Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cape Fife Trail
From near the end of the park access road, the Cape Fife Trail (three hours each way) heads
in a southeasterly direction, passing boglands and stunted pine trees on its 10-kilometer
(6.2-mile) route to Fife Point overlooking Hecate Strait. The shore above the high-tide line
is blanketed by a mass of driftwood logs, crushed together during the fierce storms that reg-
ularly lash this coast. A rough shelter at the end of the trail provides some protection from
the elements. Backcountry camping is permitted; hide among the trees on especially windy
days. From this point you can hike north along the beach to Rose Spit, then continue back
along North Beach to the parking lot at Hiellen River—a total of 34 kilometers (21 miles)
and an easy two-day trip. Well-equipped adventurers can continue south from Fife Point
along East Beach to finish at Tlell, a total distance of 72 kilometers (45 miles). This has
become a popular hike—take your time (allow 4-5 days) and bring adequate food and wa-
ter.
Camping
Agate Beach Campground (no reservations, June-mid-Sept., $16) is near Tow Hill, about
26 kilometers (16 miles) from Masset. The campsites lie along the back of the beach and
offer outstanding views. A shelter and pit toilets are provided, but no showers. In summer
you need to nab a spot early in the day—by late afternoon they're usually all taken. The
campground is open year-round.
SANDSPIT AND VICINITY
Across Skidegate Channel from Queen Charlotte City, Sandspit (pop. 350) is the only com-
munity on Moresby Island. Home to the islands' main airport and linked to Graham Island
by a short ferry trip, the town occupies a low-lying, windswept spit overlooking Shingle
Bay. The northern half of Moresby Island is largely given over to logging, while the south-
ern half and over 100 outlying islands fall within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve,
which protects a high concentration of abandoned Haida villages.
Those determined to tour the forests in their own vehicle can make an enjoyable loop
trip south out of Sandspit. Logging roads lace the forest, leading to beaches strewn with
driftwood, streams alive with salmon and steelhead, and beautiful Skidegate and Mosquito
Lakes (where you'll find good trout fishing). Free campgrounds are available at Gray Bay
and Mosquito Lake.
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