Bonwick Island facts for kids
Bonwick Island is a cool island located in British Columbia, Canada. It's part of a group of islands called the Broughton Archipelago. This archipelago is found on the northeast side of Queen Charlotte Strait. Bonwick Island is northwest of a village called Alert Bay and right next to Gilford Island, separated by a narrow passage called Retreat Pass. To its northwest, Arrow Passage separates it from another island called Mars Island.
Island Features
Bonwick Island has several interesting bays and coves.
Waddington Bay
On the northeast side of the island, you'll find Waddington Bay (50°43′02″N 126°36′55″W / 50.71722°N 126.61528°W). This bay is named after Alfred Waddington, who was an entrepreneur. He once tried to build a wagon road from Bute Inlet to the Cariboo area a long time ago. Another place, Waddington Harbour, is also named after him.
Other Coves and Bays
- South of Waddington Bay is Grebe Cove (50°42′36″N 126°37′20″W / 50.71000°N 126.62222°W).
- Further south from Grebe Cove, you'll find Carrie Bay (50°41′33″N 126°37′43″W / 50.69250°N 126.62861°W).
On the northwest side of Bonwick Island:
- There's Betty Cove (50°42′16″N 126°39′51″W / 50.70444°N 126.66417°W).
- South of Betty Cove, you can find Dusky Cove (50°41′35″N 126°39′44″W / 50.69306°N 126.66222°W).
How Bonwick Island Got Its Name
Bonwick Island was named by a person named Captain Pender. He named it after Charles Bonwick. Charles Bonwick was an assistant engineer on a gunboat called HMS Grappler in 1860. Later, he became the chief engineer on a survey ship called Beaver starting in 1863. He eventually retired and was living in England by 1906.
Other places were also named after Charles Bonwick, including the Bonwick Islands (which are now called the Augustine Islands), Bonwick Point, and Mount Bonwick.
