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Shearwater Hot Springs Conservancy

Advisories

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Cabins and huts
There is trapper’s cabin built by the Haisla First Nation and is available for public use. The cabin is 15’ x 12’ with 2 double bunk beds. The cabin is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared to sleep outside if the cabin is full.  It is possible to anchor a boat in the bay close to the cabin and hot springs. The cabin is located at the mouth of the creek (south side) in the bay. The UTM coordinates for the cabin are: Zone 09U; 5922231 m North; 0529701 m East.

Prior approval is needed for the use of the Haisla First Nation cabins. Please contact the Haisla Nation at 250-639-9361 (ext. 207 or 213).
Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed. Reservations are not accepted at this conservancy and all sites and facilities 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.
Picnic areas
Shearwater Hot Springs has a day-use/picnic area. The top deck above the bath house has a covered area of about 12’ x 12’ with a picnic table, bench and coat hooks. This area can be used for picnics and provides easy access to the hot spring and good views of Gardner Canal and distant snow-capped mountains. There are two mooring buoys in the bay that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pit or flush toilets
A Zeebest backcountry pit toilet was installed in June 2012. It is located behind the Haisla First Nation trapper’s cabin.
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.
Hot spring
Location: North side of Alan Reach in Gardner Canal, in small bay between Shearwater Point and Europa Point, about 65 km south of Kitimat.
GPS: Lat. 53° 27’ 01” North; Long. 128° 33’ 37” West
Pool Water Temperature: 42°C
Facilities: Two rock & mortar pools just above high tide line; larger one inside, smaller one outside. Wood frame bathhouse (13 ‘x 14’) over the large pool with covered upper level (12’ x 12’) change area, picnic table, bench and coat hooks. There are also 2 mooring buoys in the bay.
Comments: Also known as Europa Hot Springs. The waters are odorless. Bathhouse was rebuilt in 2008.
Swimming
Swimming is possible in the ocean, but the water is cold all year-round. There are no lifeguards on duty in the conservancy.
Canoeing
Adventurous and experienced kayakers may enjoy exploring the bay and shorelines in this conservancy.
Fishing

There are opportunities to fish for trout and salmon in the creek that enters the bay inside the conservancy. Please consult the appropriate non-tidal fishing regulations for more information. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate license.

Scuba diving
It is possible to scuba dive or snorkel in the conservancy. The water clarity is best during winter and spring.
Hunting

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