Hike Haida Gwaii

Tag: masset trails

  • A Bird-Watching Destination – The Simpson Tower Trail

    A Bird-Watching Destination – The Simpson Tower Trail

    • One of the bird towers on the trail
    • The trailhead signage for Simpson Tower Trail
    • The crude map on the Simpson Tower Trail
    • A sneak preview to the Delkatla trail

    Simpson Tower Trail Features:
    Delkatla
    Bird-watching
    Dog-walking

    ABOUT

    Every spring, millions of shorebirds leave their winter homes and fly north to nesting grounds in the Arctic region. A key migration route lies along the western edge of North America – the Pacific Flyway.

    Birds making the long journey will typically stop for a brief sojourn on Haida Gwaii at the Delkatla Sanctuary. Here, the sanctuary’s marsh, ponds, and dense conifers provide an excellent place to rest and gather nourishment for the long journey onward. For us, it also makes for some excellent birding as well.

    One important trail – as part of Delkatla – is the Simpson Tower Trail. The layout of this 1.7-kilometer (one way) the route is kind of interesting. Once you turn onto Cemetery Road, you will see the trailhead about a hundred or so meters in on your left, as signified by a marker.

    The parking lot, however, is found at the trail’s northern terminus point, nearly 2 kilometers away. Nevertheless, the route is a pleasant and easy stroll since it basically runs parallel to the road. As you walk through the treed side of the sanctuary, take the time to listen for beautiful birdsong and appreciate some of the quirky artwork/signage along the way. As you hike, you may even catch a glimpse of the chatty Steller’s Jay or Hairy Woodpecker, both of which are endemic to Haida Gwaii.

    At several spots along this route, the trail dips into the various meadows and ponds of Delkatla, giving birders easy access to parts of the sanctuary. If you began your hike at the trail’s northern terminus (parking lot), a short route there leads you to the Simpson viewing tower which, you guessed it, is where this trail gets its name.

    Please note that while the trail is classified as “easy,” lack of maintenance has made parts of the trail kind of rough. You will encounter some deadfall along the route, but nothing major.

    DIFFICULTY: Easy
    TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.4km (return)
    TIME: Approximately 1 hour
    TYPE: Out-and-Back
    ELEVATION GAIN: None

  • Masset Cemetery Road Beach Access Trail

    Masset Cemetery Road Beach Access Trail

    • Moss-covered trees covering the cemetery section
    • Masset Cemetery Road Beach Access Trail
      Watchmen on a grave
    • Masset Cemetery Road Beach Access Trail
      The entrance to the beach access
    • Masset Cemetery Road Beach Access Trail
      The beach gives you to Tow Hill from a distance

    MASSET CEMETERY ROAD BEACH ACCESS TRAIL:
    Access to North Beach
    Masset Cemetery

    ABOUT

    The aptly named Masset Cemetery Road Beach Access Trail is exactly as it says: It is located adjacent to Masset Cemetery and provides straightforward access to South Beach. In this regard, it isn’t much of a hiking trail but serves a functional purpose. The trail is wide and flat, taking you through compacted sand and a few scattered spruce trees before hitting the beach. In brief, there’s nothing much of note along this short trail. It’s all in the destination. . .

    In our experience, most people don’t access this trail on foot. Instead, because it is so wide (and resembles a road more than a trail), ATVs and trucks are far more common. The few times we’ve hiked this route, ATVs and other vehicles have always been present – riding up and down the pebbly beach at quite the pace. But the vehicle use isn’t just for recreational fun: At certain times of the year, the Haida will access the beach in this area to harvest traditional foods.

    As noted, it is highly unlikely one would visit this trail for recreational hiking purposes. Instead, we recommend doing the practical thing: Use it to access the beach – which itself is part of the larger Tl’ellan to Old Massett Trail – and go for a nice stroll alongside the powerful Pacific Ocean. As you amble about, keep an eye out for sea life, agates, and beach glass. There’s no telling what you might find!

