K'distsausk/Turtle Point Conservancy

Highlights in this conservancy

K’distsausk/Turtle Point Conservancy is located at the north tip of Gil Island and protects an area of high cultural and historical value to the Gitga’at First Nation. The conservancy also contains an old growth forest of red cedar and hemlock. Recreational boaters and anglers use Fisherman Cove for anchorage or visits to the sandy beach for picnics.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

There are no roads or trails in this wilderness area.
There are no facilities in the conservancy.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

K’distsausk/Turtle Point Conservancy is only accessible by boat and is located at the north tip of Gil Island, about 10 km south of Hartley Bay and 85 km south of Kitimat.

Reference: Marine Chart #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach).
Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Map #103 H/6 (Hartley Bay).

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. All sites are on a first come, first served basis.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Winter camping

There are winter camping opportunities in this conservancy, as it can be accessed year-round.

Things to do

Swimming

Swimming is possible in the ocean, but the water is cold all year.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Kayaking

Adventurous and experienced kayakers may enjoy exploring the shoreline and sheltered cove of this conservancy.

Wildlife viewing

Wolves and deer can be seen at Turtle Point. Humpback whales, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, pacific white-sided dolphins and harbour seals can also be seen in the adjacent marine waters.

Scuba diving

It is possible and permissible to scuba dive or snorkel in the conservancy.

Hunting

This Conservancy is open to hunting during lawful hunting seasons. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Facilities

Campfires

We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of campfires and using camp stoves instead. If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to fully extinguish the fire when done.

Firewood is not provided. 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.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

About this conservancy

History

K’distsausk/Turtle Point Conservancy was designated as a conservancy on May 31, 2007 following recommendations from the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan.

Conservation

The conservancy protects an area of high cultural and historical value to the Gitga’at First Nation. The conservancy also protects an old growth forest of red cedar and hemlock, portions of two small streams and coastal wildlife habitat that includes the marine foreshore and intertidal areas.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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