Haida Gwaii

Understand

This is a remote area where there are few big chain stores or high end amenities. Do not expect grand resorts choked with tourists. The Haida House resort owned by the Haida is on the Tlell River, and there are B&Bs, cabins, and motels that offer accommodations. Some of the reasons to come to the islands are to explore the outdoors as there are numerous options for hiking, hunting, beachcombing, kayaking, and fishing. Other visitors enjoy the many artisan galleries that can be found.

The Haida Gwaii have been called “The Misty Islands”, referring to the moist, mild climate, and to the mystique of its inhabitants, the Haida Nation. The Haida have a highly developed seafaring culture and had a reputation for adventure, 20-metre dugout canoes, fascinating ceremonies and ferocious exploits. The art of the Haida Nation is famous throughout the world. Majestic and intriguing cedar totem poles and carvings, argillite statuary and intricately designed woven baskets and hats of spruce root were once representations of a clan’s wealth and prestige. These and many items were frequently given away at potlatches to help cement the socially complex kinship system. In 1787 Captain George Dixon surveyed the islands. He named the islands the Queen Charlotte Islands after his ship, the Queen Charlotte, which was named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III of the United Kingdom. In 2010, the BC government renamed the Queen Charlotte Islands "Haida Gwaii", meaning "islands of the people".

History Haida Gwaii is considered by archaeologists as a possibility for a Pacific coastal route taken by the first humans migrating to the Americas from the Bering Strait. At this time Haida Gwaii was likely not an island, but connected to Vancouver Island and the mainland via the now-submerged continental shelf. It is unclear how people arrived on Haida Gwaii, but archaeological sites have established human habitation on the islands as far back as 13,000 years ago. Po

Getting there

By plane

Airports within this region with scheduled commercial flights Masset (ZMT IATA) - daily flights from Vancouver operated by Pacific Coastal Airlines Sandspit (YZP IATA). daily flights from Vancouver operated by Air Canada flies into Sandspit from Vancouver

Seaplanes Ocean Pacific Air, ☏ +1-250-624-5879, toll-free: +1-844-228-9229, [email protected]. Operates charter seaplane flights between Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii. (updated Aug 2022)

By ferry BC Ferries, toll-free: +1-888-223-3779. Operates ferries connecting coastal communities. (updated Apr 2022) 1 Graham Island (Skidegate) ferry terminal, #1 Hwy 16, Skidegate Landing. (updated Jun 2020) Vehicle ferry from Prince Rupert ferry terminal (7 to 8 hours crossing) on the North Coast, departing once per day 4 to 6 days per week. Some of these crossings may travel overnight. Some travelers may wish to take the scenic Inside Passage route from Port Hardy in North Vancouver Island. This is a 2-day trip, departing from Port Hardy, sailing 16 to 22 hours up the scenic coast of British Columbia to Prince Rupert. From Prince Rupert you will catch a second ferry to the Haida Gwaii. Reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited and the summer months are busy.

Getting around

By boat BC Ferries, toll-free: +1-888-223-3779. Operates ferries connecting coastal communities. (updated Apr 2022) Operates vehicle ferries between Graham Island (Skidegate) ferry terminal and 2 Moresby Island (Alliford Bay) ferry terminal, crossing in 20 minutes. Ferries depart every 1 to 2 hours.

By car The islands have developed highway infrastructure, and the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) travels from Skidegate to Masset on Graham Island. There are also numerous vehicle rental companies on island, and most communities have their own taxi services. If these options don't work for you, try sticking out your thumb. Hitch hiking isn't uncommon here.

See

Haida Gwaii totem poles. See the remnants of the Haida people in these totem poles still standing in their original locations. The youngest dates from the 1850s (not counting the one made in 2017 for Canada's sesquicentennial). The biggest group is in the Haida village of Ninstints within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, which is flanked by 26 totem poles. (updated Oct 2023)

The Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate is the premier cultural centre and museum of the Haida people and described as "a place for the Haida voice to be heard."

Do

Haida Gwaii is the site of some excellent sport fishing opportunities. Salmon weighing over 50 lb (23 kg) and halibut ranging to over 100 lb are routinely caught. There are also many hiking trails throughout the Islands, with most being easily accessible. The Visitor Centres on Island have information and maps for such activities. Visitor Centres can be found in Sandspit, Queen Charlotte, and Masset.

Eat

Traditional seafood, such as salmon, halibut, herring roe on kelp, razor clams, and seaweed. Herring roe on kelp, called "k’aaw," is among the most highly valued foods in the Haida community. Locals will harvest their own seafood, but it is difficult to find for purchase.