Karlukwees Village of Beware Passage

Beware Passage

From Potts Lagoon, we crossed Clio Channel to the northwest and transited Beware Passage. 

Beware Passage has two routes, both with tight turns; beware of the rocks!

The passage is aptly named for the many rocks through which you must carefully navigate; it’s not for the faint of heart or inexperienced navigator. The 2019 Waggoner Cruising Guide has a good description for navigating the passage, with two route options. Boaters will want to study their charts and proceed through slowly.

On the southeast side of Beware Passage is the uninhabited native village of Karlukwees, also spelled Kalugwis and Qalogwis, meaning “bent beach.” The midden beach is beautiful and there are still a couple of homes standing that are overgrown with vegetation.

The village was occupied by the Kwakiutl people, who relocated to Vancouver Island in the mid-1800’s. Around 1850, the Tlawitsis moved here from Klaoitsis Island located just south of Beware Passage and west of Potts Lagoon.

Boaters can anchor off the beach at Karlukwees and come ashore by dinghy or kayak. Use caution as there may be debris on the ocean bottom.

The Tlawitsis lived here until the 1960’s and the site was once active with gillnet boats and Seine boats coming and going from the area.

Signage at the village site asks visitors to respect the land and tread lightly.