Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy

Highlights in this conservancy

Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy protects all of Fin Island, along with its surrounding islets, rocks, bays and foreshore. Located within the Hecate Lowland and North Coast Fjords Ecosection, this rocky island protects high archaeological, cultural, and bio-diversity values.

The Island has three sheltered bays (Brant, Curlew, Hawk) which are used by recreational boaters and saltwater anglers for sheltered anchorage and shore visits for picnics.

Know before you go

Advisories

Special notes

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

Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy is only accessible by boat and located about 17 km southwest of Hartley Bay and 100 km southwest of Kitimat. Fin Island is located at the north end of Squally Channel, between Farrant Island and Gil Island.

Reference: Marine Chart #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach).
Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Maps #103 H/3 (Gil Island) and #103 H/6 (Hartley Bay).

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, 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 year-round.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Kayaking

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

Wildlife viewing

Wolves and deer can be seen on Fin Island. Humpback whales, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins and harbour seals can also be seen in the waters near Fin Island.

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 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. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of campfires and using campstoves instead.

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.

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. The conservancy contains one known archaeological site (pre-contact shell middens) and continues to be used by local First Nations for the harvest of clams and other foods. There is one Indian Reserve (IR #6; “Lachkul”) on the island, which is located west of Howard Islet. Use the below links for more information or to contact these First Nations.

Gitga’at First Nation
445 Hayimiisaxaa Way
Hartley Bay, BC V0V 1A0
Phone: 250-841-2602
Fax: 250-841-2541
Gitxaala First Nation
PO Box 149
Kitkatla, BC V0V 1C0
Phone: 250-848-2214
Fax: 250-848-2238

History

Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy was designated as a conservancy on July 14, 2006 following recommendations from the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan.

Conservation

The conservancy protects a whole coastal island containing undisturbed old-growth forests of cedar and hemlock, small lakes, ponds and wetlands, coastal wildlife habitat, including the marine foreshore and intertidal areas.

Wildlife

Wolves and deer can be seen on Fin Island. Humpback whales, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins and harbour seals can also be seen in the waters near Fin Island.

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