Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy is a large hyper-maritime conservancy centred on Laredo Inlet on Princess Royal Island, the fourth largest island in British Columbia. BC Parks places it 15 kilometres west of Klemtu and 130 kilometres south of Kitimat.
The eastern boundary fronts the Inside Passage marine route, making boat access central to trip planning.
Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy is one of the richest coastal entries in the BC Parks system for paddlers, wildlife watchers, and self-reliant coastal travellers. BC Parks describes sandy beaches, mountain peaks, lowland old-growth rainforests, fjords, Canoona Lake, small estuaries, wetlands, floodplains, avalanche chutes, reefs, pocket beaches, sheltered bays, and rich intertidal marine life.
Wildlife viewing is a major draw. Fortunate visitors may see the Kermode bear, the white phase of black bear, on Princess Royal Island. Other activities include hiking trails on Swindle Island, beachcombing, kayaking, wilderness camping, and river and ocean fishing.
For boaters, Kitasoo Bay and Surf Inlet are listed as safe harbours, while Laredo Inlet is a protected anchorage with scenery and an estuary at the Bay of Plenty. Grant anchorage is popular with kayakers and campers.
Plan around experienced sea kayaking, Swindle Island hiking, beachcombing, wilderness camping, wildlife viewing, Kermode bear awareness, river and ocean fishing, marine photography, and hunting where open and permitted.
Swimming is not recommended because the water is cold and can be rough. Klemtu is accessible by BC Ferries' Discovery Coast Passage route from Port Hardy.
