The Nisga’a Village of Gingolx (population approx. 500) is nestled in the majestic mountains of British Columbia’s northwest coast, where the Nass River empties into Portland Inlet.
For visitors, Gingolx offers panoramic views, hiking trails, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife watching, and a rich cultural history.
Until 2002, Gingolx was isolated from the outside world, accessible only by boat or plane. Now connected via Highway 113, it still retains a sense of deep peace and tranquillity.
Tourism infrastructure is simple, provided by locals, and the pace of life is slow. This very special place is still largely undiscovered by the travelling public, offering visitors an authentic experience of West Coast nature and Indigenous culture.
The visitors who find their way to Gingolx often return year after year to experience an annual break from life’s hustle and bustle, to explore the bays and inlets, feast on seafood, enjoy Nisga’a hospitality, or simply do ‘nothing’ while watching the waters of the mighty Nass River flow by and the eagles soar overhead.
Explore Nisga’a Lands
Perched at the edge of the land at the end-point of Highway 113, Gingolx is called by some “the end of the road” and by others “the beginning of the road.”
Either way, its location can provide the ideal home base for exploring Nisga’a lands. The Nisga’a Museum and Gilaxt’aamiks Interpretive Centre, Saasak’Hill hiking and mountain biking trail system, Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs, Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park, and three other Nisga’a villages are accessible as day-trips.
Download this brochure for an 18-location self-guided tour of the Nisga’a lands.
Gingolx: Place of Scalps
Gingolx means “place of scalps,” a historic warning to would-be conquerors that the Gingolx people are determined to protect and preserve their land, resources, and traditional way of life. Today, that fierce pride is expressed through self-government and the continuance of traditional activities, culture, and language, and through offering a warm welcome to visitors from around the world.
The Nisga’a Nation
Gingolx is one of four villages that make up the Nisga’a Nation.
For countless generations, the Nisga’a people relied on the bounty of the Nass River and its watershed, harvesting food, fur, tools, plants, medicine, timber and fuel, living in tune with the seasons and the tides. This abundance allowed them to develop one of the most sophisticated Indigenous cultures in North America, creating a rich legacy of arts, crafts, dance, and oral traditions.
This culture was threatened by colonization, but not defeated. In 2000, after 113 years of determined campaigning, Nisga’a leaders brought home the first modern treaty in BC. The Nisga’a Treaty recognizes Nisga’a sovereignty over their lands (2000 square kilometres) and marks the return of self-government for the Nation.
How to Get Here
Driving distance from Vancouver is 1472 km/915 miles, a trip of about 19.5 hours which takes you through some iconic BC scenery.
From Vancouver Island you can take an overnight ferry from Port Hardy to Port Rupert, followed by a four-hour drive to Gingolx. The whole trip takes about 20 hours, most of it on the ferry.
The closest airports are in Prince Rupert and Terrace.
Fuel
Gas, diesel, and stove oil can be purchased at the Government building, 607 Front Street, Mon – Fri, 9:00 – 4:00, except on statutory holidays. You can request fuel delivery to the dock for a small fee.
Things To Do
Walking trails
Gingolx offers numerous walking trails of varying lengths and challenge levels, some offering breathtaking views. Just ask the campground attendant or staff at the lodge.
Wildlife viewing
Depending on the season, you can see sea lions, black bears, red foxes, beavers, porcupine, grouse and more. Gingolx is famous for its eagle population—on a mere 28 km of road you can see 25 eagle nests.
Boating
The surrounding bays and inlets provide spectacular kayaking and canoeing. If you are interested in local history, you can also paddle out to visit the remains of the old canneries.
Fuel
Gas, diesel, and stove oil can be purchased at the Government building, 607 Front Street, Mon – Fri, 9:00 – 4:00, except on statutory holidays. You can request fuel delivery to the dock for a small fee.
Fishing
The abundance of the ocean has sustained the Nisga’a for time immemorial, and today still plays a core role in the culture and diet of Gingolx residents. It is also a big draw for visitors. The season for Chinook salmon (also called Spring salmon) starts in mid-June and finishes in September when the CoHo season starts. Halibut fishing is year-round, and crabbing takes place September – February.
Cultural activities
Take an evening stroll out to the village dock to see the old cannon and enjoy the view, or walk along the village waterfront seawall. Have a look at our totem poles, stop by our longhouse, and visit our carving shed to watch Nisga’a carvers at work. Visit our tribal smokehouses and learn from Nisga’a elders how to smoke and sun-dry oolichan, salmon, and sea lion.
If you are coming with a group, you can book a performance of Nisga’a singing and dancing and a seafood feast (depending on the season). Contact Gingolx Tourism in advance of visit by email: tourism@gingolx.net. You can also take a day-trip to neighbouring villages to visit the Nisga’a Museum in Laxgalts’ap and the Interpretive Centre at Gitlaxt’aamiks (formerly New Aiyansh). Both offer rich insights into Nisga’a art, culture, history, and geography.
Gingolx Lodge
607 Front Street
Gingolx.Lodge@gingolx.net
250-326-4212
Find us on Facebook at @visitGingolxLodge
The Gingolx Lodge, situated on the waterfront in the heart of the village, holds up to 22 guests in 10 double occupancy rooms. Seven rooms have private ensuite facilities and three rooms have shared bathrooms. Private keyless entry allows you to come and go as you please. Each room has a mini-fridge, cable TV and free WiFi.
Guests also have the use of a common room with a microwave, hot plate, kettle and coffeemaker. Home cooked meals are served in the Common Room for an additional fee.
Rates
- $125 for two beds
- $115 for one bed
Meals
- $60/day
- $15 for breakfast
- $20 for lunch (to go)
- $25 for dinner
Lavinia’s B&B
403 Front Street
250-326-4335
Laviniasbb@gmail.com
Simple and comfortable bedrooms, a spacious common room, deck with ocean views, and home cooked meals.
Winnie’s B&B
250-326-6461
Gingolx Community Campgrounds
250-326-4212
Economic.develoment@gingolx.net
We offer creek-side or oceanfront RV and tent sites just steps from the water, on Gingolx Village lands. Sites are un-serviced with outhouses onsite. Running water is available at the Community Dock and at the Fire Hall.
All sites include a custom fire pit with a traditional artistic design and a picnic table.
Dogs are permitted.
From May long weekend till Labour Day, a campground monitor is on hand to care for the campground and act as an ambassador for the community.
Reservations can be made by Facebook Messenger or by telephone. We welcome inquiries and will do our best to find you a campsite that meets your needs.
Payment in advance via credit card payments (over the phone or by email), or by etransfer. Payment can also be made to the campground monitor on-site.
Rates: $30/night
The Lodge Coffee House
1304 Broad Street
250-326-4297
Located in the heart of Gingolx, the Lodge Coffee House welcomes visitors to stop by for a cup of fresh coffee, a frothy latte or cappuccino, frozen yogurt, pastries, sandwiches and wraps, soups, salads, and lunch specials, made in-house daily. Delivery and take-out available. Hours: weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
U See Food Ù Eat It!
206 Cliff Street
250-326-2323
Home cooked food featuring the bounty of the ocean. Fish and chips, halibut chowder, halibut burgers, buttered crab, crab poutine, fan tailed shrimp, burgers, homemade biscuits. Prices range from $15 – $30 for an entrée.
Open 11:30 – 7:30 daily
May – end of September
BBG’s Grocery Store
Offers fast food
250-326-4260
The Gingolx community dock is available for moorage. Contact the Gingolx Government office for more information.
To request moorage, please fill out this form.