Ktisgaidz/MacDonald Bay Conservancy

Highlights in this conservancy

This conservancy is located on the west side of Gil Island along Squally Channel. MacDonald Bay is a snug, sheltered anchorage that is ideally situated for small boats heading for the outer coast, and is a registered boat haven.

It consists of a narrow river-like entrance channel that opens into two small bays. Local boaters and fishermen commonly stop and anchor up in the bay overnight. Fresh water can be obtained from streams that enter into the bay.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

The entrance to MacDonald Bay is narrow and is best navigated at high tide. Boaters should exercise caution and use good judgement; the entrance is narrow and water depth can be limited.
There are no roads or trails in this wilderness area.

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

MacDonald Bay is only accessible by boat and is located about 25 km south of Hartley Bay and 105 km southwest of Kitimat. It is located on the west side of Gil Island, south of Blackrock Point and on the east side of Squally Channel.

Reference: Marine Chart #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach).
Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Map #103 H/3 (Gil Island).

Kitimat Visitor Information Centre:
PO Box 214
2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC, Canada V8C 2G7
tourismkitimat.ca/
info@tourismkitimat.ca
phone: 250-632-6294 or 1-800-664-6554

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed. Reservations are not accepted at this conservancy and all sites and facilities 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 year-round.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Kayaking

Adventurous and experienced kayakers may enjoy exploring the bay and shorelines in this conservancy.

Fishing

There may be opportunities to fish for trout or salmon in the creek that enters the bay at the east end of the conservancy. Please consult the appropriate non-tidal fishing regulations for more information.

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

Scuba diving

It is possible to scuba dive or snorkel in the conservancy. The water clarity is best during winter and spring.

Hunting

This conservancy is open to hunting during lawful hunting seasons. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis 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

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.

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

The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territories of the Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations. Use the below link for more information or to contact these First Nations.

PO Box 149
Kitkatla, BC V0V 1C0
Phone: 250-848-2214
Fax: 250-848-2238

History

K’tisgaidz/MacDonald Bay 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 a popular small bay that is used for safe boat anchorage, fishing, and camping. It also protects some small coastal lakes, streams and coastal wildlife habitat that include 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.

Contact