Hotspring Island (Gandla’kin) is one of the more popular destinations in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Hotspring Island is located off the east coast of Moresby Island in the kayaking playground of Gwaii Haanas National Park, and is accessible only by kayak, boat or floatplane. Nothing is more idyllic than relaxing in a hot spring or hot pool on Hotspring Island and watching a pod of orcas swim past. There are at least a dozen springs and seeps on Hotspring Island, with three spring-fed natural hot tubs carved into volcanic rock.
Note: Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that rocked Haida Gwaii on Saturday October 27, 2012, the three hotspring pools commonly accessed by visitors to Hot Spring Island, or Gandll K’in Gwaayaay, are now cold and empty. The shifting tectonic plates and reorganization of stress has evidently affected the pathways the water took to the surface. Experts suggest that the hot spring may resume flowing at some time in the future. Update: Thermal Activity is on the rise at Hotspring Island: In May 2014, Gwaii Haanas staff checked in at Hotspring Island and found increased water flow, higher temperatures and thermal activity at higher elevations than recorded since the 2012 earthquake. More information.
A popular and adventurous way to visit Hotsprings Island is to embark on multi-day paddling adventure that uses a comfortable mothership to launch daily kayaking explorations into the peaceful wilderness wonder of Gwaii Haanas. These ecotours allow visitors to experience spectacular natural ecosystems, unique Haida culture, ancient Haida village sites, and awesome wilderness kayaking. To complete your rejuvenation, you get to nourish the body, mind and spirit in the natural hot springs on Hotspring Island.
Gwaii Haanas National Park is administered jointly by Parks Canada and the Haida Nation, and Hotspring Island is one of five areas in the park supervised by Haida watchmen. Camping is not permitted on Hotspring Island, and the island is closed to pets. When you are all soaked out, and ready to face life in paradise again, spend some time exploring the beach and enjoy the vista of Juan Perez Sound and the San Christoval Mountains.
The Queen Charlotte Islands, wild and beautiful, embody everything that is ancient and mystical about the West Coast. Impossible not to marvel at, and revel in, these are the Queen Charlotte Islands, arguably one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world. The Charlottes are about 60 miles (100 km) off the mainland, and are made up of about 150 islands.
Location
Hotsprings Island is located in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site on Moresby Island in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Access to Gwaii Haanas is by helicopter or floatplane from Moresby Camp or Alliford Bay on Moresby Island. The closest road access to the park is at Moresby Camp, from where visitors can reach the park by boat or kayak. The nearest boundary of the park is 30 miles (50 km) from Moresby Camp.
Contact Information
Parks Canada – British Columbia
Box 129
23433 Mavis Avenue
Fort Langley, BC
V1M 2R5
Phone: 604-513-4777
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