FAQs about Sandspit
Listed here are frequently asked questions that we encounter at the Sandspit Visitor Centre
How far is it to the Alliford Bay ferry landing? Leaving from the Airport it is approximately 15 minutes by car (14km). Leaving from the Sandspit Harbour it is approximately 10 minutes by car (10km). If you are biking to the ferry expect at least a 45 minute ride from anywhere in town. For any questions regarding the ferry and the schedules etc. please visit the BC ferries website
Which trails are located around Sandspit? Dover Trail, Onward Point Trail, Kwuna Point Hike, and Secret Cove Trail. There are several other “unofficial” trails. Using the Gaia app (free) on your phone and turning on “public trails” will reveal many local trails. Visit our explore page for more info on trails and recreation opportunities in our area.
Can we drive on the logging roads? It is possible to drive on the main connecting logging roads. Please note these are “working” roads and the logging operations always have right of way. Inquire locally about the status of the roads, and always follow directions on the ground.
The “Loop road” and the “Moresby Camp Road”, connecting Gray Bay, Skidegate Lake, Mosquito lake and Moresby Camp, is a popular drive. Visitors can access this network of roads without a radio but must observe extreme caution and would access those roads at their own risk. These roads can be rough, rocky, muddy and slippery. Most rental vehicles are not allowed on those back roads. For a pdf map of the main backroads of Moresby island, click here.
For information on the backroads status on island, please visit the following website.
Is there an ATM in Sandspit? Yes, there is an ATM machine at SuperValu grocery store.
Is there a laundromat in Sandspit? There is a coin-operated seasonal laundromat located at 501 RV Park. Machines accept $1 coins only, bring exact change. The machines are available daily from 9am-9pm, May 15-Sept 3.
Are there public washrooms or showers in Sandspit? There are public washrooms located at the Sandspit Airport, open until 5PM daily. Coin-operated showers are available at the 501 RV Park from 9am-9pm daily, May 15-Sept 3. The showers accept $1 coins, please bring exact change.
Is there public internet access in Sandspit? Public internet access is available at the Sandspit Airport (8am-5pm) as well as the Sandspit Library, located in the Seabreeze Plaza open Wed-Sat (limited hours - call ahead 250-637-2247).
How do I get to the Dover Trail? The Dover Trail is located west of Sandspit. Follow Beach Road along Shingle Bay headed towards the Alliford Bay Ferry Landing. Pass Sandspit Harbour and cross the Haans Creek bridge. Immediately to your left will be the trailhead marked by a blue sign nailed to a tree indicating ‘Dover Trail’. Travel time: 8 minutes by car from Sandspit Airport, 1 hour by foot. For more details on this hike, you can access a pdf map here. For more details on local extensions to this hike, you can access a pdf map here.
How do I get to the Onward Point Trail? The Onward Point Trail is located about halfway to the Alliford Bay ferry landing. Take Beach Road heading west towards the ferry landing, you will pass a clearly marked ‘Rest Area’ on your right. The next opportunity to pull off to the right on a paved shoulder is the Onward Point Trailhead. There are many more user-maintained trails in this area marked with white squares. For more details on these extensions, you can access a pdf map here
Is there a trail in Sandspit to see whales? Onward Point’s lookout is a popular place during April - June for spotting Grey Whales.
How do I get to the Kwuna Point Hike? This trail is located just before the Alliford Bay ferry landing. It is a sharp turn right just after the Sachs creek bridge (essentially heading backwards) onto Kwuna Point Road. Follow it until you reach a small parking lot. Next to the parking lot will be an out of use dock and a memorial plaque, to the right of that is the trailhead. For more details on this hike, you can access a pdf map here
How do I get to Gray Bay and the Secret Cove Trail? Secret Cove Trail is accessible by visiting Gray Bay, 26km from Sandspit. You will turn onto School Road, follow that road passing the Willows Golf Course, and the road will turn into an active gravel logging road all the way to Gray Bay.
How long is the walk around Spit Point? This walk has many possible extensions, so plan 1 to 2 hours, and leave some more time for beachcombing! For more details on this hike, you can access a pdf map here.
Are beach fires allowed? Yes, however, when making a beach fire, build it below the high tide line, never leave a fire unattended and always fully extinguish the fire when you leave. Be sure to check http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca for current open-fire regulations and potential fire bans.
Can we bring our dogs to the beach? or to the forests? Yes! All beaches around Sandspit welcome dogs, however we do ask that you clean up after them. Some trails (like the Dover trail), ask that you keep your dog on a leash.
How much does it rain in Sandspit? We get about 5 feet or 1300 mm of rain per year.
Is there a taxi service in Sandspit? There is no regularly operating taxi service in Sandspit. Gwaii Taxi and Tours operates an airport shuttle from the Sandspit Airport to Daajing Giids and can do drop-offs along the way in Sandspit. Phone 250-876-1866 ahead of time to book your spot on the shuttle.
Are bike rentals available in Sandspit? The Sandspit Visitor Centre rents out bikes. Call (250) 637-5362 for more information or email visitsandspit@gmail.com
Can you rent kayaks in Sandspit? Moresby Explorers has kayak rentals available for a minimum 1 week rental.
Where do campers bring their garbage? Campers can bring their garbage to the bear-safe garbage bins located at the rest stop on your way to the Alliford Bay ferry.
Where to fill up propane tanks? Located at the Ggas Station, across from the Sandspit Harbour. Leave tanks with name and phone number, ready for pick up next day. For info call Jean-Marc at 250-637-5684
Is there a sani-dump for RVs in Sandspit? No, the nearest one is located in the village of Daajing Giids outside the Napa Auto Parts store.
What is this large building we saw on the way (between Moresby Explorers and Supervalu)? You are likely referring to the private residence of artist Sid Dickens. “Sidney Michael Dickens (born 1963) is a Vancouver-based artist. He is best known for his popular and highly collectible tiles called Memory Blocks. Sid Dickens divides his time between Haida Gwaii and his studio in Vancouver. Religious iconography, historic, romantic images and cracked facades are common themes in his Memory Blocks.” (Excerpt from Wikipedia)
