Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy

Conservancy overview

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.

Advisories

Special notes

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

Camping

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Wilderness camping

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

Winter camping

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

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. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented during extremely hot weather conditions.

Activities

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Swimming

Swimming is possible in the ocean, but the water is cold all year-round. There are no lifeguards on duty in the conservancy.

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.

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

Conservancy and activity maps

Learn more about this conservancy

Conservancy details

Date established: July 13, 2006
Size: 1,902 hectares (1,234 ha upland and 668 ha foreshore)

Nature and culture

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.

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

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.

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

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.