| North Beach,
Naikoon Provincial Park: Wide open sandy, pebbled
beaches spilling over with driftwood along the northern coastline
of Graham Island. North Beach makes up a big
portion of the 100s of kms of beaches available to explore in
the Naikoon Provincial Park. It is easy to access by foot or car
which is a big reason why this beach attracts people to the area
for beach combing, hiking, fishing, clam digging, ATVing and relaxing.
The massive sandy beach offers up some of the best
spanning ocean views, waterfront experiences and peaceful moments
available while visiting on the Queen Charlotte Islands. North
Beach, according to Haida culture, is a site of "creation".
The sandy beach is said to be where a raven first brought people
into the world by motioning them out of a clam shells while living
on North Beach.
North Beach is mainly hard packed
wet sand, especially, at low tide when the ocean waters retreat
exposing miles of beach for all to see and play in. The sandy
beach in the off season, becomes a storm watching destination.
Nature's power on display with massive crashing waves and howling
winds smashing the coastline with driftwood logs.
It is always wise to pack good rain gear on an
outdoor storm watching adventure or any adventure for that matter.
Layer your clothing, bring a hat and gloves if brave enough to
venture outdoors in a west coast storm. Some stay in a vehicle
and watch the storms from the car, Agate
Beach is good for that. The storm seasons can be wet, wet
and very wet... and yet, incredibly beautiful and powerful. A
moving experience eh!
Lately, more and more ATVs are showing up on the
beach - which is permitted and should not be abused. It is one
of the two beaches (North Beach and East Beach)
on the Queen Charlottes permitting ATV use. Although, it is imperative
that riders of ATVs be aware of and pay respect to the sensitive
ecological areas found throughout the parks like sand dunes, hiking
trails, flora and fauna, bogs and the wetlands.
At the end of Tow Hill Rd is a 10 km long hiking
trail following the coastline leading to Rose Spit. The hiking
trail is long and scenic and should be properly prepared for on
a day hike. Start early!
How
to Get to North Beach: Drive
north on Hwy 16 from Skidegate BC Ferry towards Masset Village.
Continue north-east of Masset Village on the main hwy over the
Sangan River into the Tow Hill area deeper into the Naikoon
Provincial Park. The paved road turns to gravel (Tow Hill
Road). From here on in, there are roads leading to the beach on
your left, most are driveways. Look for the obvious unmarked side
road covered with sand and vehicle tracks. Or continue straight
ahead (20-25 min.) until the Agate Beach Campground Parking Lot.
|
North
Beach 
Masset Village