Gitxaała Nation: The Hill

I have taken two trips now to Gitxaała Nation HQ, Kitkatla, Dolphin Island. The first time I took a single-engine plane and only stayed for a few days. The next time I came on the ferry, which only comes twice a week, and stayed a lot longer. When I asked about hiking, people told me about the one maintained trail on the island, The Hill. So on a warm sunny day in September, I set off (first I told my co-worker where I was going and when to expect me back, safety first). A very personable dog named Apollo spontaneously decided to follow me, and continued to follow me the entire hike. It was extremely steep, very wet, and quite slippery. It had not rained in a week, but it was still super soggy! I highly recommend this hike for the beautiful views. Once up top the hill, you can traipse around a bit in the bog highlands. Bring binoculars, as you can see all the way to Haida Gwaii on a clear day.

The Tsimshian Storm ferry boat to Kitkatla.

On the way you pass the Port of Prince Rupert.

The start of the trail up The Hill - not too bad! It looks muddy, but there’s no dirt. It’s all plants. So your boots stay clean!

Classic bog close-up. If anyone knows what this vegetation is called, please comment below :)

The blue rope up the hill. It only takes 30 minutes to get up, but it feels like a lot longer!! You can see the pupperino who accompanied me at the top - I wish I was a quadruped.

Warm pools of water on top of the hill. With my binoculars, I could look west all the way to Haida Gwaii. The dog loved to roll around in these pools.

Looking down on the village of Kitkatla.

Apollo the dog spontaneously decided to accompany me up the hill. It made me want to get a hiking dog.

Requisite bog selife

I acquired lived experience about bogs on this trip. Bogs are cold, even when it is warm and sunny.