St. Mary's Spring Trail: The trail is a short single track climb up the side of the hill
to views of Hecate Strait. The trail can be muddy (wear good boots).
The mud hike has plenty of tree roots and deadfall to avoid. It
adds some additional adventure to the trek. In many cases, the
muddier the better eh!
As the St. Mary's Spring Trail continues the
conditions are more rugged but then again it is worth it as the
marine coastline views start to open up. The trail is a one way
trail so coming back down the hill you hiked up can get slippery
and is steep. Control of your speed on downhill hikes is crucial
as roots are exposed and rocks, leaves and moss are slippery.
Not paying attention and inadequate preparation and equipment
result in wipe-outs. Ouch!
The trail, although offers ocean views, is not the attraction.
The significance of St. Mary is the drinking
fountain, the madonna wooden carving and the legend. But it is
the spring and the drinking well that attracts the most visitors.
Legends say if you drink from the spring, you will return to the
Queen Charlottes Islands again. Sounds good to us! Slurp.
Praying from the side of the highway - complete with offerings
at her feet of shells, rocks and sweet grass - stands St.
Mary. She is one of the first wood carvings on the side
of Hwy 16 driving north of Skidegate along with the Black Bear
at Jungle Beach by Ted Bellis.
A carver and a respected member of the Haida Gwaii people known
for his caring soul and hospitality.
There is also a hand written poem, "A Little Spring",
by Charles Mackay posted nearby on a tree that caught our eye.
A little spring has lost its way
Amid the grass and fern;
A passing stranger scooped a well
Where weary men might turn.
He walled it in. And hung with care
A ladle at the brink.
He thought not of the deed he did
But hoped that some might drink.
He passed again. And ?? The well
By summers never dried.
Had cooled ten thousand parching tongues
And saved a life beside.
How to Get to the
St. Mary Spring Trail: Drive
north for about 2.5 km on Hwy 16 from the Skidegate BC Ferry Terminal
on Graham Island. On your left, look for St. Mary praying on the
side of the road. The small pull out is for parking. Take a sip,
so to return to the Queen Charlotte Islands eh.
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St.
Mary Spring
Skidegate
