Mahpahkum-Ahkwuna/Deserters-Walker Conservancy protects forested islands, rocky islets, and wave-washed reefs at the northern entrance to Queen Charlotte Strait. BC Parks places it about 12 kilometres northeast of Port Hardy, 32 kilometres northwest of Alert Bay, and along the Inside Passage.
The islands form stepping stones for small boaters crossing the strait between Vancouver Island and mainland coast cruising grounds.
This conservancy is valuable as both a marine travel landscape and a culturally important island group. BC Parks says the islands and islets remain highly important to First Nations, with cultural sites and former village sites within the conservancy. Visitors should treat shorelines, reefs, and island landings with care.
The surrounding waters are biologically rich. BC Parks notes nutrient-rich waters that provide intense feeding areas for marine mammals, seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl, while the waters around the islands act as a migratory corridor for several Pacific salmon runs. For boaters, the conservancy's location on a busy marine route makes weather, navigation, and respect for protected values especially important.
Use the conservancy as a careful boating waypoint, photograph island and reef scenery from the water, observe marine wildlife from a respectful distance, and hunt during open seasons where permitted by regulation.
Expect exposed marine conditions and limited facilities. Carry charts, communications, cold-water safety gear, and all supplies, and avoid disturbing cultural sites, shorebirds, reefs, and marine wildlife. Choose calm conditions for any crossing, since these islands sit in open strait waters.
