Spirit Trail can have some decent log jam along its creeks 
One of the lakes in the trails loops 
The jam logs make way for the water from the lakes 
Beautiful shrubs and big trees dot the sides of the trails 
Spirit Lake Trail boasts of Dogwood flowers in summer 
The main bridges one goes on the trail 
The bridges and walkways on the trail makes it a favourite to locals 
One of the CMT sample along Spirit Lake Trail 
Frozen Spirit Lake Trail 
Aerial shot of the Spirit Lake Trail
SPIRIT LAKE TRAIL FEATURES
Culturally Modified Trees
Haida history
Interpretive hike
ABOUT
Spirit Lake Trail (GuuhlGa Siiwaay K’yuu) is located in Skidegate, just off Highway 16 and behind the George Brown Recreation Centre – clearly marked with a carved Wasco at the trail’s head. A smaller totem also sits close to the trail’s entrance, near the pit toilet.
Popular with tourists and locals alike, this well-maintained easy hike offers the curious a portal through which to view Haida Gwaii’s natural beauty: The carpeted moss floor; the meandering creeks; beautiful cedar and spruce trees; culturally modified trees (CMTs); a plethora of eagles and woodpeckers; wild blueberries and mushrooms; the large Haida Gwaii black bear; and, of course, Spirit Lake itself. Each of these elements complements the overall setting and lends a picture of serenity.
Whether one chooses the longer forest walk or Spirit Lake loop, one cannot help but recognize and acknowledge the inherent spirituality of the trail and its namesake lake. The presence of CMTs and culturally significant plants like Devil’s Club help to reinforce the fact that the Haida have used – and continue to utilize – this area since time immemorial.
In that regard, you know that you share the trail not just with the physical bodies you encounter, but those you do not see as well. The quietness and calm of the lake have much to say if we choose to listen and attune ourselves to its message.
The trail is not physically demanding and allows you to experience some of the best that Haida Gwaii has to offer. Free walking tours by Gaajiiaawa are also available during the summer, providing a fuller picture and appreciation of the trail and its significance. Depending on the route you choose, the total time spent here ranges from 1 to 2 hours.
In 2021 and 2022, GuuhlGa Siiwaay K’yuu underwent trail maintenance and received important Upgrades: The compacted gravel walkway was significantly redone; 20 new boardwalks were installed, replacing aging infrastructure, and recent posts for future interpretive signage were installed. One of the new boardwalks now extends out into the lake, giving hikers better and safer access to this particular body of water.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TOTAL DISTANCE: 5.3 kilometers
TIME: 1 to 2 hours
TYPE: Out-and-Back
ELEVATION GAIN: 60 meters