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Visitor Information

K'tisgaidz/MacDonald Bay Conservancy

About This Conservancy

This conservancy is located on the west side of Gil Island along Squally Channel. MacDonald Bay is a snug, sheltered anchorage that is ideally situated for small boats heading for the outer coast, and is a registered boat haven. It consists of a narrow river-like entrance channel that opens into two small bays. Local boaters and fishermen commonly stop and anchor up in the bay overnight. Fresh water can be obtained from streams that enter into the bay.

Conservancy Size:  482 ha

Special Notes:
  • The entrance to MacDonald Bay is narrow and is best navigated at high tide. Boaters should exercise caution and use good judgement, as the entrance is narrow and water depth can be limited.
  • There are no roads or trails in this wilderness area.
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Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. MacDonald Bay is only accessible by boat and is located about 25 km south of Hartley Bay and 105 km southwest of Kitimat. It is located on the west side of Gil Island, south of Blackrock Point and on the east side of Squally Channel.
  • Reference: Marine Chart #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach).
  • Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Map #103 H/3 (Gil Island).
Kitimat Visitor Information Centre:
PO Box 214
2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC, Canada   V8C 2G7
http://www.tourismkitimat.ca/
e-mail: info@tourismkitimat.ca
ph: 250-632-6294 or 1-800-664-6554

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
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Nature and Culture

  • History:
    K’tisgaidz/MacDonald Bay Conservancy was designated as a conservancy on May 31, 2007 following recommendations from the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan.
  • Cultural Heritage:
    The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territories of the Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations. Use the below link for more information or to contact these First Nations.
    • Gitga'at First Nation
    • Gitxaala First Nation: No website at this time.
      PO Box 149
      Kitkatla, BC V0V 1C0
      Ph. 250-848-2214
      Fax 250-848-2238
  • Conservation:
    The conservancy protects a popular small bay that is used for safe boat anchorage, fishing, and camping. It also protects some small coastal lakes, streams and coastal wildlife habitat that include marine foreshore and intertidal areas.
  • Wildlife:
    General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
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Management Planning

Management Planning Information
  • Online Management planning information for this conservancy is not available at this time.
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Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

Adventurous and experienced kayakers may enjoy exploring the bay and shorelines in this conservancy.
Fishing

Fishing

There may be opportunities to fish for trout or salmon in the creek that enters the bay at the east end of the conservancy. Please consult the appropriate non-tidal fishing regulations for more information. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate license.
Hunting

Hunting

This Conservancy is open to hunting during lawful hunting seasons. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.
Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

It is possible to SCUBA dive or snorkel in the conservancy. The water clarity is best during winter and spring.
Swimming

Swimming

Swimming is possible in the ocean, but the water is cold all year round. There are no lifeguards on duty in the conservancy.
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Facilities Available at this Park

Campfires

Campfires

Firewood is not provided. If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to fully extinguish the fire when done. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of campfires and using camp stoves instead. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented during extremely hot weather conditions.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

A Zeebest backcountry pit toilet was installed in June 2012. It is located behind the Gitga’at First Nation Watchmen cabin.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed. Reservations are not accepted at this conservancy and all sites and facilities are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Winter Camping

Winter Camping

There are winter camping opportunities in this conservancy,as it can be accessed year round.