Water

Arriving in Kitimat by water takes the traveler through some of the most spectacular scenery in British Columbia.  Travel via Hartley Bay, stopping at Bishop Bay hot springs before continuing past Fish Trap Bay and Monkey Beach – the title of Canadian writer Eden Robinson’s nationally acclaimed novel, a haunting tale of a Haisla childhood - before entering Sue Channel.  Stop at Weewannie - another wonderful natural hot springs – before the last leg of the journey down Devastation Channel, past Coste Rocks, Kildala Arm, and Clio Bay, and into the Kitimat Arm.

This beautiful journey is unspoiled and devoid of marine traffic.  It is home to 167 known salmon rivers, 32 additional fish species, 248 bird species, and 62 varieties of mammals.  It is also home to the endangered marbled murrelet and is an exceptional place to view humpback whales, which are common all year round.

Traveling to Kitimat by Kayak

There are several Haisla cabins along the length of the Douglas Channel from Bish Creek to Devastation Channel and up the Gardner Canal.  Individual Haisla trappers own the cabins which are basic but welcome all, as camping beaches are few and far between.  Booking must be done in advance by contacting the Kitamaat Village Council at 250-632-9361.

Read a detailed and wonderful description of this journey up the Douglas Channel in John Kimantas’ “The Wild Coast 2”, a kayaking and recreation guide for the North and Central B.C. Coast.

Traveling to Kitimat by Boat

There are three marinas at Kitimat.  The largest is M.K. Bay Marina www.mkbaymarina.com with a magnificent view of the Douglas Channel.  There is also an adjacent campground for RVing and tenting.  The Marina is a 20-minute drive from Kitimat along a lovely winding road with views of the Kitimat River estuary, the tranquility of Minette Bay and the head of the Douglas Channel.  The location is an unspoiled bird watcher’s paradise.

Located in the bay is Minette Bay Marina.  Contact 250-632-3177 to reserve moorage on beautiful new docks for $2.30 per foot and $1.65 per foot for dry land storage.  Power is available but not water.  There is a boat launch at a cost of $10.00.  The Marina is also home to the local dragon boat clubs that use Minette Bay as their training grounds.  Please note, there is a twenty foot tide difference at the entrance of the bay so boats with any sort of keel have to wait for the tide to come or go from Minette Bay.

Moon Bay Marina, is located on the east side of the Kitimat Arm.  Contact 250-632-4655 for reservations and rates.  There is no power on dock or water but there are campsites and showers available. The Outpost floating rental unit is available giving a perfect saltwater get away location close to wonderful hiking and all the amenities of Kitimat close by.  It is also possible to rent small inflatable boats from the marina for half or full days.