Observatory Inlet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Observatory Inlet |
|
|---|---|
 Observatory Inlet
Location in British Columbia
|
|
| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Coordinates | 55°17′25″N 129°46′59″W / 55.29028°N 129.78306°W |
| Type | Fjord |
| Part of | Portland Inlet |
Observatory Inlet is a long, narrow arm of the sea, also known as a fjord. It is located on the northern coast of British Columbia, Canada. This beautiful inlet stretches inland from the larger Portland Inlet.
It was named by Captain George Vancouver in 1793. He set up a special observation spot on its shore. This spot helped him check his navigation tools. His ships, HMS Discovery and HMS Chatham, stayed there for several weeks. During this time, Vancouver also explored nearby areas. He named some points in the inlet after important astronomers and instrument makers.
Geography of Observatory Inlet
Observatory Inlet has two main branches or "arms." The longer one is called Hastings Arm. It stretches about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) to the northwest. The other arm is Alice Arm, which is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) long and goes to the east.
From where these two arms meet, the inlet continues for about 50 kilometers (31 miles). It eventually joins with the Portland Canal. Near its mouth is Nass Bay, which is where the Nass River flows into the ocean.
There are many islands in the inlet. Granby Island and Brooke Island are found where Hastings Arm and Alice Arm meet. Granby Island is named after a mining company that once operated in the area.
Towns and Communities
Several communities are located along Observatory Inlet and its branches.
- Arrandale and Ging̱olx: At the entrance of Nass Bay, you'll find the community of Arrandale on the south side. On the north shore, inside the bay, is the community of Ging̱olx.
- Anyox: The former mining town of Anyox is now a ghost town. It is located on the west side of the inlet at Granby Bay. This bay marks the start of Hastings Arm.
- Alice Arm: The locality of Alice Arm is at the very end of the inlet's Alice Arm branch. It used to be a stop for steamships.
- Kitsault: The former mining town of Kitsault is located a short distance south of Alice Arm. These mining towns relied on ships for transportation because there were no roads or railways connecting them to other parts of British Columbia.
- Gits'oolh: Near the community of Alice Arm, on the east side of the Kitsault River, is the Nisga'a village of Gits'oolh.
