God's Pocket north-west of Port Hardy on Northern Vancouver Island
God's
Pocket, on the north side of the Goletas Channel, is a provincial marine
park set on group of small islands at the entrance to the Queen Charlotte
Strait. The largest islands are Hurst, Bell, Boyle and Crane islands.
Bald eagles and whales are common in the area, and there is a seabird
breeding colony as well as various archaeological sites.
Locals say that a Sasquatch- (Yeti-) like creature also lives here, and
that the islands are haunted by spirits.
Above all, God's Pocket is known for the quality of scuba diving on
offer. The clean, clear waters here are alive with marine life. Most
diving takes place in nearby Browning Pass, an area that Jacques
Cousteau, the great underwater explorer considered one of the best dive
sites in the world.
Experienced divers can witness orcas, harbor seals, Pacific white-sided
dolphins, Steller sea lions and somewhat less often humpback and grey
whales.
The commercial lodge next to the park on Hurst Island arranges kayaking
and diving trips to the area. There are no designated camping sites
within the park, but random wilderness camping is allowed.
