Hike Haida Gwaii

Tag: sandspit trails

  • Smugglers Cove: A Delightful Beach

    Smugglers Cove: A Delightful Beach

    • Drone view facing the beach of Smuggler’s Cove
    • Smugglers Cove
      At the beach, facing the open ocean
    • Smugglers Cove
      Watch out for slippery and sharp rocks
    • Smugglers Cove
      Can you spot Remi’s cabin?
    • Smugglers Cove cabin
      The old abandoned cabin on the beach

    SMUGGLERS COVE FEATURES:
    Picnic spot
    Swimming

    ABOUT

    We came upon Smugglers Cove quite by accident. We were en route to the Kwuna Point Trail when we spied this lovely little cove just 250 meters up Kwuna Point Road in Sandspit. You’ll see a small pullout suitable for one vehicle when you reach it. With its serene and peaceful setting, it called to us; thus, after hiking Kwuna Point, we decided to enjoy a few moments of zen at Smugglers Cove.

    As noted, Smugglers Cove is tiny but its ease of access makes it far more attractive, in our view than the more popular Secret Cove. Smugglers Cove is literally right off the road whereas, with Secret Cove, you have to drive nearly an hour on rough logging roads and then hike a short trail. Its physical geography is also similar to that of Secret Cove: The beach is primarily made up of small stones while each side of the cove features a rocky shoreline replete with a variety of stunning sea life. Keep an eye peeled for small beach crabs! Smugglers Cove is also home to some old cabin remnants, which makes for a unique photo opportunity!

    While it is possible to take a dip in the ocean, we think Smugglers Cove is far more suitable for a picnic or relaxation on the pebbly beach. The cold water from the open ocean can be challenging if you do not have a wetsuit even on a hot summer day. It is also recommended you have a pair of strong sandals when dipping in the water as the sharp little rocks can be hard to navigate. As you sit here and marvel at Haida Gwaii’s natural beauty, you just might spy “Remi’s Cabin” in the distance!

    DIFFICULTY: Easy
    TOTAL DISTANCE: N/A
    TIME: N/A
    TYPE: Beach walk
    ELEVATION GAIN: None

     
  • Hidden Beach Paradise – Secret Cove Trail

    Hidden Beach Paradise – Secret Cove Trail

    • Secret Cove Trail beach
      The Secret Cove trail ends on this lovely beach that is worth a picnic! (Jul 2021)
    • The vast beach is ideal for mindful skinny dipping (Jul 2021)
    • The lush forest spills into a beach clearing (Jul 2021)
    • A bit of water systems and puddles greet you along the trail (Jul 2021)
    • The forest parts can be scenic with mossy trees and root systems (Jul 2021)
    • Secret Cove Trail bridge
      The bridge that takes you to the trail (Jul 2021)

    SECRET COVE TRAIL FEATURES
    Remote cove
    Nudist-friendly
    Kunxalas Conservancy

    ABOUT

    The Secret Cove Trail is located within the Kunxalas Heritage Site along the northeast coast of Moresby Island. To access this remote trail, you must drive approximately 25km southeast of Sandspit along the Copper Bay Mainline, Spur 20 Road, and, finally, Gray Bay Road.

    The signed trailhead for Secret Cove comes about 1km before the Gray Bay Recreation Site. Once you park your vehicle, it’s a brief 600-meter hike (one way) to the aptly named Secret Cove.

    The trail is decently maintained and features a marker designed by the late Ben Davidson. These beautiful yellow, black and white markers serve a multitude of purposes: 1) They help to keep you on the right trail (an informal trail shoots off Secret Cove and heads toward Dogfish Bay); 2) They reflect Haida heritage and culture; and, 3) They reinforce, within us, important values that help contextualize the space we’re exploring.

    We should note, too, that you’ll see these trail markers on other important routes around Haida Gwaii, including Louise Dover Trail, White Creek, Cape Fife, and Pesuta/East Beach.

    Secret Cove Trail is relatively flat and an easy hike. After making your way through lush ferns, alders, and beautiful spruce trees, you’ll come upon the trail’s namesake cove. Once here, take a dip in the Pacific Ocean; however, we do advise you to keep your clothes on!

    When our party hiked this route, we did come upon a couple of nudists and their dogs. I think we spoiled their fun because they left as soon as they saw us! Party poopers!

    Of course, if swimming nude isn’t your thing, you can explore the rocky coastline at low tide and marvel at the smooth rocks and walls polished by intense wave action. It’s not unusual to come across large beds of blue mussels hugging the boulders in this area.

    I think, by itself, Secret Cove is not worth the long drive and journey. Instead, I would pair it with a larger exploration of the Kunxalas Heritage Site. By doing so, you can camp at Gray Bay, enjoy the sandy beach, go kayaking and learn even more about the unique and rich history of this place and space.

    DIFFICULTY: Easy
    TOTAL DISTANCE: 1.2km (return)
    TIME: 30 minutes
    TYPE: Out-and-Back
    ELEVATION GAIN: None