haida gwaii tours from victoria

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Haida Gwaii Tour Packages

Immerse yourself in another world as you journey across the Hecate Strait from Prince Rupert to Graham Island, the largest of the Haida Gwaii archipelago. Whichever package you choose, Haida Gwaii’s natural beauty, lush wilderness, and rich Indigenous culture are sure to charm you.

Featured experiences

Haida gwaii bed & breakfast package (3-nights).

• Three nights' hotel at Haida House at Tllaal
• Return ferry between Prince Rupert and Skidegate for two adults and one vehicle
• Daily breakfast

+taxes and fees, based on double occupancy

Haida Gwaii Cabin Package (4-nights)   

• Four nights' stay at Hekate's Retreat in a Fairway Cabin.
• Return ferry between Prince Rupert and Skidegate for two adults and one vehicle including ferry reservations
• Return ferry between Skidegate and Alliford Bay for two adults and one vehicle (non reservable) 
• Round of golf at Willows Golf Course

Haida Gwaii Bed & Breakfast Package (4-nights)

• Four nights' hotel at Haida House at Tllaal

Haida Gwaii Glamping Package (4-nights)

• Four nights' stay at Haida Gwaii Glamping Co.
• Return ferry between Prince Rupert and Skidegate for two adults and one vehicle
• Ferry reservations
• Daily continental breakfast and smoothie station
• Use of kayaks and cedar hot tub

Taste of Haida Gwaii Haida House (All-Inclusive)

• Three nights’ hotel at Haida House 
• All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages at Haida House
• All entrance and guide fees
• Two guided tours (see package for details)

Explore Haida Gwaii at Haida House (All-Inclusive)

• Four nights’ hotel at Haida House 
• Private tour, hike, and zodiac trip (see package for details)

Experience Haida Gwaii

• Seven nights’ hotel at Haida House 
• One night hotel at Masset Oceanview Hotel
• All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for seven nights 
• Private tours, demonstrations, hikes, day trips, and excursions (see package for details)

Quality. Value. Trusted.  Let us take the stress out of planning your next coastal BC getaway. Save when you bundle your ferry travel with hand-picked hotels and activities.

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Call 1 (250) 386-7245

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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.

Points of Interest

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

Haida Gwaii Sailing Ship Tour

Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip.

Tour Kickoff in Masset

Day 1: Tour kickoff, land-based tour of Masset,  Old Massett (G̲aw Tlagée), North Beach, Tow Hill, tour of Graham Island. Dinner and lodge accommodation in Masset area.

Day 2: Tlell, Skidegate, Haida Heritage Centre at KAAY LLNAGAAY, board ship, orientation, cruising south for a Gwaii Haanas tour, whale watching, island anchorage and explore ashore.

Day 3: Enter into Gwaii Haanas, visit T’aanuu village site, K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay (Burnaby Narrows) for some of the planet’s densest intertidal life, kayaking, cruising.

Gwaii Haanas

Day 4: Sailing southward on the Gwaii Haanas tour, Cape St. James hike (southern tip of Haida Gwaii), Woodruff Bay beach exploration, fishing.

Day 5: Seabirds viewing, UNESCO World Heritage Site visit, S G ang Gwaay (Ninstints) on the southern end of Gwaii Haanas, Rose Harbour visit.

Day 6: Cruising, rainforest walk, possible bears. The Haida Gwaii black bear is the largest subspecies of black bear on the planet. It is one example of Haida Gwaii being the “Galapagos of the North”, where species have evolved differently than their mainland counterparts.

Juan Perez Sound

Day 7: Sailing Juan Perez Sound, whale watching, visit seabird researchers at seabird colony.

Day 8: Northward on your Gwaii Haanas tour stop at Windy Bay cultural heritage site, whale watching, K’uuna (Skedans) village site.

Day 9: Cruising to Moresby Camp in Cumshewa Inlet and transfer to Sandspit airport.

Find your ideal trip dates below. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars.

* Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person. The trips in Canada are subject to 5% federal tax. See “Included in Our Price” for the exceptional value included. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and in Canadian dollars. For solo travellers, there is no single supplement on the SV Maple Leaf trips (shared accommodation), and there is a 50% single supplement on the MV Swell and Cascadia trips. For full-ship private charters, please contact us. Payment and cancellation policy is available online, in the brochures and by speaking with us. We welcome your contact.

Haida Gwaii Catamaran Tour

Welcome aboard.

