Tlell: Hiking Trails, River and Festivals

The Tlell River winds more than 55 kilometres inland; there are also hiking trails ranging from a day hike to a remote, multi-day trek. Events and a point of interest are among the other things to discover in Tlell. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to a wide range of interests—from a walk on a loop trail to a carefully planned hike.

Trails between the river, forest and East Beach

The Pesuta Shipwreck Trail starts at the Tlell River Day Use Area. It leads through old-growth forest to the banks of the Tlell River, then on to the dunes and East Beach. There, the bow of the “Pesuta” remains: it was an 80-metre wooden freighter that ran aground in December 1928. The Pesuta Trail offers a day hike through old-growth forest to the shipwreck. If you want to pair a hike with a specific destination, this trail’s route and history are closely connected with the river and the “Pesuta”.

The East Beach Trail is on a very different scale: this remote, 90 km multi-day hike runs from Tlell via Rose Spit to Tow Hill and requires careful preparation. The trail is accessible from the north shore of the Tlell River. When planning your trip, the difference from the Pesuta Trail is significant: this is a long journey over several days, not a day hike. Consider the distance and the explicitly stated preparation required when deciding whether this type of hike is right for you.

The nearby Anvil Trail is a loop. It is 5 km long and accessible from a parking lot off the highway. So, in addition to a day hike to the wreck and the long East Beach Trail, there’s also a loop trail with a specific distance to help guide your choice. The trails differ in form and length, so you can choose your hiking focus based on whether you’re considering a loop, a day hike or a multi-day route.

River and nature in Tlell

The Tlell River has runs of Coho salmon and Steelhead. The meadows near the BC Parks headquarters in Tlell are a place for birdwatching. The Tlall Conservancy lies immediately south and east of Tlell. These connections with nature add other points of interest to the hiking trails that you can consider when planning your trip, without linking them to any particular tour.

Access to Naikoon Park is also helpful when getting your bearings: Highway 16 provides access near Tlell. If you’d like to include the park in your trip, this access point can help guide your choice of where to stay. The Tlell River and its trails offer their own highlights—from the river’s course to the shores and dunes at East Beach, and the long hike towards Tow Hill.

Events and points of interest

The Tlell Fall Fair takes place every year on the Sunday before BC Day. It features food, exhibits, live music and market stalls, among other things. The Edge of the World Music Festival also takes place in Tlell and is a three-day musical experience featuring local artists and artists from beyond the islands. The two events differ in format: the fair is held on the same recurring Sunday each year, while the festival is a three-day musical experience. Along with the natural attractions, they’re a reason to consider event dates and musical interests when planning your trip.

The Tlell Stone Circle is another point of interest in Tlell. It offers a distinct place to explore in addition to the hiking trails and events. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Tlell, you can start by deciding what you’d like to focus on during your stay: a day hike to the wreck, a shorter loop, a multi-day trek, nature watching or a visit timed around the events.

More destinations to explore: Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Skeena-Queen Charlotte E.

For the main travel overview: Skeena-Queen Charlotte.