Haida Gwaii
Discover Wonders on a Haida Gwaii Tour
Explore the rich indigenous culture and natural history of Haida Gwaii by expedition cruise.
View ItinerariesHaida Gwaii
Cruise to the Galapagos of the North
Haida Gwaii, briefly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is an archipelago of islands on the continental shelf off Canada’s west coast.
On an 8-day tour by land and sea, you’ll explore the famed, rich marine life and rainforests, as well as the Haida culture. Our small ship tours offer special access to the whole archipelago, from north to south, ancient to modern, including Gwaii Haanas and UNESCO World Heritage Site SGang Gwaay (Ninstints).
Highlights
On a tour with Maple Leaf Adventures, you will learn about the natural and cultural history of Haida Gwaii, in a fun and explorative manner that leaves nature how we found it.
Activities
See why our Haida Gwaii tours were selected as one of Destination Canada’s Signature Experiences.
- Frequent shore trips (moderate walking)
- Marine mammal viewing
- Natural history with illuminating guides
- Visit ancient village sites
- Beachcomb and land on remote islands
- Cruising in small boats (tenders or zodiacs)
- Whale and bird watching
- Talks with engaging naturalists and Haida storytellers
- Cultural Interpretation and story telling
- Kayaking and fishing opportunities
What People Say
What guests like you loved about our trips to Haida Gwaii.
Featured Wildlife
How It’s Meant To Be Seen
Uncover remarkable wildlife in some of the richest natural habitats on earth, accessible only by small ship travel.
Baleen Whales
Humpbacks and fin whales grace these coastal waters, showcasing impressive size and captivating behaviours.
Orcas
On rare occasions, encounter killer whales as they navigate the waters in family pods.
Pacific White-Sided Dolphins
Known for their acrobatic displays and swift movements, watch for this species riding the ship’s bow.
Fascinating Intertidal Life
Explore the intertidal zones and discover sea stars, anemones, moon snails, and more.
Cultural & Natural History
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 traditional name was restored to represent the heritage and continued cultures of the Haida People who flourish in this region.
Gwaii Haanas, the southern portion of Haida Gwaii, is rich in culture and natural history, and inaccessible by road.
The Haida welcome us into ancient village sites, 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.
Place of Wonder
Travel deep into Gwaii Haanas “Place of Wonder” on a Haida Gwaii tour, 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.
Haida Gwaii Itineraries
We explore Haida Gwaii aboard our luxury catamaran, Cascadia, and heritage schooner, Maple Leaf. Find your adventure below.
Haida Gwaii
View ItineraryDiscover the rich indigenous culture and natural wonder of Haida Gwaii. 8 to 9 days from the northern town of Masset to the southern reaches of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve