NADU HOMESTEAD TRAIL FEATURES
Bog environment
Settler remnants
Harvesting
ABOUT
We first became aware of the Nadu Homestead Trail thanks to “Backroad Mapbooks” (physical maps available at the Daajing Giids Visitor Centre). Really, if BRMB didn’t indicate the location of trails on Haida Gwaii we’d probably miss most of them because a good number don’t have any official signed trailheads. Of course, even with the guide, some trails can be a bit tricky to locate.
The trail is a case in point. When we learned of this route, I recall thinking, “huh? We’ve driven by Nadu Road and don’t recall seeing a trail just off the highway!”
The Nadu Homestead Trail – an old settler wagon road – is located approximately 20 kilometres east of Port Clements, heading towards Masset. Once you see the intersection for Nadu Road, you’ll know you’re in the right place – the trail is direct across the highway.
Unfortunately, there’s no real parking available; so, if you wish to hike the trail, we’d recommend parking on the side of Nadu Road and then walking across Highway 16 to the trail. There is no formal trailhead marker, but you should be able to see the trail partially obstructed by thick salal.
Once you push your way through the thick salal bushes, the trail opens up into a visible wagon road. From here on out, the trail stretches just over 2 kilometres one-way and takes you through a unique bog environment and some old-growth corridors. Navigating the bog can be a bit delicate and very wet, so make sure you have waterproof footwear and be mindful of where you tread so as not to disturb the flora endemic to the area.
As we hiked the route, it became readily apparent that the trail is scarcely used anymore. There’s little in the way of markers along the trail; however, this shouldn’t dissuade potential hikers. The route is literally a straight line, so it’s difficult to get lost. Just make sure you don’t stray from the trail because parts are extremely overgrown and one could get easily disoriented.
The Nadu Homestead Trail essentially comes to an end at an old dilapidated bridge. While it is possible to cross using some creative techniques, we don’t feel it’s worth the effort (and risk) because the route ends a few minutes later, anyway, at what was likely the Hendersen homestead.
Why would one wish to hike this trail? Well, there’s the historical aspect: it’s an old settler wagon road, built circa 1910, to access parcels of land further inland. As such, you can see remnants of this early effort to “develop” Haida Gwaii: The clear evidence of the wagon road itself; the hand-dug ditches along the wagon road; old corduroy bridges (especially at the bog); and, vestiges of settler homesteads.
Indeed, it’s not difficult to use one’s imagination and transport yourself back to the early 20th century and picture ye olde horse and buggy ambling about these old roads!
Beyond history, the Nadu Homestead Trail also offers an opportunity to explore and experience unique flora: Labrador Tea, Cow Berry, bog rosemary, cloudberry, and fairly slippers, amongst a whole host of others, call this area home.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TOTAL DISTANCE: 4.2 kilometers (return)
TIME: 2 hours
TYPE: Out-and-Back
ELEVATION GAIN: Minimal