B.C.

The Ultimate B.C. Staycation Guide: Pesuta Shipwreck Hike

This Haida Gwaii beach trail is just short of 89 kilometres—come prepared.

By Stephen Hui /

Round trip: 12 kilometres
Elevation gain: Minimal
Location: Naikoon Provincial Park (Haida Gwaii)

Running from Tlell to Tow Hill, the bucket-list-worthy East Beach Trail covers 89 kilometres on Graham Island. Sample the south end of this remote coastal route and pay a visit to the wreck of the Pesuta.

Pesuta Shipwreck HikeStephen Hui

MORE STAYCATIONS: 21 Hidden Places to Hike, Bike, Paddle and Chill in Your Own Backyard

From the trailhead at Tlell, set off north. The trail follows the left bank of the Tlell River to the sandy shore of Hecate Strait. Keep going until you reach the intriguing remains of the 264-foot log barge. The shipwreck is the result of a winter storm in 1928.

Turn around here. Backpackers may continue north, crossing the Mayer River, to camp at the mouth of the Cape Ball River. Once back at the trailhead, consider visiting the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay, down the road, to learn about Haida culture.

Stephen Hui is the author of Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, a new guide to 55 hiking trails in B.C. and Washington.

His first two books, 105 Hikes and Destination Hikes, were #1 B.C. bestsellers.

Learn more: 105hikes.com