History
The Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations created trails through the area that includes the park, using these trails for trade, to harvest resources, and to visit locations that were considered sacred. Three First Nations reserves are within the park, including the former village of Nahwitti.
In 1786, the area was given the name "Cape Scott" in honour of David Scott, a merchant from Bombay who had backed a trading voyage to the cape. From 1897 until 1910, Danish settlers tried to establish a fishing community near San Josef Bay. Due to the harsh climate and lack of governmental support, the community failed and most settlers left the area. Following that, another attempt was made at Hansen Lagoon, similarly failing by 1917. Alfred Spencer, the last resident, left in 1956.
Some artifacts can still be seen in the park, including a three-metre-tall granite tombstone, several corduroy roads, many ruins (that look like anonymous mossy mounds), and rusty farming implements.
A lighthouse was built on the cape in 1960 and is still in operation. Despite its remote location, it is still staffed by lighthouse keepers, and is one of the few lighthouses that has not been automated. The light-house is operated by the Canadian Coast Guard and is technically outside of the park boundary, although there is a trail to the lighthouse that is usually open to visitors.
Read more about this topic: Cape Scott Provincial Park
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