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British Columbia · Canada
The Haida people's archipelago on the northern Pacific coast: mossy forests, wild beaches, totem poles and the ancient villages of Gwaii Haanas.
In the photo: Rennell Sound inlet, in Haida Gwaii.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of about 150 islands in the Pacific, roughly 100 km off the north coast of British Columbia. It is the territory of the Haida people, who have lived there for more than 12,000 years and are known for their totem poles, dugout cedar canoes and strong black-and-red formline art.
The islands have temperate rainforests, with giant cedars and firs covered in moss, salmon rivers, long beaches and coasts beaten by the sea. Black bears, bald eagles, whales, sea lions and seabirds are common.
In the south, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, co-managed by the Haida and the Government of Canada, protects roadless islands and ancient villages, such as SGang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with standing totem poles. Visits are made by boat, kayak or floatplane, with guides. In the north, Masset is near the beaches and Tow Hill.
The Kay Llnagaay cultural centre in Skidegate is the best starting point to learn about Haida history and art.
This destination brings together 2 cities: Masset, Daajing Giids.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Masset Airport (ZMT) · 3 km to Masset
There are flights from Vancouver to Sandspit (YZP) and Masset (ZMT). The ferry from Prince Rupert reaches Skidegate in about 7 hours, crossing the Hecate Strait.
Suggested arrival point: Masset
A village on the north of Graham Island, in Haida Gwaii, next to the Haida village of Old Massett, with totem poles and artists’ studios. It is close to Naikoon Park, with long beaches, Tow Hill, and the Delkatla bird reserve.
Village on the south of Graham Island, in Haida Gwaii, formerly called Queen Charlotte, by an inlet with forested mountains. It is near Skidegate, with the Haida cultural centre Kay Llnagaay and the ferry terminal, and is a departure point for Gwaii Haanas.
The local experience
Haida heritage centre in Skidegate, with a museum, cedar longhouses, seaside totem poles and a canoe shed.
A basalt hill rising from the sea in Naikoon Provincial Park, with a boardwalk to the top, a natural blow hole in the rock, and North Beach, which stretches for kilometers.
A national park reserve and marine area in the south of Haida Gwaii, roadless, with ancient forests, marine wildlife and Haida villages with totem poles, visited by boat or floatplane.
A tidal marsh beside Masset, with trails, observation towers, and large numbers of migratory birds in spring and autumn.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From May to September, when the ferry and flights are more frequent and Gwaii Haanas tours operate. July and August have the most stable weather. Rain and wind are common year-round.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Four to six days: one or two in Skidegate and Daajing Giids, one or two in Masset and Naikoon, and two for a Gwaii Haanas trip.
Daajing Giids and Skidegate have small seaside guesthouses and hotels. Masset and Tlell have guesthouses and cabins near the beaches. In Gwaii Haanas there is only camping, as part of guided trips.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
By plane, from Vancouver to Sandspit or Masset, or by ferry from Prince Rupert, about 7 hours.
With a guide, by boat, kayak or floatplane, from May to September; independent visitors need a reservation and an orientation session.
Yes, to get around Graham Island between Skidegate, Daajing Giids and Masset.
Four to six days, with two for Gwaii Haanas.
Pacific Time, fixed year-round: UTC−7.
