Adopted 3 March 1949 on C.3844, as labelled on British Admiralty Chart 2430, 1880 et seq, and as identified in the 1930 BC Gazetteer.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

"Takes its name from a spring on the southwest side of the island where water issuing from the rocks has a temperature of 162° Fahrenheit at one point. Noticing steam hovering about when he sailed into the region in 1791, Joseph Ingraham called this area 'Smoke Bay.' Francis Poole made a side trip to the island in 1862 ...and named it 'Volcanic Island.' Accompanied by two of Chief Klue's men when he returned for a longer visit the following year, he found these Haidas extremely uneasy about landing on 'The Island of Fire.' Old tribal legends had given rise to some awesome superstitions. Klue, apparently, did not share the forebodings for he was high in his praise of the 'miracle waters' and assured Poole that soaking in them would cure every ailment. Dr. Dawson applied the name 'Hotspring Island' when he went ashore in 1878...."

Source: Dalzell, Kathleen E; Queen Charlotte Islands - Book 2: of places and names; Prince Rupert: Cove Press, 1973

Called Gandle K'in by the Haida, meaning "Hot-Water-Island", it was was well known for the healing and spiritual qualities of its natural thermal pools which have made this a sacred place for the Haida people. There was also a village located on the east side of the island but there is little archeological evidence visible today. Visitors to Gandle K'in may choose to soak in any one of several pools located here. Closest to the Watchmen cabin and nested amidst salal bushes and crabapple trees is the largest pool. From here a trail leads over a hill to the cliffside pool where one can relax while overlooking the sea below. Further down the trail the more intimate beachside pool is only steps away from the ocean, small tide pools and a beautiful pebble beach lined with bleached driftwood. Prior to using any of these pools visitors are asked to rinse off in the bathhouse in the large metal tub also fed by the springs. Behind the Watchmen cabin is a short trail through the forest leading to the beaches on the other side of the island. (Information from Parks Canada internet site, 1999)

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Identified as "Gandl K'in Gwaayaay" [where Gwaayaay means 'island']

Source: included with note