Drury Inlet facts for kids

Drury Inlet is a long, narrow arm of the sea, also known as an inlet, located on the beautiful Central Coast of British Columbia in Canada. It stretches west from Wells Passage, which is found northwest of North Broughton Island and the town of Port Hardy. A smaller arm called Actaeon Sound branches off to the northeast from the northern side of Drury Inlet.

The entrance to Drury Inlet is marked by Compton Point on its south side. This point is part of a peninsula that also includes Blunden Harbour further west. This area is close to the Broughton Archipelago, a group of islands, and is near the mouth of Knight Inlet.

What is Drury Inlet?

Drury Inlet is a stunning natural waterway that cuts deep into the land. It's a great example of the many inlets found along the coast of British Columbia, which were carved out by glaciers long ago. These inlets are often surrounded by tall mountains and dense forests, making them very scenic.

Where is Drury Inlet Located?

Drury Inlet is part of the Queen Charlotte Strait region. To help you imagine its location, it's northwest of North Broughton Island. The nearest town is Port Hardy, which is a bit further south. The inlet itself extends quite a distance inland, with many smaller bays and passages branching off from it.

Interesting Places Around the Inlet

Several unique spots can be found along the shores of Drury Inlet and its surrounding waters.

Bughouse Bay and Lake

One interesting spot is Bughouse Bay. Just north of the bay, away from the shore, is Bughouse Lake. These names are quite unique!

Actress Passage and Dove Island

Actress Passage is a waterway that connects Actaeon Sound to Drury Inlet. On the southeast side of Actress Passage, you'll find Charlotte Point. This point was first shown on maps by the British Admiralty in 1865.

Right in the middle of the opening of Actress Passage, on the Drury Inlet side, sits Dove Island. This island is special because it is home to Dove Island Indian Reserve No. 12. This reserve, which is about 8.1 hectares (20 acres) in size, is managed by the Gwawaenuk Tribe. The Gwawaenuk are one of the groups that make up the Kwakwaka'wakw people, who have lived in this area for thousands of years. It's thought that Dove Island might have been named after a British gunboat called Dove.

Other Nearby Spots

Across the western end of Drury Inlet, past Actress Passage, is Sutherland Bay. East of Sutherland Bay and south of Dove Island are the Muirhead Islands. These islands are located within the western parts of Drury Inlet.

How Did Drury Inlet Get Its Name?

Drury Inlet was named in 1866 by Daniel Pender, a surveyor. He named it after Admiral Byron Drury. Admiral Drury had previously been the captain of a ship called HMS Pandora.

Naming Other Places

Many other places around Drury Inlet are also named after people or things connected to HMS Pandora or Admiral Drury. For example:

• Byron Point is named directly after Admiral Drury.
• Mount Kerr is named for Thomas Kerr, an officer who served on the Pandora.
• Mount Jolliffe is named for John Jolliffe, the ship's surgeon.
• Pandora Head is named after the ship itself.

Even the Bond Peninsula and Bond Lagoon, which are on the south side of Actaeon Sound, might have been named in connection with another ship called the Actaeon.