Naikoon is the traditional territory of the Haida Nation and figures prominently in their present lifestyles and history. There are many places of cultural and spiritual importance as well as historic village sites and important food gathering sites throughout the park. Colonial settlement began in the early 1900s; although it failed to prosper, evidence of settlements can still be found within the park.
Naikoon was designated a Class A park in 1973. The area is comprised of a mixture of coastal temperate rainforest ecosystems, wetlands and bogs, sand dunes and approximately 100 km of beaches. Tow Hill and Rose Spit are iconic natural features that are also prominent in Haida traditional stories. Naikoon lies entirely within the Queen Charlotte Lowland eco-region. Primary attractions for visitors include Haida cultural history, 100 km of beaches, hiking, fishing, and wilderness camping.
Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum. Read the Youth Group policy about Criteria for Youth Groups.
Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $20.00/group site/night, plus $5/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15). Children under 6 are free!
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Accessibility information is available for these areas of the park:
There are many opportunities to explore the wonders of NaikoonPark, including several popular trails.
Hike to the Blow Hole (about 1km) on a universally accessible boardwalk with interpretive signage which is suitable for wheelchairs. The boardwalk continues up Tow Hill to two additional lookouts with binoculars and interpretive signage then loops back to the trailhead (about 2.5km). This hike will introduce you to Haida legends and culture, old growth forest, the Hiellen River, open ocean, fascinating geologic features, and wonderful views and wildlife.
For more adventurous and better equipped hikers, the 10km (one way) hike to the Cape Fife Cabin on East Beach offers the chance to hike old-growth forest on a semi-maintained and well marked trail that takes you past bogs, evidence of settler structures, and to endless beaches. The cabin has four bunks, a woodstove, outhouse, and is available on a first come basis (no reservations), so be sure to have a tent for backup if you wish to stay the night. There is little water on this route so be prepared. The shortest return is back along the trail to Tow Hill, however you can take a 20km hike along the beach north to Rose Spit then back to Tow Hill on North Beach.
Starting at the beach where White Creek meets the sea a rustic trail leads inland along an old settler road, through old growth forest of cedar and spruce, and up to the bog. Fascinating plant and animal life live in this delicate ecosystem, and beautiful views stretch to the horizon into Naikoon Park. Wear waterproof footwear, be very careful of the delicate landscape, and avoid leaving the trail as it is easy to get lost. The trail continues to the Heralda Lakes (4km), then you return the way you came.
Starting at the Tlell River Day Use area the Pesuta Shipwreck Trail takes you through old-growth forest down to the bank of the Tlell River, leading you to the dunes and seemingly endless East Beach where the remnant bow of the log barge “Pesuta”, which was beached in December 1928, is all that remains of this 264 foot log carrier. Best to approach this hike on a low or receding tide to avoid walking the riverbank during high water – 6km one way.
Starting near the Misty Meadows day-use picnic shelter, there is a trail that winds through the meadows and forest to the dunes and beach, then circles to the trail that brings you back to the picnic shelter – ~1km.
For the dedicated and well-prepared, the East Beach Trail is a truly remote experience. The 90km hike from Tlell to Rose Spit and then to Tow Hill is a multi-day adventure requiring proper planning. Please see the East Beach Trail map for information on the route and the planning involved.
Pure Lake day use area is a popular family swimming spot. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Angling can be productive in the Tlell River, other park waterways, and Mayer Lake. The Tlell River is famous for its coho salmon and steelhead runs. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Tow Hill: While walking up the Tow Hill trail, ensure your pet is leashed at all times. There are steep cliffs obscured by thick brush. Numerous dogs have lost their lives while running loose on Tow Hill.
It is an offence under the Parks Act to permit a dog to be off leash in a Provincial Park or Ecological Reserve, or to permit it to cause annoyance, injury, damage, or to molest wildlife. You are responsible for your pet’s behaviour 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.
