The Sandspit area has a good selection of hiking trails and routes for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels. Some wind through tall old growth forest, while others follow shorelines and still others climb to mountain tops.
Whatever trail you choose to hike, you should be prepared with appropriate gear. For short strolls, this might be a water bottle, snacks, a light rain jacket and sturdy shoes. For more extreme hikes, you may need hiking boots, spare dry clothes, food, and even overnight camping gear. Camping gear is available for rent in Sandspit, but if you are planning on doing lots of overnight hiking and camping, it is worth bringing your own.
Remember that the weather changes quickly here, and you should always be prepared for rain. Trails can be slippery and muddy due to the damp climate. In addition the the Sandspit area trails mentioned below, many other hiking trails can be found on Graham Island. Look for more information at the Visitor Info Centre.
Onward Point
The 10-15 minute walk around the Onward Point trail is favourite with Sandspit families. The looped trail leads from a parking lot between Alliford Bay and Sandspit out onto a rocky point with a gazebo. This is the best area to look for gray whales in the spring, as they like to feed just off this point. The trail winds through picturesque forest, and is easy to follow.
Dover Trail
The trailhead for this hike is on the west end of Sandspit, very close to the marina. There is a small paved pull-out for parking just west of the Haans Creek bridge, and the first section of the trail follows the flat valley bottom along the creek. The trail then climbs into a 5 km loop, which will take 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. Sections of this trail are steep and muddy, and there are sometimes fallen branches or even trees across the trail. The highlights of this trail are the pristine old-growth forest and the rich plant life along the banks of Haans Creek, where salmon spawn in the fall. The Dover Trail is within the Damaxyaa Conservancy.
The Spit
The route around the tip of the sand spit that gives the town its name is probably the most popular trail with locals, since it is within an easy walk of most homes in Sandspit. This wide, flat, grassy trail follows the outside of the fence around the airport, or you can walk on the beach. Walking all the way around the spit takes about 1 hour, but leave some time for beachcombing as well. This is also one of the best areas on the islands for bird watching.
Secret Cove Trail
This trail is accessed from the campground at Gray Bay. It is a 1 km path that leads to a hidden gravel beach at Secret Cove. From Secret Cove you can walk further north along the beach to Dogfish Bay. This area is a great example of the rocky headlands and weathered trees found along the exposed coasts of the islands.
Cumshewa Head Trail
The trail from Gray Bay to Cumshewa Head is a multi-day hike suitable for experienced and fit hikers only. The trailhead is at the south end of the Gray Bay campground. It follows rocky shorelines and beaches and cuts through forest in some places. The rocky, exposed coastline of Cumshewa Head makes for breathtaking scenery, but can be difficult to hike. This route is not well marked or well maintained and you should expect to find your own way at times through thick brush. The trail is within the bounds of Kunxalas Conservancy, and those who make it all the way to Cumshewa Head will find themselves at the beautiful, sheltered cove of Kunahalas, an ancient Haida camp-site where traces of the remains of a long-house are still visible.
For a shorter hike, you can do the first 3 km of the Cumshewa Head trail to the beach south of Gray Bay. The trail is along a grassy abandoned logging road, and you can make a loop by returning along the rocky beach to Gray Bay.
Mount Moresby
The route up Mount Moresby leads from close to sea level to the highest point on the islands, at 1164 m. This trail is steep and difficult, but can be accomplished in one long day of hiking or as an overnight hike. It is recommended to only attempt this hike in summer, since there is deep snow on the higher parts of the mountain in the winter and spring. The trailhead is near Moresby Camp, and can be hard to find, so it is wise to get directions from a local hiker or better yet, hike with a local. On a clear day, the views from the mountain top are spectacular.