Day 1: Meet at Vancouver airport for flight to Haida Gwaii (included in trip fare). Tour kickoff, land-based tour of Graham Island. Welcome dinner and lodge accommodation.

Day 2: Tlell, Skidegate, Haida Heritage Centre at KAAY LLNAGAAY, board ship, orientation, cruising into the southern half of the Haida Gwaii tour – Gwaii Haanas, whale watching, island anchorage and explore ashore.

Day 3: Head south to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. T’aanuu village site, K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay (Burnaby Narrows) for some of the planet’s densest intertidal life, kayaking, cruising. 

S G ang Gwaay

Day 4: Seabirds viewing, UNESCO World Heritage Site visit, S G ang Gwaay (Ninstints), offshore islets, Rose Harbour visit.

Day 5: Cruising, rainforest walk, possible bears.

Day 6: Sailing Juan Perez Sound, whale watching, visit seabird researchers at seabird colony. 

Day 7: Windy Bay cultural heritage site, whale watching, K’uuna (Skedans) village site. 

Day 8: Cruising to Moresby Camp in Cumshewa Inlet and transfer to Sandspit airport for your outbound flight (included in trip fare).

Haida Gwaii with Canadian Geographic

Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and interests of the guests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip. Your 2024 Canadian Geographic Ambassador : Daisy Gilardini, a Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence and Greenpeace Antarctic Ambassador, specializes in wildlife conservation photography, with work featured in National Geographic and BBC Wildlife. David McEown, is an award-winning watercolour artist capturing wilderness landscapes from Antarctica to the North Pole. Both are dedicated environmental advocates and lauded in their field, sharing their expertise and passion through workshops, lectures, and one-on-one instruction. Read more

Day 1: Meet at Vancouver airport south terminal for flight to Haida Gwaii (included in trip fare). Tour kickoff, then land-based tour of Masset, Old Masset, North Beach, Tow Hill, tour of Graham Island. Dinner and lodge accommodation in Masset area. 

Day 2: Tlaal, Skidegate, Haida Heritage Centre at KAAY LLNAGAAY, board ship, orientation, cruising, whale watching, island anchorage and explore ashore.

Day 3: T’aanuu village site, K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay (Burnaby Narrows) for some of the planet’s densest intertidal life, kayaking, cruising. 

Day 4: Sailing southward in Gwaii Haanas, Cape St. James (southern tip of Haida Gwaii), Woodruff Bay beach exploration, fishing. Gordon Group visit via Houston Stewart Passage.

Day 5: Seabirds viewing, UNESCO World Heritage Site visit, S G ang Gwaay (Ninstints), Rose Harbour visit (remote community) or Looscoone Inlet estuary exploration and possible black bears.

Day 6: Cruising, sea lion haul-out, rainforest walk, possible bears.

Day 7: Cruising Juan Perez Sound, whale watching, visit seabird researchers at seabird colony. 

Day 8: Windy Bay cultural heritage site, whale watching, K’uuna (Skedans) village site, Cumshewa Inlet. Farewell dinner.

Day 9: Cruising Cumshewa Inlet to Morseby Camp. Transfer to Sandspit airport. Flight from Sandspit to Vancouver (included in trip fare).

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

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.

Experience Haida Gwaii

See Haida Gwaii through the eyes of our guests.

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 Hernande z, 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

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.

Related Stories

Follow our coastal expeditions with notes from the field.

Visiting Haida Gwaii, the West Coast’s Wondrous Archipelago

How to Get to Gwaii Haanas 

Preserving Heritage, Sharing Wisdom: The Haida Storytellers of Cascadia

Inquire today.

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

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.

How do I get to my trip?

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.

When should I book my travel arrangements for?

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.

What will the weather be like?

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.

When is the best time to go to Haida Gwaii?

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.

Do these trips include any land days?

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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Haida Gwaii & the Inside Passage

9 Days - 3 Departures

July 2 -10, 2024 / July 22 - 30, 2024 / August 13 - 21, 2024

$ 4799 per  person

Single add: $775    Triple deduct: $150

 Land Only deduct: $575

Full Itinerary:

  Day 1 – Victoria to Port Hardy

Setting off from Victoria this morning, our journey takes us northwards, weaving through the picturesque landscapes of the Cowichan Valley and past the charming city of Nanaimo, before heading towards the vibrant Campbell River. After a lunch stop, we'll delve into the captivating wilderness of North Vancouver Island, culminating our day's adventure in the scenic town of Port Hardy, our cozy haven for the night. Here, you'll have the opportunity to connect with your Tour Director and fellow travelers over a sumptuous welcome dinner, setting the stage for the exciting days ahead.