Fat-tire beach bikes are permitted on the beaches. Use the same precautions as ATVs. Otherwise, bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Naikoon Provincial Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
North Beach offers surfers an expansive coastline to explore.
This park is open to hunting. Please check the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Haida Gwaii is served by scheduled air transportation from Vancouver and Prince Rupert and by BC Ferries between Prince Rupert and Skidegate. Highway 16 that connects the island communities passes close to the south and west boundaries of the park providing access at Tlell, Mayer Lake, and north east of Masset. There is no developed access to the interior of the park. Park headquarters are on the highway just south of the Tlell River bridge, 45 km north of the Village of Queen Charlotte.
Secretariat of the Haida Nation
250-557-2047
parks.coordinator@haidanation.com
Juan Perez, exploring under the orders of the Spanish Viceroy of California, is credited with being the first European to see Haida Gwaii in 1774.
In the early 1900s, the provincial government encouraged settlers to farm at Haida Gwaii. There were many who chose to homestead in the area that is now Naikoon Park, growing vegetables, raising cattle and taking gold from the sand beaches. However, difficult drainage, poor access, World War I and the lack of markets caused most people to abandon their efforts before the Great Depression. Many of the place names in the area are reminders of their presence.
Naikoon park is the traditional territory of the Haida Nation and figures prominently in their present lifestyles and history. There are many places of cultural and spiritual importance as well as historic village sites and important food gathering sites throughout the park.
Naikoon is a corruption of “Nai-kun” meaning “house point” – the Haida name for Rose Spit. This five kilometre point of land juts northward from the park separating the riotous waters of Dixon Entrance and Hecate Strait. The park was created to help preserve the natural diversity of this unique coastline.
Haida Gwaii has been called “The Misty Islands”, referring not only to the moist, mild climate, but to the mystique of its inhabitants, the Haida Nation. Visitors to Naikoon can easily find the solitude to reflect on the highly developed culture of these legendary seafarers, with their reputation for adventure, 20-metre dugout canoes, fascinating ceremonies and ferocious exploits. The art of the Haida Nation is famous throughout the world. Majestic and intriguing cedar totem poles and carvings, argillite statuary and intricately designed woven baskets and hats of spruce root were once representations of a clan’s wealth and prestige. These and many items were frequently given away at potlatches to help cement the socially complex kinship system.
The park occupies part of the Hecate Depression, a trough between the Outer Mountains to the west and the Coast Mountains on the mainland to the east. The park is largely low and flat. Most of its topographic features are formed by underlying glacial deposits. In the northeast corner, Argonaut Hill, the highest point in the park, rises only 150 metres above sea level. Tow Hill, an outcrop of basalt columns, is a prominent landmark about 100 metres high on the north beach.
Wildlife is a curious mixture of introduced and native species. Sitka Blacktail deer were brought in about 80 years ago and, with abundant forage and no wild predators, they have prospered. Other species such as raccoons, red squirrels, beaver, and muskrat have been introduced. Small herds of wild cattle, remnants of domestic stock from the days of early settlement, have been seen along the east coast.
Species native to the park area include black bear, marten, river otter, and several other mammals that made the salt water crossing from the mainland. Sea mammals include dolphins and harbour porpoises. Hair seals can be seen regularly at Rose Spit and all along the north and east beaches. Northern fur seals and California grey whales migrate northward during May and June.
The bird population of Haida Gwaii is similar to the nearby mainland although many species have not crossed Hecate Strait. Others, such as the hairy woodpecker, the saw-whet owl and Steller’s Jay, have developed into unique sub-species. A sub-species of pine grosbeak is found only on Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island. A sub-species of song sparrow is found here and on the Alaskan Islands.
Rose Spit is an excellent spot for observing migrating birds travelling south on the Pacific Flyway. Upwelling currents produce much food along the spit, attracting pelagic species rarely seen from the shore. Sandhill cranes gather here after nesting in the park bogs and shorebirds abound.
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.