G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island)
Haida Watchmen host soakers on a sacred island in Gwaii Haanas.
G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay — ‘Hot Water Island’ — rises from Juan Perez Sound in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. More than a dozen springs and seeps feed rock pools looking across the water to the San Christoval mountains, and Haida Watchmen stationed on the island welcome visitors from late spring to early fall.
The springs famously stopped flowing after the 2012 Haida Gwaii earthquake, then gradually returned; rebuilt pools reopened in 2017. Visiting takes planning: all Gwaii Haanas trips require a reservation and a mandatory orientation, and you arrive by boat, kayak or floatplane — most visitors join licensed tour operators.
Quick facts
| Location | Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve & Haida Heritage Site, Haida Gwaii; boat/kayak/floatplane only |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Several rock pools; springs stopped after 2012 Haida Gwaii earthquake, returned and pools rebuilt (reopened 2017) |
| Access | Gwaii Haanas trip reservation + mandatory orientation; Haida Watchmen host visitors late spring–early fall |
| Good to know | A dozen+ springs and seeps; deeply significant Haida site |
Getting there
Within Gwaii Haanas (southern Haida Gwaii); accessible only by boat, kayak or floatplane as part of a reserved Gwaii Haanas trip with orientation.
Check current conditions ↗
Fees, hours and closures change — confirm with the official source before you travel.