Home / Communities / Haida Gwaii / Port Clements

Last reviewed: July 17, 2026

Port Clements is a small village situated on the northeastern shore of Graham Island, the largest island in the Haida Gwaii archipelago, located off the northern coast of British Columbia. The community sits along the shores of Masset Inlet, a significant tidal inlet that defines much of the local landscape and provides a dramatic coastal backdrop. The nearest regional centre is Masset, approximately 40 kilometres to the north, while Prince Rupert on the mainland serves as a key hub for ferry connections to the islands. The broader Haida Gwaii region is characterized by old-growth temperate rainforest, rugged mountain terrain, and an extensive coastline shaped by the Pacific Ocean. Port Clements itself borders the Golden Spruce Trail and sits close to several freshwater lakes and rivers that wind through the surrounding forest. The climate is maritime, featuring mild, wet winters and cool, moist summers, with significant rainfall supporting the lush old-growth ecosystems for which the islands are renowned. Port Clements is a quiet, rural community with a population of only a few hundred residents, giving it an intimate small-village character. Life here is deeply connected to the natural environment, with outdoor recreation, wildlife observation, and the surrounding wilderness forming a central part of daily life. The community carries historical significance as one of the early non-Indigenous settlements on Haida Gwaii, and it is notably associated with the legendary Golden Spruce, a rare albino Sitka spruce tree that held cultural and scientific importance before its loss in the late 1990s. The pace of life is unhurried, and the community maintains a close-knit atmosphere where residents are well acquainted with one another and invested in the health of the local environment and cultural heritage. The economy of Port Clements has historically been rooted in forestry, which remains a significant presence in the region, along with fishing and related marine industries that have sustained coastal communities on Haida Gwaii for generations. Tourism has grown as an important contributor to the local economy, drawing visitors to the islands for ecotourism, sport fishing, kayaking, and exploration of the region's remarkable natural and cultural heritage. Essential amenities including basic retail, community services, and access to healthcare are available within the village and nearby communities, though residents typically travel to larger centres for more comprehensive services. The remote and self-sufficient nature of the community shapes a resourceful and resilient way of life for those who call it home. For real estate advice specific to Port Clements, ask to be referred to a REALTOR® through our Referral REALTOR® link.

Port Clements sits on the eastern shore of Graham Island within the Haida Gwaii archipelago and experiences a cool, hyperoceanic temperate rainforest climate. Winters are mild and persistently wet, with average temperatures typically ranging from around 1°C to 6°C. Snowfall occurs but is generally light and short-lived at lower elevations, as the moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean keeps hard freezes relatively uncommon. Prolonged heavy rainfall is the dominant winter feature, and strong southeast winds can accompany frontal systems moving through Hecate Strait. Summers in Port Clements are cool and comfortable, with average temperatures generally ranging from approximately 10°C to 18°C. Rainfall continues through the warmer months, though summer tends to be the driest period of the year by comparison. Fog is a recurring presence along coastal and low-lying areas, particularly in the mornings. Wildfire smoke is far less common here than in interior BC, given the consistently moist maritime environment. The surrounding old-growth forests and the sheltered position of Masset Inlet contribute to a notably lush, green landscape year-round.

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