Plan Qwiquallaaq/Boat Bay Conservancy in Johnstone Strait with bays, coves, kayak camping, anchorages, whale viewing, hunting, and cultural notes.
Qwiquallaaq/Boat Bay Conservancy occupies the western end of West Cracroft Island in Johnstone Strait. BC Parks places it 72 kilometres southeast of Port Hardy, 103 kilometres northwest of Campbell River, and 300 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.
The conservancy sits directly across from Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve.
BC Parks says the area was legally designated as a conservancy in spring 2007 after Central Coast land-use decisions.
Why Visit Qwiquallaaq/Boat Bay Conservancy
BC Parks describes a natural and scenic setting of forested lands, protected bays and coves, small islands, and cliffs. The area is especially relevant to small boaters and kayakers because it contains a rustic campground, picnic sites, and anchorages at Boat Bay and just outside the entrance to Growler Cove.
The conservancy also has strong wildlife and cultural context. High shoreline cliffs provide viewpoints for watching whales in the strait, and a seasonal killer whale monitoring and research camp is present. BC Parks notes that fresh water sources and protected beaches made Boat Bay an important stopover site for First Nations journeys through the corridor between northern and southern Kwakwaka’wakw communities.
Things To Do
Kayak or travel by small boat, use the rustic campground and picnic sites, anchor in the listed areas, watch whales and other wildlife from shore viewpoints, and hunt during open seasons where regulations allow.
Planning Notes
Follow the marine visitor guide and check current advisories before travel. Anyone hunting must comply with BC hunting regulations. Treat cultural values with care, keep a respectful distance from whale activity, and plan as a self-sufficient marine visitor.