Conservancy overview
Located along the southwest end of Pitt Island, Monckton Nii Luutiksm Conservancy provides safe boat anchorages and protects a diversity of fish and wildlife habitats including marine intertidal areas, several small lakes, streams, estuaries, wetlands, forests and salmon spawning habitats.
A number of small bays and inlets are contained within this conservancy, including all of Monckton Inlet, Port Stephens, Buchan Inlet, Leavitt Lagoon, Cridge Lagoon and Stephen Nelson Lake.
The area also contains several culturally significant sites to local First Nations, including old village sites, traditional use areas, and several archaeological sites. Access to this conservancy is usually made by boat.
Advisories
Safety info
- There are no roads or trails in this wilderness area.
- There are no facilities in the conservancy.
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. All sites are on a first come, first served basis. Marine-access only.
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. All sites are on a first come, first served basis. Marine-access only.
Facilities
Firewood and campfire rings are 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 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.
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.
Activities
Swimming is possible in the ocean, but the water is cold year-round.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
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 and backcountry camping is allowed. Kayak rentals are available in Prince Rupert.
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.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears or wolves.
This conservancy is open to hunting during lawful hunting seasons. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.
Monckton Nii Luutiksm Conservancy is only accessible by boat, floatplane or helicopter and is located about 30 km SW of Hartley Bay and 105 km SW of Kitimat. It is located along the southwest end of Pitt Island, along the east side of Principe Channel.
- Reference: Marine Charts #3721 (Plans Pitt Island); #3741 (Otter Passage to Bonilla Island); #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach); #3945 (Approaches to Douglas Channel).
- Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Maps #103 H/4 (Trutch Island) and #103 H/5 (Port Stephens).
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: July 13, 2006
- Size: 24,775 hectares (22,251 ha upland and 2,524 ha foreshore)
Nature and culture
History
Monckton Nii Luutiksm Conservancy was designated as a conservancy on July 14, 2006 following recommendations from the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan. The conservancy provides safe boat anchorages for boaters travelling along the north coast and good opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Cultural Heritage:
The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territories of the Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations. The conservancy contains nine known archaeological sites (i.e. pre-contact shell middens and fish traps) and has historically been used for the traditional harvest of shellfish, seaweed and trapping by local First Nations. There are two Indian Reserves (IR) adjacent to or inside the conservancy. IR #13 (Clowel) is nearby but outside of the conservancy, east of Annie Point. IR #8 (Toowartz), located at the north end of Tuwartz Inlet and entrance to Cridge Lagoon, is inside but excluded from the conservancy. Use the below links for more information or to contact these First Nations.
Conservation
The conservancy protects a diversity of fish and wildlife habitats including marine intertidal areas, several small lakes, streams, estuaries, wetlands, forests and salmon spawning habitats. A number of small bays and inlets are contained within this conservancy, including all of Monckton Inlet, Port Stephens, Buchan Inlet, Leavitt Lagoon, Cridge Lagoon and Stephen Nelson Lake.
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.
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.