| Foch-Gilttoyees
Provincial Park and Protected Area is nestled in the Coast Mountain
range on the north side of the Douglas Channel on the west coast of
BC, protecting 61,089 hectares of rugged coastal terrain, from sea
level to mountain peak.
The park envelopes
diverse landscapes and features that include pristine freshwater
drainages bordered by steep rocky slopes covered with old-growth
forests, numerous waterfalls, tidal estuaries, unique tidal narrows,
and a windswept coastline. Snow-covered peaks, glacial tarns, cirque
basins, and receding glaciers cap the remote wilderness park.
Foch-Gilttoyees
park contains part of an historical First Nations travel route between
the Douglas Channel and the Skeena River, with the remainder of
the route situated in Gitnadoiks River Provincial Park to the north.
In conjunction
with Gitnadoiks River Provincial Park,
Foch-Gilttoyees completes a wildlife link between the Douglas Channel
and the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
(Foch-Gilttoyees Park, Gitnadoiks River Park, Exchamsiks
River Provincial Park, Exchamsiks River corridor, and Khutzeymateen
Grizzly Bear Sanctuary).
Wildlife: Foch-Gilttoyees
protects a significant estuary complex at the north end of the Gilttoyees
Inlet. The Gilttoyees Creek and Peechugh Creek estuary is notable
for its well-developed inter-tidal flats and relatively under-developed
mud flats. Saltwater marsh and meadow communities dominate the inter-tidal
flats. The estuary has abundant wildlife, providing over-wintering
habitat for the blue-listed Trumpeter Swan, Barrow’s Goldeneye,
Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Long-tailed duck, and Western Grebes.
Foch Lagoon
is one of the largest and most remote lagoons on the BC coast, with
a unique tidal narrows at its entrance. The influence of the heavy
tide in the narrows creates very high productivity in the lagoon
compared to the rest of the Douglas Channel, with kelp beds that
support nurseries for a wide array of sea life.
Both Foch Lagoon
and Gilttoyees Inlet are scenic, sheltered bodies of water suitable
for canoeing and kayaking. Kayakers should be aware that entry into
Foch Lagoon involves passing through tidal rapids, which should
only be attempted at slack tide. Access to both inlets is via Douglas
Channel, which is frequently rough and unsuitable for small boats.
Wilderness,
backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, including winter camping,
but no facilities are provided. Rock climbing and scuba diving are
possible in the park, as is swimming in the lakes, lagoon and ocean,
although the water is cold all year round. There are no developed
hiking trails in the park, and visitors should bring their own drinking
water as potable water is not available in the park.
Foch-Gilttoyees
Provincial Park and Protected Area is located approximately 20 miles
(33 km) southwest of Kitimat on the west side of Douglas Channel
on the west coast of British Columbia (Chart 3743: Douglas Channel).
Access is by boat only from Kitimat and Kitimaat Village (Haisla
Nation).
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