Port Clements

Port Clements sits on the shores of Masset Inlet on Haida Gwaii, where the Pacific Ocean meets ancient Sitka spruce forests that have weathered centuries of coastal storms. This village of 340 residents has carved out a unique identity as the “Museum Capital of Haida Gwaii,” housing an impressive collection of local artifacts and serving as the gateway to some of Canada’s most pristine wilderness.

The community’s relationship with the forest runs deeper than most places in BC. Nearly half the workforce draws their livelihood directly from forestry operations, while the famous Golden Spruce once stood as a 300-year-old testament to the area’s natural heritage before becoming legend. Port Clements residents understand that living here means embracing isolation—the nearest traffic light is hundreds of kilometers away, accessible only by ferry or floatplane.

What makes Port Clements fascinating is how it defies typical small-town economics. Despite a median household income of $67,500 and heavy dependence on resource extraction, the community has maintained stability for decades. The 20.6% population growth since 2016 suggests people aren’t just staying, they’re choosing to move here. That’s unusual for remote resource communities.

The housing market reflects this reality: over 80% of homes are single-detached houses, with a notable 13.9% being movable dwellings—a practical adaptation to the boom-and-bust nature of resource work. The median age of 50.4 years indicates this isn’t a retirement haven but rather a working community where experience matters.

For mortgage brokers, Port Clements represents the kind of remote, resource-dependent community where traditional lending often falls short. While Tekamar’s maximum loan-to-value ratio here is 0.0%, the community’s unique position as a cultural hub on Haida Gwaii and its surprising population growth make it worth understanding as part of BC’s diverse lending landscape.

The isolation that challenges lenders is exactly what draws residents to Port Clements—proximity to world-class fishing, untouched wilderness, and a pace of life that disappeared from most of Canada generations ago.