Gandll K’in Gwaayaay (Hot Spring Island)

## Overview Gandll K'in Gwaayaay, widely known as Hot Spring Island, is a remote and remarkable geothermal hot spring located in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve on the southern archipelago of Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) in British Columbia, Canada. The name "Gandll K'in Gwaayaay" comes from the Haida language, reflecting the deep cultural significance this place holds for the Haida Nation, who have known and used these thermal waters for centuries. Situated at approximately 52.576°N, 131.441°W, the island features several natural hot spring pools that emerge along the rocky shoreline, where geothermally heated water meets the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean. The springs are among the most celebrated natural thermal features on Canada's west coast, drawing visitors who make the considerable journey to this protected wilderness. Water temperatures in the pools vary depending on proximity to the source vents and tidal conditions, with some pools reported to reach comfortably warm bathing temperatures. Hot Spring Island sits within the jointly managed Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site — a landmark cooperative management agreement between the Haida Nation and Parks Canada established in 1993. Access to Gwaii Haanas requires an orientation session and a permit, reflecting the commitment to preserving this ecologically and culturally sensitive area. The island is part of a rich coastal ecosystem home to old-growth temperate rainforest, diverse marine life, and significant Haida cultural sites. ## Directions 1. **Getting to Haida Gwaii:** Fly into Sandspit Airport (YZP) on Moresby Island, or take the BC Ferries service from Prince Rupert to Skidegate on Graham Island. 2. **Obtain a Gwaii Haanas permit:** Before entering the park reserve, all visitors must attend a mandatory orientation session at the Haida Heritage Foundation office in Queen Charlotte (Daajing Giids) or at the Parks Canada office in Sandspit. Reservations for the orientation are strongly recommended during peak season (May–September). 3. **Travel to Hot Spring Island:** The island is accessible only by boat or kayak. Most visitors reach it via guided kayak tours, sailboat charters, or motorized boat excursions departing from Moresby Island or nearby staging points. The journey from the nearest launch points can take several hours to multiple days depending on your mode of travel and route. 4. **GPS coordinates:** 52.5760°N, 131.4412°W. Nautical charts and local marine knowledge are essential for safe navigation in these waters. There is no road access to Hot Spring Island. Planning well in advance is essential, as visitor numbers are limited to protect the environment. ## What to Expect Visitors to Gandll K'in Gwaayaay will find a series of natural rock pools along the shoreline, where hot geothermal water collects and mixes with ocean water. The temperature of the pools shifts with the tides — at low tide, the pools tend to be hotter, while incoming tides cool them with seawater, creating a dynamic and ever-changing bathing experience. The setting is strikingly beautiful, surrounded by dense temperate rainforest, rocky coastline, and the open Pacific. The island is uninhabited and has no developed facilities — there are no changing rooms, restrooms, or services. Visitors should be fully self-sufficient and prepared for wilderness conditions, including unpredictable coastal weather. Camping is permitted in designated areas within Gwaii Haanas, but visitors should confirm current regulations during their orientation session. Wildlife is abundant in the area. Sea lions, bald eagles, and various seabirds are commonly spotted, and the surrounding waters are rich with marine life. The island's ecological sensitivity means that all visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect Haida cultural protocols. The best time to visit is generally between May and September, when weather conditions are most favorable for ocean travel. Even in summer, visitors should be prepared for rain, wind, and cool temperatures. This is a truly remote destination — the journey itself is a significant part of the experience, passing through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring coastal wilderness in North America.