Klemtu is the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation community on the east side of Swindle Island, a welcome fuel-and-resupply stop tucked along the main Inside Passage route and a gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest and Spirit Bear coast.
Klemtu sits on Klemtu Passage on the east side of Swindle Island, home to the Kitasoo and Xai'xais peoples who share the village under the jointly governed Kitasoo/Xai'xais Nation. It is one of the few full-service communities between Bella Bella/Shearwater and Prince Rupert, making it a key fuel and provisioning waypoint on the central-coast Inside Passage. The village faces a sheltered passage and is reasonably protected from open-water weather.
Boaters will find a fuel dock (gasoline, diesel, lubricants, water), a well-stocked grocery/band store, a cafe, a post office, and a health clinic. The fuel dock is on the northern side of the village near the band store, while a separate public float with a phone at the gangway offers transient moorage. The community's striking Big House anchors Klemtu's cultural life, and tours can be arranged in advance.
Beyond resupply, Klemtu is the base for the Spirit Bear Lodge and a launch point for wildlife and cultural tourism in the surrounding Great Bear Rainforest. Cruisers commonly stop for fuel, water, and a cultural visit before continuing north or south.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Klemtu is approached via Klemtu Passage, the narrow channel separating Swindle Island from Cone Island, reached off the main route through Finlayson and Tolmie Channels. The passage is straightforward but narrow; favor mid-channel, watch for traffic including the BC Ferry, and note tidal current through the constriction. The public float and fuel dock front the village on the passage.
For anchoring, Clothes Bay lies just north of the village at about 52 deg 34.4'N, 128 deg 30.9'W, north of Star Island and south of a rocky ledge that should be given a wide berth. Holding is reported good; the bay is well protected but in southerlies wind can curl around the island and accelerate, making it breezy. Confirm depths and rocks against current charts (CHS 3943) before committing.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Klemtu with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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