Adopted 8 July 1948 on Hydrographic Services Chart #3734 as established in BC Pilot Volume II (date not cited). Named in association with Klemtu (community) and Klemtu Passage.

Source: BC place name cards & correspondence, and/or research by BC Chief Geographer & Geographical Names Office staff, file H.1.26.

The fishing community of Klemtu was founded about 1875 by two First Nations groups: the Kitasoo, a Tsimshian people whose traditional territory lay around Laredo Sound, and the Xai’xais (Xixis, Haihais), who are members of the Heiltsuk First Nations and originally occupied the Kynoch Inlet area. Klemtu was chosen as a village site for its proximity to coastal shipping routes; in the early days, residents supplied fuelwood to streamers for a livelihood. Later from 1927 to 1969, Klemtu Cannery was the main employer. Klemtu had a population of about 400 in the early 2000s and was originally called China Hat, after the unmistakable shape of neighboring Cone Island. Local people found this name repugnant, though it was changed in 1902. According to BC historians Philip and Helen Akrigg, Klemtu may be a Tsimshian word meaning “to anchor” or “to tie something.” Klemtu Creek enters the ocean at Klemtu.

Source: Scott, Andrew; "The Encyclopedia of Raincoast Place Names"; Harbour Publishing, Madeira Park, 2009, file H.1.26.