Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy
About This Conservancy
Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy protects all of Fin Island, along with its surrounding islets, rocks, bays and foreshore. Located within the Hecate Lowland and North Coast Fjords Ecosection, this rocky island protects high archaeological, cultural, and bio-diversity values. The Island has three sheltered bays (Brant, Curlew, Hawk) which are used by recreational boaters and saltwater anglers for sheltered anchorage and shore visits for picnics.Conservancy Size: 1,902 ha
Special Notes:
- Boaters should not dump their sewage or wastes into Hawk Bay, as it would cause harmful impacts to the water quality and shellfish aquaculture project there.
- There are no roads or trails in this wilderness area.
- There are no facilities in the conservancy.
Location and Maps
Lakelse Douglas Channel area map [PDF 1.86MB]Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy is only accessible by boat and located about 17 km southwest of Hartley Bay and 100 km southwest of Kitimat. Fin Island is located at the north end of Squally Channel, between Farrant Island and Gil Island.
- Reference: Marine Chart #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach).
- Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Maps #103 H/3 (Gil Island) and #103 H/6 (Hartley Bay).
PO Box 214
2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC, Canada V8C 2G7
http://www.tourismkitimat.ca/
e-mail: info@tourismkitimat.ca
ph: 250-632-6294 or 1-800-664-6554
Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.- Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy map [PDF 598KB]
Nature and Culture
- History:
Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy was designated as a conservancy on July 14, 2006 following recommendations from the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan. The Gitga’at First Nation is currently trying to grow Japanese Scallops in Hawk Bay. - Cultural Heritage:
The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territories of the Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations. The conservancy contains one known archaeological site (pre-contact shell middens) and continues to be used by local First Nations for the harvest of clams and other foods. There is one Indian Reserve (IR #6; “Lachkul”) on the island, which is located west of Howard Islet. Use the below links for more information or to contact these First Nations. - Gitga'at First Nation
445 Hayimiisaxaa Way
Hartley Bay, BC V0V 1A0
Phone: 250-841-2602
Fax: 250-841-2541 - Gitxaala First Nation
PO Box 149
Kitkatla, BC V0V 1C0
Phone: 250-848-2214
Fax: 250-848-2238 - Conservation:
The conservancy protects a whole coastal island containing undisturbed old-growth forests of cedar and hemlock, small lakes, ponds and wetlands, coastal wildlife habitat, including the marine foreshore and intertidal areas. - Wildlife:
Wolves and deer can be seen on Fin Island. Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Dall’s Porpoises, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins and Harbour Seals can also be seen in the waters near Fin Island.
Management Planning
Management Planning InformationThe management plan for Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy was approved in March 2011.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Adventurous and experienced kayakers may enjoy exploring the shorelines and sheltered bays in this conservancy.
Hunting
This conservancy is open to hunting during lawful hunting seasons. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.
Scuba Diving
It is possible and permissible to SCUBA dive or snorkel in the conservancy.
Swimming
Swimming is possible in the ocean, but the water is cold all year round. There are no lifeguards on duty in the conservancy.
Wildlife Viewing
Wolves and deer can be seen on Fin Island. Humpback whales, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins and harbour seals can also be seen in the waters near Fin Island.
Facilities Available at this Park
Campfires
Firewood is not provided. If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to fully extinguish the fire when done. 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. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of campfires and using camp stoves instead. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented during extremely hot weather conditions.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Winter Camping
There are winter camping opportunities in this conservancy, as it can be accessed year round.











