Haida Gwaii, formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands, is an archipelago of islands on the continental shelf off Canada’s west coast. Join us for an 8-day adventure by land and sea. You’ll explore the famed, rich marine life and rainforests, as well as the Haida culture. Includes the whole archipelago, from north to south, ancient to modern, including Gwaii Haanas and UNESCO World Heritage Site SGang Gwaay (Ninstints).
July and August are not always the best time to visit the coast. In particular in Gwaii Haanas, May and June have a number of benefits over July and August, if you can swing those dates.
The reasons include some peak seabird viewing times in May, as well as a lack of summer visitors, enabling peaceful visits to the village sites, where you can take your time.
Furthermore, May is actually the sunniest month in Haida Gwaii!
Read more from naturalist and biologist Trudy Chatwin about travelling here in May and June.
Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of islands separated from the rest of BC by an incredible body of water, Hecate Strait. Formerly called the Queen Charlotte Islands the name was changed to represent the heritage and continued cultures of the Haida People who flourish on these islands.
Gwaii Haanas, the southern portion of Haida Gwaii, is rich with culture and natural history.
The Haida welcome us into the ancient village site, such as UNESCO World Heritage Site SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), where ancient poles still stand. Others, such as Tanu, where you will marvel at the mossy depressions where big houses once stood.
Get to know the modern villages of Graham Island where Haida culture is alive and flourishing. Witness artwork and carvings recently created.
Travel deep into Gwaii Haanas “Place of Wonder” where you will walk among ancient monumental poles and house remains.
Haida guides will explain the purpose of the poles and the lives their ancestors lived. The overall sense of power found in these villages is unforgettable.
We are proud to have our Haida Gwaii trip listed as one of Destination Canada’s Signature Experiences.
Explore remote wilderness where ancient Haida villages can be visited. Spend time with knowledgeable Haida Watchmen who will guide you to see mortuary poles, and remains of long houses. Take in wild sights of humpback whales, intertidal life, and puffins....
Explore Haida Gwaii and Gwaii Haanas, including the famed village sites. View wildlife including whales and seabirds, walk the rainforest, and enjoy the hospitality of knowledgeable locals. Sail the exciting and beautiful schooner Maple Leaf....
Special edition trip with special resource person, with other add-ons to our classic Haida Gwaii trip....
Step aboard and into a world of art and Haida culture. Be inspired by the same landscapes that Emily Carr once painted. Join artist Alison Watt for art lessons and plein air painting in nature. Take shore trips and visit ancient Haida village sites....