Haida Gwaii

Home of the Haida Since Time Immemorial

Discover the rich indigenous culture and natural wonder of Haida Gwaii on a small ship tour.

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Points of Interest

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Ports

Cruise Into Gwaii Haanas, Islands of Beauty

Wildlife, Far-flung Places and Coastal First Nations Culture

Explore Haida Gwaii from the northern town of Masset to the southern reaches of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, Marine Conservation Area Reserve & Haida Heritage Site.

Highlights in Gwaii Haanas include Haida village sites (access is weather-permitting but typically includes SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), T’aanuu, K’uuna (Skedans), and Windy Bay); ancient rainforest, intertidal life at K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay (Burnaby Narrows), whales and other marine mammals, remote beaches, and other special experiences.

Haida Gwaii is a must-see destination for those who love wildlife, far-flung places and northwest coast First Nations culture. This cruise explores it all—from rich intertidal life to rainforests to huge whales that feed here. From hot springs to Haida village sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Site, SGang Gwaay.

Itinerary Details
  • Ships: Maple Leaf or Cascadia
  • Duration: 8 or 9 Days
  • Ports: Masset and Sandspit
  • Includes a Canadian Geographic Itinerary

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  • Haida Gwaii Flight Promotion

    Flights Included on Cascadia Haida Gwaii Sailings

    Book a Haida Gwaii sailing aboard Cascadia, with airfare from Vancouver arranged and covered by us. Step into the natural and cultural wonder of Gwaii Haanas aboard a luxury catamaran crewed by passionate locals and a Haida storyteller.

    Qualifying Trips

    Haida Gwaii
    Terms and Conditions

    Offer not transferable to other trips and is not redeemable for cash or credit. Maple Leaf Adventures is responsible for arranging and covering the cost of airfare from Vancouver to Haida Gwaii as a part of this special offer. However, we do not assume responsibility for any matters, including delays, lost baggage, or any incidents that occur during the flight itself.

  • Solo Traveller Special 2025

    We’re waving the single supplement!

    Don’t miss this great opportunity for solo travellers, in their own cabin with no single supplement, to discover the rich indigenous culture and natural wonder of the BC coast!

    Qualifying Trips

    Craft Beer Cruise
    Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC
    Desolation Sound in Spring
    Great Bear Rainforest
    Haida Gwaii
    Salish Sea Expedition
    Whales & Wild Isles
    Wines & Islands
    Terms and Conditions

    Available on select sailings only as designated by Maple Leaf Adventures. Subject to availability (there are limits on the number of bookings on some sailings); on Cascadia available for category 1 cabins only; on Swell available for category 1 or 2 cabins only with limited availability. May not be combined with any other offer except pay-in-full and standard back-to-back trips offers. Eligible trips: Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic Apr 18-22 MV Swell; Desolation Sound Apr 25-29, Apr 30-May 4 MV Swell; Des Sound May 1-5 MV Cascadia; Haida Gwaii May 9-16, May 16-23 MV Cascadia; W&WI Jul 28-Aug 5, Aug 6-14, Aug 16-20 MV Cascadia; Great Bear Rainforest Aug 29-Sep 5 and Oct 9-16 MV Cascadia; Des Sound & Fjords of BC Oct 20-27 MV Cascadia; Des Sound & Fjords of BC Oct 19-26 MV Swell; Craft Beer Cruise Oct 27-31 MV Swell; Wines & Islands Oct 29-Nov 2 MV Cascadia.

Experience Haida Gwaii

See Haida Gwaii through the eyes of our guests.

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What People Say

See what our guests have to say about our Haida Gwaii tours.

  • I love the beauty and serenity of Haida Gwaii, which the most wonderful captain and crew helped us sample and appreciate. A true connection with nature at its purest. Thanks to all on the Maple Leaf who made it happen – and to my fellow guests who were delightful. And the food – Magnifique!

