Plan Ethelda Bay-Tennant Island Conservancy with boat or floatplane access, safe anchorages, cold ocean swimming, paddling, salmon fishing, and wildlife.
Ethelda Bay-Tennant Island Conservancy protects a small group of islands and marine environment in the Estevan Group, between Barnard Island and Trutch Island. BC Parks places it in Langley Passage, between Estevan Sound and Hecate Strait.
The conservancy is accessible only by boat or floatplane and contains safe boat anchorages and small beaches.
Why Visit Ethelda Bay-Tennant Island Conservancy
Ethelda Bay-Tennant Island is for experienced coastal travellers planning boat access, island shorelines, wildlife viewing, paddling, fishing, and anchorage stops. BC Parks says there are no roads or trails and no facilities in this wilderness area.
Cold ocean swimming is possible year-round. Canoeists and kayakers may explore small islands, inlets, bays, and shorelines, and salmon fishing opportunities are available with appropriate regulation checks.
Wildlife viewing is broad. BC Parks lists black bears, wolves, waterfowl, eagles, and salmon within the conservancy, with humpback whales, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions, and harbour seals in adjacent marine waters.
The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territory of the Gitxaala First Nation. It was designated in 2007 following the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan, and Ethelda Bay was once the site of a manned radio beacon station.
Things To Do
Plan around boat or floatplane access, safe anchorage research, cold ocean swimming, kayaking, canoeing, salmon fishing, marine wildlife viewing, shoreline photography, cultural respect, and seasonal hunting where permitted.
Planning Notes
Use Marine Chart 3795 and topographic map 103 H/4, check marine weather and fishing rules, bring all supplies, and do not expect roads, trails, or facilities.