Today’s dinner is included.

Day 2 - Port Hardy to Prince Rupert

Embark early on a spectacular journey with BC Ferries' Inside Passage Day Cruise. Glide along the remote Northern Coast, savoring the rugged beauty and stunning scenery of the Inside Passage. The ferry offers modern amenities, perfect for capturing breathtaking views and spotting wildlife. Enjoy both breakfast and dinner, plus reserved seating in the viewing lounge and a private cabin for relaxation. Our day concludes with an evening arrival in Prince Rupert, followed by a short transfer to our hotel.

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 3 - Prince Rupert

This morning, explore the treasures of the past at the magnificent Museum of Northern BC, showcasing a captivating array of historical artifacts, intricate carvings, and artwork. In the afternoon, journey to the renowned North Pacific Cannery for an immersive experience in the heritage of salmon canning at BC's longest-operating cannery, complemented by a homestyle lunch on site. Your evening is free to enjoy at a leisurely pace.

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included.

  Day 4 - Prince Rupert to Daajing Giids

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey with BC Ferries to the enchanting Haida Gwaii, known as the “Islands of People.” Our six-hour ferry ride offers stunning views and brings us to the quaint village of Skidegate by late afternoon. A brief transfer then leads us to our charming oceanside accommodation in Daajing Giids, where a delightful dinner awaits, shared in the company of fellow travelers.

Day 5 – QCC – Ḵ'uuna Llnagaay – Daajing Giids

Embark on an intimate journey aboard a 12-passenger boat to the secluded and ancient First Nations Haida village of Ḵ'uuna Llnagaay (weather permitting). Guided by a knowledgeable Haida local, delve into the village's rich legends, history, and totemic art during a brief, enlightening walk, followed by a communal picnic lunch. As we return, our voyage takes us through the picturesque Laskeek Bay area, offering opportunities to spot rare birds, diverse marine life, and perhaps even whales. Please note, the Ḵ'uuna Llnagaay excursion is subject to weather conditions, with an alternative plan ready if needed. Enjoy a free evening to relax or explore in Daajing Giids.

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included

Day 6 – Daajing Giids

This morning, immerse yourself in the rich aboriginal culture at the impressive Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay, showcasing an array of totem poles and cultural artifacts. Tonight, indulge in a unique culinary experience at Keenawaii's Kitchen. Here, you'll savor a traditional Haida meal, meticulously prepared and hosted by the renowned Haida chef Roberta Olson, known for her passion for local cuisine and culture.

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included  

Day 7 – Daajing Giids to Masset

Departing from Daajing Giids, our journey takes us northward, where we pause to marvel at the extraordinary Balance Rock and the legendary St. Mary’s Spring, steeped in myth and mystery. Immerse yourself in the vibrant artisan shops of Tlell, a testament to the rich Haida creativity. Our exploration continues with a visit to the quaint Village of Port Clements, before settling into our waterfront hotel in Masset, a serene retreat awaiting us this afternoon.

Today’s breakfast is included.

  Day 8 – Masset

Following breakfast, our adventure leads us to Old Massett, where a local guide awaits to unveil the rich tapestry of history, culture, and landmarks of the area. Wander along the picturesque shores of Agate Beach and North Beach and explore the stunning natural wonders of Naikoon Provincial Park and Tow Hill. Cap off the day by joining your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a memorable farewell dinner. 

Day 9 –Masset to Victoria

Late this morning, we embark on our Pacific Coastal Airlines flight, journeying back to Victoria via Vancouver. As we touch down this afternoon, a transfer awaits to comfortably escort you home, enriched with lifelong memories of the mystical Haida Gwaii islands and the breathtaking vistas of the spectacular Inside Passage.

What's Included

✓    Pick up at your door (Greater Victoria)

✓    8 nights hotel accommodations

✓    16 meals 

✓    Transport on deluxe charter vehicle (Vancouver Island & Prince Rupert)

✓    Transport by minibus or school bus on Haida Gwaii

✓    BC Ferries Inside Passage Day Cruise​

✓    Private Cabin on Inside Passage cruise

✓    Reserved Lounge Seating on Inside Passage 

✓    Prince Rupert

✓    North Pacific Cannery Tour

✓    Museum of Northern BC

✓   BC Ferries to Haida Gwaii

✓    Haida Heritage Centre

✓    Haida Feast Dinner

✓    Balance Rock

✓    Boat tour to Ḵ'uuna Llnagaay 

✓    Tour ancient village with Haida Watchman 

✓    Tlell​​ & Port Clements

✓    Old Massett 

✓    Naikoon Provincial Park & Tow Hill

✓    Pacific Coastal Return flights to Victoria

✓    Airline baggage fees for one checked bag

✓    Luggage handling at hotels

✓    All mandatory fees and taxes

✓    5% GST

✓    Gratuities on included meals

✓    Service of a professional Tour Director

✓    Gratuities for Tour Director & Drivers  

  Day 1: Port Hardy

Kwa'lilas Hotel  

Day 2 - 3: Prince Rupert

Crest Hotel   

Day 4 - 6: Queen Charlotte City   

Sea Raven Motel  

​ Day 7 - 8: Masset​   

Masset Oceanview Hotel  

Tour Policies

Tour Policies shown are for July 2 departure, dates will differ for other departures.  

   Early Booking: A $250 early booking discount is offered off the first 10 seats booked and $100 is offered off the next 10 until Apr 01, 2024.

Deposit and Payment: A $400 deposit per person is required at booking or booking may be cancelled. Full payment is required by Apr 29, 2024

Airfare: Airfare has been included at our preferred group rate. For airfare, space should be reserved by Apr 01, 2024. After that date airfare at this rate may be limited or tour price with air may be higher. Should you wish to book your own flights, price will be reduced by $575.

Price Changes: In the event of significant changes in taxes or surcharges by suppliers or local government Mile Zero Tours reserves the right to increase price up until final payment is made.

Cancellation Policy: Full refund less $50 per person admin fee if cancelled before April 01, 2024, from April 01-April 29, 2024 non-refundable amount increases to $150. After April 29, 2024 only 35% is refundable and after June 02, 2024 only 15% is refundable. There are no refunds offered after June 18, 2024. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance as Mile Zero Tours cannot issue refunds, no matter the reason, beyond the scope of the above-mentioned policy.

Terms of Travel: Please also review our Terms of Travel before booking. Terms of Travel: Please also review our Terms of Travel before booking.

Photo Credit: Walter Langille, Destination BC/Dannielle Hayes, Destination BC/Tom Ryan

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8 DAY HAIDA GWAII AND PRINCE RUPERT

• Grizzly Bear Viewing (on July departures) or Whale Watching Tour (on Aug-Sep departures)
• Excursion to Skedans on Aug-Sep departures
• Haida Gwaii Museum
• Old Massett and Tlell Artisans
• BC Ferry Crossing
• Naikoon Provincial Park
• Tow Hill and Agate Beach
• Port Clements
• The Balanced Rock

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Experienced tour leaders, canadian travel experts, min. 95% satisfaction rate, travel to unique places, visit more attractions each day., activities and excursions included as part of the tour..

• 7 nights hotel accommodation (3.5 - 4 star, or best available)
• Professional Tour Leader
• Transportation from local company
• 15 meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
• Expert local Step-on-Guide on Days 5 and 6
• 5% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
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• Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
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Tour operators

Gwaii haanas national park reserve, national marine conservation area reserve, and haida heritage site.

Licensed operators offer a variety of expeditions, tours and transportation options. Excursions range from flight seeing and day trips by motor boat to longer sea kayak and sailing expeditions.

Only operators who are licensed by Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site may operate within Gwaii Haanas.

The Gwaii Haanas business licensing process ensures that minimum safety standards are met for all businesses that operate in Gwaii Haanas. Gwaii Haanas does not evaluate guides on the extent of their knowledge of local natural and cultural features, and service standards vary from business to business. You are encouraged to discuss your service expectations with your prospective transportation or tour operator prior to confirming your trip plans.

If you have any questions as to whether a business is authorized to conduct trips in Gwaii Haanas, please contact Visitor Services Team Leader Anna Maria Husband at 250-559-6322 or [email protected]

The following is a list of tour operators that operate in Gwaii Haanas. These businesses might not be intending to operate in Gwaii Haanas this year. Please contact tour operators directly to verify if they will be working in Gwaii Haanas this year.

Note: The service descriptions below are provided by the operators. Gwaii Haanas does not necessarily endorse any of these services.

