Across Skidegate Channel from Queen Charlotte City [1], Sandspit (population 560) is the only community on Moresby Island. Home to the islands’ main airport and linked to Graham Island by a short ferry trip, the town occupies a low-lying, windswept spit overlooking Shingle Bay.
The northern half of Moresby Island is largely given over to logging while the southern half and more than 100 outlying islands fall within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve [2]. Those determined to tour the forests in their own vehicle can make an enjoyable loop trip south out of Sandspit.
Logging roads lace the forest, leading to beaches strewn with driftwood, streams alive with salmon and steelhead, and beautiful Skidegate and Mosquito Lakes (good trout fishing). Free campgrounds are available at Gray Bay and Mosquito Lake.
Sandspit lacks the appeal of communities on Graham Island, but services are available. Seaport B&B (371 Beach Rd., 250/637-5698250/637-2215, www.moresbyexplorers.com [3], $45 s, $65 d) rents eight basic rooms in three waterfront buildings. Rates include a self-serve breakfast and use of kitchen facilities.
Sandspit Visitor Centre is inside the airport terminal (250/637-5362, daily noon–4 p.m. mid-May–mid-Sept., extended to daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.in July and August).
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/british-columbia/queen-charlotte-islands/queen-charlotte-city
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/british-columbia/queen-charlotte-islands/gwaii-haanas-national-park-reserve
[3] http://www.moresbyexplorers.com