    Nancy Tomich, Solana Beach, CA

  • “HAIDA GWAII ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME! If you want to rejuvenate your spirit, share wonderful daily adventures with like-minded new friends, and be treated like family by a crew who obviously respect one another and the incredible environment they interpret with such knowledge and passion, this is the trip for you!”

    Marilyn & Helios Hernandez, Winnipeg, MB

  • “What an incredible experience!  Where do I begin?  I appreciated: care for safety – good communication – incredible food – accommodating to every request – sensitivity to environment – respect for First Nations – flexibility of plans – good humour and consideration.  And what an adventure!  Sailing – whale watching – hot springs – crazy weather – Haida sites- etc, etc.  If I can make it happen I’ll be back.  Wonderful crew without exception.  Mahalo Howa (thank you)!”

    Valerie Walsh, Gabriola Island, BC

  • “After 14 years of dreaming of this trip together Bill and I have our very own special memories aboard Maple Leaf.  “A dream come true”.  Thank you Kevin and crew for making my trip a very memorable adventure”

    Helen Kendall

Highlights

Cultural and Natural Wonders of Haida Gwaii

Embark on a Haida Gwaii tour that explores both modern-day Haida Gwaii communities and ancient historical sights in Gwaii Haanas.

Cruise into Gwaii Haanas

Remote, protected, and culturally rich landscape accessible only by boat, and visit ancient village sites with remains of big houses and memorial poles.

Powerful Stories

Told by on-board Haida cultural interpreters, and Haida Guardian Watchmen who look after village sites and share their culture.

Island Exploration

Explore the archipelago’s beautiful landscape, remote beaches, rich intertidal life, and old-growth temperate rainforest while beachcombing remote islands.

Galapagos of the North

See humpback whales in their feeding habitat, and black bears foraging at low tide, and discover the intricacies of the island’s endemic and rare species.

Inquire Today

Contact us for more information or to Book Your Expedition Adventure!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your questions about our Haida Gwaii itineraries. Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more general trip and booking information.

To reach Masset, you will board with Pacific Coastal Airlines. Pacific Coastal flies from the peaceful South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport. There is a regular shuttle bus that runs between the Main and South Terminals at Vancouver International Airport. Allow at least 60 minutes from door to door, plus check-in time, if you are transferring from another flight. Be sure to bring your luggage as it will not be transferred for you between airlines. Maple Leaf Adventures has pre-arranged your shuttle service from the ship to Sandspit Airport (YZP) at the end of your tour. For itineraries aboard Cascadia, flights between Vancouver and your trip are included.

Our schedule is designed to accommodate incoming flights on the day of departure and most guests will arrive on the day. But, if you would like to arrive a little early to avoid the stress of possible flight delays, you will find recommendations for local hotels and activities in your welcome aboard package.

Haida Gwaii experiences mild and pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from cool to warm. It is a time of transitioning from spring to summer and should prepare for a mix of sunny days, occasional rainfall, and moderate temperatures. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions. May through to July is a great time to explore the stunning landscapes and cultural richness of Haida Gwaii while enjoying the comfortable weather.

The best time to visit Haida Gwaii is early summer. May provides excellent opportunities for peak seabird viewing, and both May and June have fewer summer visitors, allowing for peaceful visits to the village sites where you can take your time to explore. It may also surprise you to know that May is also the sunniest month in Haida Gwaii. Naturalist and biologist Trudy Chatwin recommends travelling to Haida Gwaii during this time, and you can read her insights from her about visiting in May and June.

Yes. You will be met at Masset airport by your guide who will take you on a tour of the Masset area, to your accommodation for the night, and continue your tour of northern Haida Gwaii on day two, ultimately getting you to the ship in the late afternoon. All meals and accommodation in a lodge are included.

Dates & Rates

Discover the stunning beauty of the BC and Alaska coast on a boutique nature and wildlife expedition. Browse our dates and rates and find the perfect trip for you.

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