Here are some of the more popular hikes on Moresby island
the Dover Trail - old growth hike
Located at the west end of Sandspit, just passed the marina on your way to the ferry landing, this 5km long (count 2 hours) hiking trail loop in the Damaxyaa Conservancy follows Haans Creek into the old growth forests Haida Gwaii is famous for.
This trail starts out easy and becomes more difficult further in with very uneven ground and muddy/slippery sections. Potential blowdown and seasonal landslides can make the trail hard to follow.
Large cedar and spruce trees make this forest trail a magical experience. In the fall, salmon runs can be observed in Haans creek.
A simple pdf map of the trail can be found here.
There are a number of extensions to this trail, some can be quite difficult. For a fairly easy to moderate extension to your hike, there are a number of accessible trails on “BC Hydro Hill”. A simple pdf map of those trails can be found here.
Onward point and extensions - forest hikes, whale viewing platform & ocean vistas
Located halfway between the ferry landing in Alliford Bay and the townsite of Sandspit (about 6km from both locations), the Onward Point trail is a short 20mn loop through second growth Spruce and Cedar stands. It leads to a whale viewing platform, with best chances to spot cetaceans mostly in the spring. Any time of year, you can see porpoises, seals and birds.
The trail has recently been expanded and takes the hikers on a whole network of trails through the forests on the opposite side of the road.
Use at your own risk.
Inquire locally or refer to this simple pdf Map here
Spit trail - ocean vistas and beachcombing right in town
This is an easy trail mostly along the shores of the “Spit” and that basically follows the airport fence for most of it
Popular with local hikers and runners
Plan a couple of hours to allow for beachcombing
Plenty of parking space
Multiple extensions possible along the shores
The exposed “spit” at low tide can be dangerous and has very strong currents - no swimming!
Use at your own risk
PDF Map available here
kwuna point - scenic forest loop with ocean views
This is a very pleasant loop with great views of Skidegate Inlet.
This trail, like many other, is user maintained, and can be muddy, slippery and some blowdown may occur.
Plan an hour to complete the loop.
Moderate to easy.
Please “leave no trace”. Use at your own risk
PDF map available here
hatchery loop - forest hike with various loop options
Park at the Sandspit Salmon Enhancement Society’s hatchery. 1 or 2 vehicles can park max. Please leave the hatchery accessible to volunteers and helpers. Respect the place and pack out all garbage.
This pretty loop takes the hiker up on a ridge with some views of Skidegate inlet through the trees. The loop listed here uses the “high road”, an older deactivated logging road, to complete the loop. It is also possible to come back on the beach by using one of the many beach access points.
This is another trail built by local hero Remi.
The trail is user maintained. Bear country. Use at your own risk
PDF Map available here
dogfish bay loop trail - a more challenging day hike near gray bay
This is a fairly challenging trail that should take a fit hiker about 4-5 hours to complete.
Park at the trailhead to Secret Cove trail, just off Gray Bay road.
From Secret Cove, find the trail that starts in the woods and passes on top of the cliff and heads north.
It is best to start the hike on a low tide as some walking will be on rocky shores and boulders. Portions of the route can be slippery, especially in inclement weather.
Bear country. Use at your own risk
PDF map available here
Mount Moresby Route - a challenging hike up haida gwaii’s tallest peak
This challenging and steep route takes the hiker into some rocky alpine terrain and all the way to the top of Haida Gwaii’s tallest peak.
The hiker should be well-prepared and well-equipped to complete this route safely. Watch out for weather change. Amazing vistas from the top.
There is a longish approach to the trailhead as the logging road to the base is now deactivated. Biking could get the hiker to the trailhead faster.
Bear country. Use at your own risk
PDF map available here
Mosquito Mountain route - amazing alpine scenery - boat necessary!
This steep, challenging, but very rewarding route takes the hiker into some beautiful alpine areas, with lakes and ponds, and leads to some summits of Mosquito Mountain.
One of the summits is a rocky outcrop that is challenging to reach, another is a beautiful and fairly easy ridge with great 360 views on a clear day. More exploration is possible from the alpine area, and it is possible to access the West coast.
A boat or canoe is necessary to reach the trailhead to this hike, at the other end of Mosquito lake.
Bear country. Use at your own risk
PDF map available here
backroad map
Most of the hikes listed require a vehicle and some driving on logging roads.
This map shows the main network of backroads on Moresby Island. These are working roads and logging operations have priority. You are usually required to carry a radio to enter those roads. Be cautious at all times.
The number markers on the map are the ones you will see on the road, so you can know exactly where you are.
For more information on travelling safely on ressource roads, please refer to these documents: Guide for safe travel and Travelling on ressource roads
