70 » OpenRoad Driver
Sportfishers know Langara Island as a fly-in destination for world-class ocean fishing . Visitors can travel from Vancouver by private charter and helicopter to find every comfort at luxury lodges like The Clubhouse in the West Coast Fishing Club . Once here , all-day guided trips are the main attraction where a fleet of Boston Whalers steers anglers in search of giant sockeye , halibut , cod , and the prized king salmon .
Each morning the sweeping views of Parry Pass and Henslung Cove call out to visitors who are hungry for more fishing adventures . The lodge ’ s solarium comes alive with fish stories , both real and imagined . Today ’ s excitement is centred around fishing at the chicken ranch where the guides joke about catching chicken of the sea in this prized location . The waters of modern Langara Island are generous as they reward our group with halibut topping 27 kilos and salmon at 14 kilos .
Far less explored – and less known – is the land of Langara Island . For those who choose to experience the island by foot , the riches of Kiis Gwaii are revealed through island history and rugged beauty . This is a place that touches your soul .
On our first day of hiking , we explore the shores of Henslung Cove . “ You should avoid getting trapped by the tides if you want to walk out to Flower Pot Rock ,” one of the lodge staff warns us . Warning in mind , we set out in beautiful sunshine , energized by the fresh sea air . Flocks of sandhill cranes and puffins are close enough to recognize but too far in the distance for our liking . Directly in front of us , though , it ’ s a beach lover ’ s paradise as we walk past puzzles of giant kelp , pink micro seaweed and stranded jellyfish that look like newly blown discs of clear art glass .
As we hike along Henslung Cove , we come across an egg-shaped island that sits perfectly balanced between land , sea and air in spite of its shape . The wind above whispers the names of past Haida chiefs and shamans . A burial house once sat on top of Testlatlints , or Flower Pot Rock , boasting an elaborate mortuary frontal pole . The pole has long gone , but here lies Gorgie , a Haida shaman of Kiusta village