A printable list of the licensed tour operators is available in the  Gwaii Haanas Trip Planning Guide  (PDF, 8.0MB), or you can  contact  the office for a copy. 

We encourage you to be an ecotourist while travelling in Gwaii Haanas or anywhere on Haida Gwaii. Read  Code of ethics for travellers .

Licensed Operators List

Transport and/or kayak rental, archipelago ventures ltd..

• Haida Style Expeditions

Highlander Marine Services Ltd.

Moresby explorers, guided day trips, guided kayak excursions, butterfly tours - kayak haida gwaii, green coast kayaking ltd., kingfisher wilderness adventures, ocean sound kayaking company, tofino expeditions, guided sailboat and powerboat multiday excursions, atlas ocean tours, bluewater adventures, gnoses sailing adventures, lindblad expeditions-national geographic, maple leaf adventures, ocean adventures charter co. ltd., ocean light adventures, outer shores expeditions.

Nourish the body, mind and spirit while visiting ancient Haida village sites, wandering through old growth forests and discovering the abundance of sea life Gwaii Haanas has to offer.  We offer mothership kayaking, custom tours and transport to small groups.

Emily Ramer and Simon Huval 4470 Wilkinson Road Victoria, BC, V8Z 5B7 Home: 250-388-7386 Cell: 250-588-5827 Fax: 250-388-7386 Email: [email protected] Website:  www.tourhaidagwaii.com

Experience the trip of a lifetime with local resident and long-time Gwaii Haanas tour captain James Nickerson. Specializing in classy, comfortable and fun trips, we offer small-group tours and are fully equipped as a kayak mothership. Enjoy exceptional wildlife and Haida cultural sites aboard Atlas, our 42’ Defever-designed motor yacht.

James Nickerson and Catherine Rigg Mail: PO Box 34, Tlell, BC, V0T 1Y0 Phone: 250-557-8514 Email: [email protected] Website: www.atlasoceantours.com

Award-winning, wildlife and cultural learning journeys with expert guides - marine biologists, ornithologists, and Haida Elders. Navigate beautiful Gwaii Haanas aboard multi-day, live-aboard, sailing vessels with highly experienced crew. Our 68’-82’ sailing vessels provide warm, comfortable cabins, single & double kayaks for guest use, and zodiacs for excursions ashore.

#3-252 East First Street, North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 1B3 Phone: (604)980-3800 Fax: (604)980-1800 Toll Free: 1-888-877-1770 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bluewateradventures.ca

Butterfly tours has been offering exceptional multi-day kayaking tours in Gwaii Haanas since 1987. With our expertise and top-quality camping and kayaking gear, we specialize in fully catered 6 & 8-day expeditions. Our excursions accommodate groups of six to eight guests, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable adventure.

Butterfly Tours Mail: 1584 Bauza Creek Road, Telegraph Cove, BC V0N 3J0 Phone: 604-740-7018 Email: [email protected] Website: www.IslandsofBeauty.com

Sail the Gwaii Haanas archipelago. Visit Haida villages, see the sights, wander shorelines, and explore low tides. Offering hiking, kayaking and customized tours. As sailors and teachers in outdoor education, we enjoy families with kids. “Gnoses” is not luxurious, she is our home. Our emphasis is enthusiasm for the outdoors.

Ralph Nelson Mail: Box 371, Queen Charlotte, BC V0T 1S0 Queen Charlotte BC V0T 1S0 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gnoses.com

Green Coast is a locally owned kayaking company that specializes in 8 day kayak expeditions that connect our guests with the people, land and sea of Haida Gwaii. In operation since 1989, our trips are defined by communal living, respect for nature and education.

Green Coast Kayaking Ltd. P. O. Box 670 Queen Charlotte, B.C. V0T 1S0 Phone: 250-637-1991 Email: [email protected] Website:  www.gckayaking.com

Haida Style Expedition

Haida Style Expeditions is a Haida-owned and operated company offering a one-of-a-kind cultural adventure experience. In sharing our culture and history we provide you with an education like no other. Offering day tours in Gwaii Haanas, cruise onboard one of our enclosed cabin vessels in style.

Phone: 250-637-1151 Email:  [email protected] Website:  https://www.haidastyle.com

Specialized marine transportation and support services aboard high speed aluminum landing craft. Our vessels Highlander, the Highland Ranger and the Highland Carrier are all Transport Canada certified to carry passengers and freight. Services include project logistics and planning support, towing, media/film support, vehicle and equipment movement, kayak group transport.

