Duncanby Landing is a remote fishing lodge and private dock deep in Rivers Inlet, accessible only by boat or floatplane. Renowned for world-class chinook and coho salmon fishing, this five-star lodge operates for registered guests — transient moorage for independent cruisers has not been available since approximately 2018.
Rivers Inlet cuts deep into British Columbia's central coast, flanked by the mountains of the Great Bear Rainforest and fed by dozens of glacial streams carrying some of the most productive salmon runs on the coast. Duncanby Landing sits near the head of this storied inlet, roughly 65 nautical miles north of Port Hardy across Queen Charlotte Strait — remote enough that the only practical access is by private vessel or floatplane.
The lodge has operated as a premium sport-fishing destination since 2004, drawing anglers from across Canada and the United States who come to target Rivers Inlet's legendary chinook and coho. The inlet supports 12 documented runs of Chinook and 21 runs of coho across more than 20 tributary streams — numbers that have made it one of the most celebrated salmon fisheries in Canada. Halibut are also available for those willing to run out toward the sound.
For lodge guests, the dock operation is comprehensive: floating docks with side-to tie-up, dock staff to assist with lines and catch handling, stainless steel fish-cleaning tables with running water, and on-site vacuum sealing and flash freezing. The lodge refers guests to St. Jean's Cannery and Smokehouse for custom smoking and canning.
Beyond the fishing, the setting is extraordinary. Grizzly bears are regularly spotted on the shorelines of Draney Inlet nearby, and the surrounding Great Bear Rainforest is among the most intact temperate rainforest ecosystems on the planet. Penrose Island Marine Provincial Park, with its protected anchorages and hiking opportunities, lies within easy reach by dinghy or tender.
Cruisers transiting Rivers Inlet should be aware that Duncanby Landing does not offer transient moorage, fuel, or meals to independent boaters — this policy has been in effect since approximately 2018 and appears to remain current. The dock and its services are reserved exclusively for lodge guests. Passing vessels seeking fuel, supplies, or overnight moorage should plan for Dawson's Landing, approximately 12 nautical miles down the inlet, which remains the sole public fuel dock and general store serving independent cruisers in Rivers Inlet.
The lodge season runs from early June through early September. Arrival for lodge guests is typically by floatplane from Vancouver (approximately 90 minutes via Seair Seaplanes) or by private vessel. Coordination for vessel guests should be arranged well in advance by contacting the lodge directly.
Fuel and shore power available at Duncanby Landing.
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