Explore Denny Island
Discover the ancestral home of the Heiltsuk Nation in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Experience authentic wilderness adventures and cultural connection on this sacred island.
Discover the beauty
Denny Island is a stunning wilderness destination in the heart of Heiltsuk Territory, located just 3.5 kilometers east of Bella Bella. This pristine island gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest offers world-class fishing, wildlife viewing, and authentic Indigenous experiences. Home to the renowned Shearwater Resort and the historic settlement of Old Bella Bella, Denny Island is an essential destination for visitors seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty on the Central Coast.
Denny Island at a Glance
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POPULATION: TBD
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TERRITORY: TBD km² of land and marine areas
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CLIMATE: Temperate rainforest; mild, wet winters; cool summers
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AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:
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August: High 16°C, Low 11°C
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January: High 6°C, Low 2°C
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AVERAGE RAINFALL:
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August: 80mm
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January: 280mm
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Distance from Vancouver: ~450 km (by air)
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Distance from Port Hardy: ~160 km (by sea)
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Historical Significance: TBD
Denny Island is situated on the northern coast of British Columbia, approximately 450 kilometers north of Vancouver. The island spans the coastal waters of Heiltsuk Territory and serves as a gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest and the Great Bear Sea. Named in 1866 after Lieutenant D'Arcy Anthony Denny, commander of the HM gunboat Forward, the island has been an important location for centuries.
Key Coordinates:
Latitude: 52°08'49"N
Longitude: 128°05'34"W
Distance from Bella Bella: 3.5 km east
Distance from Bella Coola: 100 km west
Historical Significance
Denny Island holds rich historical significance in both Indigenous and European history. The island is home to Old Bella Bella, the original settlement of the Heiltsuk Nation before the community relocated to Campbell Island (Bella Bella). Today, Old Bella Bella remains an important cultural and historical site, with Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries & Oceans bases continuing to operate there.
Shearwater's History:
The community of Shearwater was established in 1941 as a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) base during World War II. The base was strategically positioned to conduct anti-submarine patrols and search-and-rescue operations along the BC coast. Named after the HMS Shearwater, a Royal Navy vessel that was active on the BC coast from 1902 to 1915, Shearwater grew to a population of over 1,000 residents during its peak military years.
Today, Shearwater has been transformed into a thriving wilderness destination, with the historic military infrastructure repurposed into the award-winning Shearwater Resort, now owned and operated by the Heiltsuk Nation.
Old Bella Bella
Historical Importance
Old Bella Bella is the original settlement site of the Heiltsuk Nation on Denny Island. For generations, this location served as the cultural and economic center of Heiltsuk Territory before the community relocated to Campbell Island (now Bella Bella) in the 1960s.
Current Status
Today, Old Bella Bella remains an important historical and cultural site. The area is home to:
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Canadian Coast Guard base
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Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) facilities
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Historical structures and artifacts
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Archaeological significance
While primarily used for government operations, Old Bella Bella continues to hold deep cultural significance for the Heiltsuk Nation and serves as a reminder of the community's resilience and long history in the territory.
Businesses on Denny Island
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Fisherman’s Bar and Grill
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Grocery and Liquor Store
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Marine and Hardware Store
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Shipyard
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Shearwater Lodge
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Cedar Lodge
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Laundromat
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Seabus and Water Taxi
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Offers Eco-Tours and Guided Sportsfishing
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Hodge Podge Novelties (Privately owned)
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Shearwater Fuel (Auto, Marine, Jet A)
Outdoor Activities & Adventures on Denny Island
Fishing
Denny Island is renowned as one of the best sport fishing destinations on the Central Coast. The surrounding waters offer:
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Abundance: Some of the best fishing around
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Species Variety: Salmon, halibut, and rockfish
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Professional Guides: Experienced Heiltsuk guides
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Seasons: Year-round opportunities with peak seasons in summer and fall
Wildlife Viewing
The Great Bear Rainforest surrounding Denny Island is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife:
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Grizzly Bears: Iconic predators of the rainforest
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Black Bears: Common throughout the territory
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Marine Mammals: Sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales
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Raptors: Bald eagles and other birds of prey
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Predators: Wolves and cougars
Kayaking & Water Sports
Explore the pristine waters around Denny Island by kayak:
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Ocean Kayaking: Guided and self-guided options
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Diving: Explore underwater ecosystems
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Cruising: Boat tours and exploration
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Photography: Capture stunning coastal landscapes
Bird Watching
The Central Coast is a paradise for bird enthusiasts:
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Bald Eagles: Abundant throughout the region
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Seabirds: Puffins, cormorants, herons, and more
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Raptors: Hawks and owls
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Migratory Species: Seasonal visitors
Explore More
Browse our complete Business Directory to discover local businesses, artisans, tour operators, and services.
View maps of the region to plan your routes and locate attractions.
Shop for Qatuwalas merchandise and local crafts to support the visitor center and local artisans.
Contact the Q̓átuw̓alas Visitor Information Centre for personalized travel planning and recommendations.
Heiltsuk Territory is a place of profound natural beauty and living culture. We welcome you to visit with respect, learn with an open mind, and leave with a deeper understanding of the Heiltsuk people and the Great Bear Rainforest.