Gandll K’in Gwaayaay (Hot Spring Island)
Gandll K'in Gwaayaay, more commonly known as Hot Spring Island, is a remarkable natural and cultural gem nestled in the Haida Gwaii archipelago off the North Coast of British Columbia. Located within the protected bounds of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, this island offers more than just a geothermal soak—it provides an immersion into the land, culture, and traditions of the Haida Nation.
The island is accessible only by permit and is typically visited as part of a guided tour, often by boat or kayak. It is managed and stewarded by the Haida Gwaii Watchmen, a group of Indigenous guardians who preserve and share knowledge about the cultural and ecological significance of these ancestral lands. Their presence ensures that all visitors experience the island respectfully and responsibly.
Gandll K'in Gwaayaay is home to several geothermal pools with temperatures ranging from a soothing 32°C to a steaming 77°C (89°F to 170°F). Each pool varies in temperature, mineral content, and view, offering visitors a chance to soak while surrounded by lush coastal rainforest, dramatic ocean vistas, and the peaceful energy of the island’s sacred geography. The waters are rich in minerals, long believed by the Haida people to have healing properties.
A 2012 earthquake significantly disrupted the natural hot water flow, drying up the pools temporarily. However, in recent years, the springs have gradually returned, and some of the pools are once again accessible for soaking. This geological shift has become part of the story of the island, demonstrating the powerful connection between the earth and its ecosystems.
Visitors come not just for relaxation, but for cultural enrichment, learning, and a deep appreciation of nature. Gandll K'in Gwaayaay is more than a destination—it's a sacred place where the spirit of the land speaks, and those who visit leave changed.
Address
Haida Gwaii archipelago, North Coast of British Columbia, Canada
Good to know
Managed by Haida Gwaii Watchmen, part of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, unique mineral content, pools affected by 2012 earthquake but flow returned
Type of access
By permit, part of a tour
Cost
Permit only (usually part of a tour)
Temperature
32-77 °C
89-170 °F