Premier Listings for Foch-Gilttoyees Provincial Park
Foch-Gilttoyees Provincial Park and Protected Area is nestled in the Coast Mountain range on the north side of the Douglas Channel on the west coast of BC, protecting 61,089 hectares of rugged coastal terrain, from sea level to mountain peak.
The park envelopes diverse landscapes and features that include pristine freshwater drainages bordered by steep rocky slopes covered with old-growth forests, numerous waterfalls, tidal estuaries, unique tidal narrows, and a windswept coastline. Snow-covered peaks, glacial tarns, cirque basins, and receding glaciers cap the remote wilderness park.
Foch-Gilttoyees park contains part of an historical First Nations travel route between the Douglas Channel and the Skeena River, with the remainder of the route situated in Gitnadoiks River Provincial Park to the north.
In conjunction with Gitnadoiks River Provincial Park, Foch-Gilttoyees completes a wildlife link between the Douglas Channel and the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary (Foch-Gilttoyees Park, Gitnadoiks River Park, Exchamsiks River Provincial Park, Exchamsiks River corridor, and Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary).
Wildlife: Foch-Gilttoyees protects a significant estuary complex at the north end of the Gilttoyees Inlet. The Gilttoyees Creek and Peechugh Creek estuary is notable for its well-developed inter-tidal flats and relatively under-developed mud flats. Saltwater marsh and meadow communities dominate the inter-tidal flats. The estuary has abundant wildlife, providing over-wintering habitat for the blue-listed Trumpeter Swan, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Long-tailed duck, and Western Grebes.
Foch Lagoon is one of the largest and most remote lagoons on the BC coast, with a unique tidal narrows at its entrance. The influence of the heavy tide in the narrows creates very high productivity in the lagoon compared to the rest of the Douglas Channel, with kelp beds that support nurseries for a wide array of sea life.
Both Foch Lagoon and Gilttoyees Inlet are scenic, sheltered bodies of water suitable for canoeing and kayaking. Kayakers should be aware that entry into Foch Lagoon involves passing through tidal rapids, which should only be attempted at slack tide. Access to both inlets is via Douglas Channel, which is frequently rough and unsuitable for small boats.
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, including winter camping, but no facilities are provided. Rock climbing and scuba diving are possible in the park, as is swimming in the lakes, lagoon and ocean, although the water is cold all year round. There are no developed hiking trails in the park, and visitors should bring their own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Foch-Gilttoyees Provincial Park and Protected Area is located approximately 20 miles (33 km) southwest of Kitimat on the west side of Douglas Channel on the west coast of British Columbia (Chart 3743: Douglas Channel). Access is by boat only from Kitimat and Kitimaat Village (Haisla Nation).
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Experience stunning and magnificent displays of wildlife in their natural habitat in and around BC’s beautiful North Coast! Encounter humpback, orca, gray and minke whales feeding and playing in the sheltered Northern Inside Passage. Watch for porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, blue herons, and other sea birds as you learn first-hand about the diverse West Coast environment with our marine adventures tours. Our Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Tours offer a chance to see these legendary giants in the famous and pristine Khutzeymateen “Valley of the Grizzly”, home of the largest population of Grizzly Bears anywhere on Earth.
