Klemtu Public Dock

Klemtu sits on the sheltered east shore of Swindle Island, deep in the Great Bear Rainforest — a landscape of old-growth cedar, granite fjords, and one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. At roughly 136 nautical miles north of Port Hardy and 80 nautical miles south of Prince Rupert (via the outer route), it occupies a critical position in the Inside Passage fuel gap. For northbound or southbound cruisers, Klemtu is often the only realistic fuel stop across a very long stretch of coast.

The dock is a Transport Canada government wharf with floating docks along the village boardwalk. It serves commercial fishing vessels, the BC Ferries Discovery Coast Passage route, and visiting pleasure craft. Space is shared with working fishing boats, which come and go at all hours. It's a living, working waterfront, not a purpose-built marina — but it accommodates visiting vessels routinely.

Fuel is the headline service. First Nations Fuel, operated by the Kitasoo/Xai'xais Development Corporation (KXDC), runs a marine fuel dock on the north side of the village near the band store. Both gasoline and diesel are available. Summer hours (June through September) run 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily; winter hours (October through May) 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Hail "First Nations Fuel" on VHF Channel 6 to reach a dock attendant. Phone the fuel dock directly at (250) 839-1233. Note: a new and expanded fuel dock, cafe, and store complex opened in late June 2026 — call ahead to confirm current setup.

In addition to fuel, the facility offers water and provisions through the Band Store (good grocery selection) and the Kitasoo Cafe for meals. AHOY BC lists showers, laundry, and an ATM among the services, as well as a post office. The community also has a health clinic.

Klemtu is a dry community — alcohol should not be brought ashore; this deserves genuine respect. Cannabis is also off-limits in the community.

The cultural setting is extraordinary. The Kitasoo/Xai'xais Big House, completed in 2001, features traditional carved house posts and a painted screen. Cultural tours can be arranged through the Stewardship Authority at (250) 839-1096 for approximately $20 per guest. Spirit Bear Lodge — 100% owned and operated by the nation — has become one of Canada's most celebrated Indigenous eco-tourism operations, offering multi-day wildlife tours into Kermode (Spirit Bear) and grizzly habitat, kayaking, and cultural immersion for up to 12 lodge guests per session. Lodge access requires advance booking; visiting boaters cannot walk in, but the presence of the lodge reflects the community's deep commitment to stewardship of this territory.

BC Ferries' Discovery Coast Passage calls at Klemtu each summer (typically late June through early September, dates vary annually) connecting Port Hardy, Bella Bella, Klemtu, Ocean Falls, and Bella Coola. The ferry terminal, rebuilt in 2011 with traditional Kitasoo/Xai'xais artwork, sits on Marine Drive on the east side of the island. When the ferry arrives, the community often organises cultural performances and a feast — a sign that Klemtu takes visitors seriously.

Cell service is minimal to absent; inquire about WiFi at the dock. No Wish Cove, a short distance from the village, provides anchorage if dock space is tight.