Maxtaktsm'aa/Union Passage Conservancy

Conservancy overview

Maxtaktsm’aa/Union Passage Conservancy protects intertidal and marine environments, fish and wildlife habitat in the Hecate Lowlands and North Coast Fjords Ecosection. Access to this area is usually made by boat and the conservancy provides safe and scenic anchorage for boaters travelling along the Inside Passage.

Advisories

Safety info

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

Camping

Marine-accessible camping

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

Facilities

Campfires

Firewood and campfire rings are 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 and spread out the ashes and rocks. 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 and Tsimtack Lake, but the water is cold all year-round. There are no lifeguards on duty in the conservancy.

Canoeing

Canoeists or kayakers may enjoy exploring the small islands, inlets, bays and shorelines in this conservancy. The waters are usually sheltered and calm, with landing beaches available. Wilderness and backcountry camping is allowed. Kayak rentals are available in Prince Rupert.

Kayaking

Canoeists or kayakers may enjoy exploring the small islands, inlets, bays and shorelines in this conservancy. The waters are usually sheltered and calm, with landing beaches available. Wilderness and backcountry camping is allowed. Kayak rentals are available in Prince Rupert.

Fishing

Excellent tidal water fishing opportunities for salmon and groundfish. Please consult the appropriate non-tidal fishing regulations for more information. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Fishing licences are available for purchase in Kitimat and Prince Rupert.

Wildlife viewing

Black bears, wolves, waterfowl, eagles, and salmon 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

Domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behavior and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Scuba diving

There are opportunities for scuba diving in this marine conservancy.

Hunting

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

Maxtaktsm’aa/Union Passage Conservancy is only accessible by boat or float plane and is located approximately 15 km SW of Hartley Bay and 90 km SW of Kitimat. It is located between Grenville Channel and Squally Channel and also between Farrant Island and Pitt Island.

Reference: Marine Charts #3945 (Approaches to Douglas Channel) and #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach).
Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Map #103 H/6 (Hartley Bay).

Visitor Information Centre:

Kitimat Visitor Information Centre
PO Box 214
2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC, Canada V8C 2G7
http://www.tourismkitimat.ca/
e-mail: 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: May 22, 2007
Size: 2,519 hectares (1,825 ha upland and 694 ha foreshore)

Nature and culture

History

Maxtaktsm’aa/Union Passage Conservancy was designated as a conservancy on May 31, 2007 following recommendations from the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan. The conservancy provides safe and scenic boat anchorage for boaters travelling along the Inside Passage and is close to the community of Hartley Bay.

Cultural Heritage

The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territories of the Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations. There are five known archaeological sites in the conservancy. Indian Reserve #7 (Tsimtack), located in the middle of the conservancy on the south side of Pitt Island is excluded from the conservancy. Use the below links for more information or to contact these First Nations.

Conservation

The conservancy protects intertidal and marine environments, fish and wildlife habitat, all of Hinton Island and most of Tsimtack Lake. The conservancy adjoins Union Passage Marine Park to the northwest.

Wildlife

Black bears, wolves, waterfowl, eagles, and salmon 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.

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.