adventures on moresy island

A few popular trails are listed on the “Hikes” page of this site.

Below are some other recreation ideas and campsites to visit

This map shows the main network of backroads on Moresby Island. These are working roads and logging operations have priority. You are usually required to carry a radio to enter those roads. Be cautious at all times.

The number markers on the map are the ones you will see on the road, so you can know exactly where you are.

The PDF version of the map is available here

For more information on travelling safely on ressource roads, please refer to these documents: Guide for safe travel and Travelling on ressource roads

copper bay - seasonal fishing village

Copper Bay is a traditional fishing ground for the Skidegate Haida and is quite popular when the fish are running up the rich waters of the Copper River. Many salmon species make the trip upriver every year. It can be a crowded place, where eagles, bears, seals and even sea lions fill up the bay in a frenzy of salmon feeding. In the fall, the Copper Bay Coho Derby draws in a crowd of fishermen, a tradition since more than 65 years. The event takes place on the 4 weekends leading up to the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.

Gray Bay - campsites, endless beaches and trails

Located on the east coast of Moresby Island, south of Sandspit in the Kun⨱alas Conservancy, and accessed by a 26km long gravel road, Gray Bay is a fabulous beach with more than 15 vehicle access free provincial campsites.

Access to the easy 1km long Secret Cove trail is just before the Bay itself. Other trail ideas nearby are in the Hikes section of this page.

Apart from groomed sites, tables and pit toilets, there are no services in the area, bring your water, food and shelter.

Mosquito Lake - campsite and easy lake access

Named not after the infamous flying insect, but the WWII fighter bomber (The DeHavilland Mosquito), for which many spruce trees were cut on island, this scenic lake is nestled among some of the highest peaks on Haida Gwaii: Mount Moresby and Mosquito Mountain.

Access is by logging road from either Sandspit (about 40km) or Alliford Bay (about 35km).

There is a small (9 sites) and free provincial campground with boat access. It is possible to catch trout in the lake.

For those ready for a challenge, you can climb the Mosquito peaks on the far side of the lake (for the more experienced adventurers, inquire locally or visit the Hikes page).

Apart from groomed sites, tables and pit toilets, there are no services in the area, bring your water, food and shelter.

MORESBY CAMP - campsite, boat access & gateway to gwaii haanas

Moresby Camp is the end of the road and the start of your boating adventure. It is also a popular campsite with day use areas and shelter.

Travelers wanting to explore the wild expanses of South Moresby island and Gwaii Haanas usually start their trip from this area, where there is a concrete boat launch and a large parking lot.

For the more adventurous, access to Moresby Mountain is at a turnoff just before Moresby Camp. The hike up the highest summit on Haida Gwaii is challenging, inquire locally or visit the Hikes page.

Apart from groomed sites, tables and pit toilets, there are no services in the area, bring your water, food and shelter.

visiting gwaii haanas

Gwaii Haanas is a vast and remote wilderness area, that draws in visitors from far and wide.

Please note there is no road access to Gwaii Haanas, and the National Park Reserve is only accessible by boat or seaplane.

All Gwaii Haanas information is best accessed through their official website at: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/gwaiihaanas

For a list of tour operators (powerboat, sailboat, kayak tours etc.) allowed to operate in Gwaii Haanas, visit https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/gwaiihaanas/visit/voyagistes-operators

recreation sites and trails of moresby island

A quick overview of some recreation sites of Moresby Island. PDF version available here