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.
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. All sites are on a first come, first served basis.
Adventurous and experienced kayakers may enjoy exploring the shoreline and sheltered cove of this conservancy.
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.
This Conservancy is open to hunting during lawful hunting seasons. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.
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.
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.
Cultural Heritage
The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territories of the Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations. The conservancy contains two known archaeological sites (pre-contact shell midden and fish trap) and continues to be used by local First Nations for trapping, fishing and clam digging. The Indian Reserve (IR #12; “Turtle Point”) in front of Fisherman Cove is excluded from the Conservancy. Use the below link for more information or to contact these First Nations.
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.
Wildlife
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.
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.