Ksgaxl/Stephens Island Conservancy

Highlights in this conservancy

Ksgaxl/Stephens Islands Conservancy is on the northwest coast of British Columbia, approximately 30 kilometres west of Prince Rupert, and is within the Traditional Territory of the Coast Tsimshian. The conservancy contains Stephens Island and other adjacent islands including Prescott Island, Philip Island, Arthur Island, Skiakl Island, the Archibald Islands and the Tree Nob Group.

Ksgaxl/Stephens Islands Conservancy was identified for conservancy status during negotiations between the provincial government and First Nations governments following the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP).

Ksgaxl/Stephens Islands Conservancy protects an entire island group that has high marine and terrestrial values including habitat for numerous bird, marine mammal and marine invertebrate species. Ksgaxl is part of a world-class system of wilderness-oriented protected areas along the north and central coast of British Columbia. The terrestrial and marine ecosystems are healthy and productive.

The Ksgaxl/Stephens Islands area has a long history of use by First Nations. The conservancy is associated with Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla First Nations (collectively Coast Tsimshian).

Wilderness-based recreation opportunities in Ksgaxl include camping, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and wildlife viewing. Recreational features include marine mammal viewing, small beaches, and many small island groups such as the Archibald Islands. The conservancy is collaboratively managed by the Coast Tsimshian and BC Parks.

Know before you go

Advisories

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

Conservancy Map [PDF]

Getting there

Ksgaxl/Stephens Islands Conservancy is located approximately 30 km west of Prince Rupert and is only accessible by boat. Nearby communities include:

Lax Kw’alaams 47 km
Metlakatla 24 km
Prince Rupert 28 km
Port Edward 25 km

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.

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

Things to do

Hiking

There are no developed trails at this park.

Swimming

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

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

Adventurous and experienced canoeists or kayakers may enjoy exploring the inlets, bays, lagoons, lakes and shorelines in this conservancy. The many inlets can be sheltered and calm, with landing beaches available. Wilderness camping is allowed. Kayak rentals are available in Prince Rupert.

Kayaking

Fishing

Excellent tidal water fishing opportunities for salmon and groundfish. Please consult the appropriate non-tidal fishing regulations for more information. Fishing licenses are available for purchase in Kitimat and Prince Rupert.

Salmon migration routes surround Stephens Island, but are mostly concentrated to the north of Stephens Island.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

Waterfowl, eagles, spawning salmon and the occasional deer can be seen in the conservancy. Humpback whales, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions and harbour seals can also be seen in the adjacent marine waters.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Scuba diving

There are opportunities for scuba diving in this marine conservancy. The water clarity is best during winter and spring.

Scuba diving at the Tree Nob Group is excellent due to the high marine species diversity and large underwater reefs with marine plants including eelgrass up to two metres long.

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

Campfires are permitted.

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

Cultural heritage

Ksgaxl means “Place of Shrub” in the Coast Tsimshian language Sm’algyax. Nine recognized archaeological sites and at least seven named First Nation village sites are within the conservancy. The area has long been used by First Nations for food and ceremonial purposes. Ksgaxl and adjacent areas are still used for harvesting of marine species such as salmon, rockfish, halibut and red sea urchins, and other resources.

Coast Tsimshian rights to Ksgaxl stem from a history of wars between the Tlingit and Haida going back thousands of years. Ancestors of present-day Coast Tsimshian shed blood to ensure their people could use the area for food gathering.

Ksgaxl falls within the traditional territory of the Gitwilgyoots, the tribal stewards of the area. In appreciation of the tribes having stood beside them to protect the area, the Gitwilgyoots allocated portions of the islands to other tribes and house groups, such as the Coast Tsimshian, for activities such as harvesting of sea resources, hunting, trapping and camping.

The islands are important intertidal harvesting area for sam’ k (clams), gaboox (cockles), galmoos and (crabs), hadani (black cod/sablefish), as well as t’ibiin (sealion) and uula (seal) and bilhaa (abalone). Kibaau (seaweed) is particularly important to those who currently camp on the islands.

Many plants are harvested for medicinal and material purposes. Examples of plants used traditionally include: salmon berries, blueberries, huckleberries, hemlock cambium (inner bark), ha’tal (red cedar bark), wal (yellow cedar), luwi (alder tree), sahakwdak (yew), and wooms (devil’s club).

For further information please contact:

Metlakatla Stewardship Office
P.O. Box 224
Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3P6
Phone: 250-628-3201
Fax: 250-628-9259
Lax Kw’alaams Band Office
206 Shashaak
Port Simpson, BC V0V 1H0
Phone: 250-625-3293
Fax: 250-625-3246
Gitxaala First Nation
PO Box 149
Kitkatla, BC V0V 1C0
Phone: 250-848-2214
Fax: 250-848-2238

Conservation

Ksgaxl protects a biologically diverse mix of marine and terrestrial ecosystems including numerous small islands and two moderate size islands, Stephens and Prescott. The terrestrial portions of these islands are important for marine mammal and bird nesting habitat, while the shallow waters around them support diverse marine plants and animals.

Wildlife

Terrestrial mammals in the conservancy include wolves, black-tailed deer, and a number of small fur-bearing animals. Marine mammals that use the area include killer whales (red-listed), humpback whales (blue-listed), Stellar sea lions (blue-listed), Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbour seals, and porpoises. Sea otters (blue-listed) have recently been reported from the Triple Island in the northern part of the conservancy and nearby Rachael Island, though it is unknown whether they are breeding in the area.

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.

Contact