Mount Artaban - Gambier Island - Halkett Bay Provincial Marine Park

Mount Artaban is one of three mountains on Gambier Island. It is separated from the other two near sea level giving it a prominence rise of nearly 2,000 feet. Much of the mountain is part of the Halkett Bay Provincial Marine Park. This park is a low impact marine park with a dock, restrooms and several walk-in campsites. A nice creek runs along side the campsites so filter water here if you need some during the hike. There is no water further up after the spring snowmelt. Two trails leave the Halkett Bay campground, look for the one going uphill, behind the information kisok. There should be small markers on trees showing the way. This trail climbs an old dozer trail, and soon cuts left going over the main creek. Now the trail heads SW and even south for a time away from the mountain. After about 15 to 20 minutes from camp, you hit the main trail leading out of Camp Fircom. It should be signed, turn right. Follow the trail until you hit a gravel road. Signs will tell you to follow the road down a hill, then up another road and hill. Soon the route is back on a trail. Follow it and more signs here and there pointing the way. Near the top is rocky but not difficult. Although the summit is a former lookout site, the trees have taken over the view. Only a few spots are left to observe views. This area is in the Mount Artaban Nature Reserve so it is unlikely the trees will get cut. Until they are, I would not recommend this hike. A return trip back to the campground can be made by going down a trail on the north side that nearly reaches Brigade Bay. Then a trail loops all the way back to Halkett Bay next to the Kiosk where you started.