in Hakai. Most are floating and are removed in the off-season but there is a small lodge on shore in Choked Passage that is run by a non-profit society. There is also privately owned Hakai Beach Resort operated on private property.
Stay Safe:
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
- Swimming is not recommended because the water is cold and can be rough. There are no lifeguards on duty within parks or protected areas.
- Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Location and Maps
Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy is located along the B.C. coast, approximately 130 km north of Port Hardy and 115 km southwest of Bella Coola. Access is via sea or air: chartered boats and chartered and/or scheduled air services are available from Vancouver, Port Hardy, Bella Bella (Waglisla) and Bella Coola. It is also possible to take the "Discovery Coast Passage" service offered by BC Ferries, which travels between Port Hardy and Bella Coola; the ferries make a stop at Bella Bella (Waglisla), 45 km north of Hakai. The nearest settlement is Namu on the mainland coast, 10 km across Fitz Hugh Sound.
Management Planning
Management Planning Information
In accordance with an agreement between the Heiltsuk Nation
and the Provincial Government, a management plan is being prepared
to guide the protection, conservation, and management of the natural and
cultural resources of the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy, while recognizing
the aboriginal rights, and respecting the culture, traditions and
history of the Heiltsuk Nation. Click
here for more information about management planning for this protected
area.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Fishing
This area is prized by sports fishermen for 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.
Hunting
Scuba Diving
Wildlife Viewing
Facilities Available at this Park
Campfires
