Gwaii Haanas means “Islands of Beauty”
Gwaii Haanas is a protected archipelago of over one hundred islands off Canada’s west coast. It is renowned for ancient forests, rich marine life, and the spectacular art of the Haida People.
In 1993 The Council of the Haida Nation and The Government of Canada signed the Gwaii Haanas Agreement in a mutual commitment to “protect the region’s natural, cultural, and marine treasures”.
It was the culmination of years of effort by residents and people across Canada to stop the clearcut logging of these steep, wild islands.
By 2010 the Gwaii Haanas marine area was also given official designation as a National Marine Conservation Area Reserve. People travel from all over the world now to see it.
Where is Gwaii Haanas?
Haida Gwaii’s Southern Islands. Off the west coast of British Columbia on the edge of the continental shelf lies a string of islands named Haida Gwaii. They are commonly referred to as the “Galapagos of the North”.
Gwaii Haanas is located on the southern end of Haida Gwaii, briefly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. Approximately 1,500 km2 of land including the southern end of Moresby Island and over 200 smaller islands make up Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.
With 1,700 km of shoreline within the park there is endless area to explore the interface between land and sea.
When people picture visiting Haida Gwaii, it’s this part, with its unroaded
rainforest and legendary Haida village sites, that they picture. To experience it, you have to travel by water.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Having occupied Haida Gwaii since time immemorial, the Haida people hold a respect for the land and sea that recognizes their responsibility to their traditional territory. The Haida strive to ensure that their heritage is both protected and passed on through generations.
Ancient traditions can be seen in ancient village sites here, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site SG̱ang Gwaay.
Monumental Haida poles (including memorial poles for those lost, and mortuary poles for chiefs) remain standing at the edge of the forest, awaiting the time when the moss, ferns, and trees will return them back to the earth.
Through the creation of the Haida Heritage Site and the designation of SG̱ang Gwaay as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Haida culture has been given nationwide and worldwide recognition and protection.
Highlights
Just a few small expedition boats explore the Haida world each year: the rainforest and ocean life, and culture past and present.
Tour Gwaii Haanas
Ecological & Wildlife Exploration
Rich in both culture and ecology, Gwaii Haanas offers the ideal place for exploration, learning, and discovery.
Galapagos of the North
Discover the ecological wonders of Gwaii Haanas, shaped by its unique island geography and ocean currents.
Seabird Sanctuary
Embark on a seabird paradise along the Pacific Flyway. Gwaii Haanas hosts half of Haida Gwaii’s 1.5 million nesting seabirds, including the Horned Puffin, Albatross, and Pigeon Guillemots.
Marine Marvels
Dive into the rich marine life surrounding Gwaii Haanas. This remote National Park Reserve promises an unforgettable encounter with Humpback Whales, Orcas, and more.
Island Biogeography
Uncover the ecological distinctiveness of Gwaii Haanas. Explore with naturalist guides how its isolated location has spurred unique adaptations in species, including a sub-species of Black Bear.
Our Connections
Gwaii Haanas is managed jointly by both the Council of the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada. Parks Canada works together with the Haida Gwaii Watchmen to look after the important cultural sites throughout Gwaii Haanas National Park.
Remote & Special Access
Gwaii Haanas Today, Management, Park Status, And Haida Watchmen
Access to this remote paradise is limited. Special access and permission must be granted in order to enter the National Park Reserve.
Maple Leaf Adventures, our boutique expedition cruise company, holds special permits to take guests into Gwaii Haanas and to the cultural heritage sites.
As our guest, you travel in an environmentally sustainable manner, aboard a classic schooner, as we cruise the 138 islands in comfort.
We anchor and go ashore each day, observe wildlife with expert guides and naturalist, and visit the Haida sites with Haida guides.
Our trips into the National Park make this exceptionally challenging destination much more accessible to those who wish to explore.
The Haida Gwaii Watchmen Program, managed by the Haida Nation, preserves cultural sites. From May to October, these watchmen offer a firsthand introduction to Haida culture, sharing stories of life past and present in Haida Gwaii.
Itineraries
Maple Leaf Adventures’ two expedition yachts, the schooner Maple Leaf and the catamaran Cascadia, are exciting but comfortable platforms for exploring Gwaii Haanas’ wonders.
Whales and Wild Isles of the Great Bear Rainforest
View ItineraryEmbark on a summer expedition across one of the richest coastal ecosystems in the world.
Wines and Islands
View ItineraryExperience Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands’ emerging wine regions.
Desolation Sound and Fjords of BC
View ItineraryThis journey among the islands and fjords of the storied British Columbia coast includes Desolation Sound and the Broughton Archipelago, as well as neighbouring inlets.
Gulf Islands in Fall
View ItineraryIsland hop in the National Park Reserve, visit wildlife colonies, walk rainforest and rocky bluffs, and tiny islands not visited by ferries.
Great Bear Rainforest
View ItineraryFollow magnificent runs of wild salmon to the home of black, grizzly, and the elusive white-furred spirit bear.
Whales and Totems
View ItineraryExplore intricate passageways between idyllic islands in the Broughton Archipelago, one of the best places on earth to see whales.
Vancouver Island’s Wild Side
View ItineraryCruise Vancouver Island’s rugged Northwest, where time is measured by the rise and fall of the tide.
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
Great Bear Rainforest and Kitlope
View ItineraryBird migrations, newly awakened grizzly and black bears grazing on green sedges—experience it all on a small ship adventure.
Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage
View ItinerarySpend a week cruising up Vancouver Island’s diverse coast with a world-class crew.
Desolation Sound in Spring
View ItineraryExplore the stunning waterways, fjords and islands of Desolation Sound, one of the world’s most popular cruising destinations.
Great Bear Rainforest in Spring
View ItineraryBird migrations, newly awakened grizzly and black bears grazing on green sedges—experience it all on a small ship adventure.
Gulf Islands in Spring
View ItineraryHere, snow-capped mountains ring an inland sea, full of intricate waterways among hundreds of warm islands.
Related Stories
Gwaii Haanas is a hidden gem known only to a select few, and an even more exclusive group has the opportunity to discover its wonders.