    Finally, since you’re in the area, we would also recommend visiting the Masset Cemetery: This is a truly unique space, unlike any cemetery we’ve visited. Haida Watchmen figures keep a close eye on some resting sites while mounds of agates and scallop shells can be found at others. In a large city, some of these “precious” items would quickly grow legs, but in a small community like Haida Gwaii, the house of the dead is deeply respected. Thus, if you do choose to visit the cemetery before or after walking the nearby beach, step quietly and cautiously. Someone – or something – is always watching 😉

    DIFFICULTY: Easy
    TOTAL DISTANCE: 400 meters (return)
    TIME: 10 minutes
    TYPE: Out-and-back
    ELEVATION GAIN: None

  • Ocean Views on the Government Docks

    Ocean Views on the Government Docks

    GOVERNMENT DOCKS FEATURES:
    Family-friendly
    Views of Masset & Skidegate Inlets
    Urban hike

    ABOUT

    It might seem silly to write about the three Haida Gwaii Government Docks as trails – and believe me, I do feel kind of silly – but they are identified as “trails” in the Haida Gwaii Trails Strategy document (2011). I suspect this was probably done for funding purposes and to inflate the number of trails on the archipelago, though I’m not sure why one would need to do that. Even if we went for a very loose definition of what constitutes a “trail,” I somehow doubt these would make the cut; after all, they are, as their name explicitly states, docks.

    But let’s ignore that for a moment. Let’s presuppose that these three docks don’t just serve a specific function (as a place for boats to moor). Instead, let’s treat them as trails – a marked or established path to be followed.

    • The entrance to the Masset Docks
    • The side of the docks
    • Masset docks

    Masset Government Dock

    Located at the end of Collison Avenue, just off Delkatla Street, the Masset Government Dock is the shortest of the three, at least as far as the “main finger” goes, clocking in at approximately 100 meters long. From here, you can get nice views of both Delkatla and Massett Inlets; watch the busy harbour activity below; and, if you’re lucky, spy a few ducks swimming along the harbour docks.

    The main Government Dock is wheelchair accessible; however, I would suggest that the boat moorage areas are not quite as friendly. Of note, this dock does feature a lovely “Little Library.” Interestingly, just down the road from the Masset Government Dock is the Village of Masset Wharf.

    Located at the end of Main Street, this wharf is just under 200 meters in length and provides nice views of Massett Inlet. In addition, there is a small path at the head of the wharf which provides beach access. Be warned that the wharf is very slippery in some sections.

    Port Clements Government Dock

    Located along Bayview Drive, the Port Clements Government Dock is approximately 200 meters in length; provides nice views of Massett Inlet; is wheelchair accessible; and, features a couple of benches at its end. One thing I liked about this dock is the creative birdhouse tree located just off to its right.

    The views you can get from this dock on a clear day are nice, but the endless activity of our feathered friends in the birdhouse tree can keep one occupied for a long time! Also, this dock is nicely lit up with Christmas lights during the holiday season!

    Queen Charlotte Government Dock

    This “trail” technically begins at the Queen Charlotte Visitors Centre, takes you through Spirit Square, and then along Wharf Street onto the dock, which affords you nice views of the adjacent harbour and inlet. As the Port Clements dock it is approximately 200 meters in length. Part of this “trail” may be a bit confusing because the Queen Charlotte Seawalk also starts at the Visitor Centre; however, the Seawalk moves in the opposite direction of the Government Dock.

    All in all, the three Government Docks provide for a fairly uniform, if not unremarkable, experience. Despite being categorized as trails you will not find any trailhead markers indicating as such, which hardly surprising given their function and purpose. Still, if you’re looking for a quick and easy walk-in Queen Charlotte, Port Clements, or Masset, these docks may suffice. What they may lack in excitement, they kind of makeup for with the scenery surrounding them.

    Of course, if you want actual trails Haida Gwaii has plenty of those, too!

    DIFFICULTY: Easy
    LENGTH: Each approximately 200 meters or less
    TRAIL TYPE: Out and Back