PO Box 1535, Skidegate, B.C. V0T 1S1 Phone: (250) 637-1111 Email: [email protected] Website:  www.highlandermarine.ca

Join Kingfisher on a fully inclusive 5, 8 or 15 day sea kayaking expedition of Gwaii Haanas. Each trip is led by highly-experienced guides with a maximum of 8 guests paddling single and double kayaks. Kingfisher has over 20 years of experience leading exceptional kayaking expeditions in British Columbia.

Mail: Box 1318, Port McNeill, B.C. V0N 2R0 Phone: 250-956-4617 Toll Free: 1-866-546-4347 Email: [email protected] Website:  kingfisher.ca

Board National Geographic Sea Bird or Sea Lion and join a team of naturalists, photographers and National Geographic Experts for a two-week expedition from Vancouver, British Columbia to Sitka, Alaska, including four days in Haida Gwaii and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site.

Mail: 96 Morton Street 9th Floor, NY, NY 10014 Phone: (212) 261-9000 Toll Free: 1-800-397-3348 Email: [email protected] Website: www.expeditions.com

A National Geographic "Best adventure travel company," Maple Leaf operates week-long, boutique expedition cruises by luxury catamaran or adventurous sailing ship. Features: comprehensive exploration of Haida Gwaii and Gwaii Haanas, naturalists and Haida guides, coastal crew, lots of shore time, kayaks, chef. A local, coastal company practising ecotourism since 1986.

Kevin Smith Box 8845 Stn Central Victoria BC V8W 3Z1 Phone: (250)386-7245 Toll-free: 1-888-599-5323 Email: [email protected] Website:  www.mapleleafadventures.com

Touring the waters around Gwaii Haanas since 1988 has earned us a growing reputation for providing fun, educational and safe wilderness adventures at affordable prices. Locally owned and operated. We offer 1-4 day zodiac tours, floating lodge accommodations, kayak rentals and transportation, general outfitting and an outdoor gear store.

P. O. Box 127, Sandspit, B.C. V0T 1T0 Phone: 250-637-2215 Toll Free/Fax/Phone: 1-800-806-7633 Email: [email protected] Website:  www.moresbyexplorers.com

We offer cultural and natural history tours into Gwaii Haanas onboard our 54’ motor yacht. With her experienced crew, you will enjoy unparalled service, comfort, privacy, and gourmet cuisine! We believe our small group size of up to six guests will help ensure you experience the trip of a lifetime!

Eric and Trish Boyum Mail: 3615 Eagleview Drive  Courtenay, BC V9N 4A7  Phone: (604) 812-9453 Fax: (604) 988-5990 Email: [email protected] Website:  www.oceanadventures.bc.ca

 As the longest-running operator in Gwaii Haanas, we offer exciting adventure and natural history trips and mothership kayaking tours into the heart of the archipelago. Our fully refitted 60’ power vessel, Afterglow I, comfortably accommodates eight. We invite special interest groups, photographers, kayakers, families, and individuals seeking adventure.

Jenn Broom Mail: 1543 Park Ave, Roberts Creek, BC V0N 2W2 Phone: 604-328-5339 Email:  [email protected] Website: https://www.oceanlight.ca  

Celebrating 35 years of “Once in Lifetime Moments” on Haida Gwaii, while offering exceptional travel to amazing people from around the world!  Simply a must-do for natural history and wildlife enthusiasts.  We invite you to explore the many Cultural Treasures and Natural Wonders of Gwaii Haanas with us.

PO Box 74, Sandspit, BC, V0T 1T0 Email: [email protected] Website: www.oceansoundkayaking.com

Our carbon neutral expeditions aboard our 70’ classic schooner provide extraordinary and intimate opportunities for up to 6 guests to be immersed in the ancient cultures and stunning wildlife of Canada’s Pacific Coast. We invite you to explore and experience Gwaii Haanas with our crew of professional mariners and guides.

Mail: Box 361, Cobble Hill, BC, V0R 1L0 Phone: 250-220-2311 Toll free: 1-855-714-7233 Email: [email protected] Website: www.outershores.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/OuterShores

With over 30 years of experience guiding award-winning full-service sea kayaking trips in Haida Gwaii, we operate all our southern Gwaii Haanas expeditions in the comfort of fast and stable tandem kayaks. This ensures we are able to visit as many of the significant natural and cultural features of this unforgettable place as possible.

Mail: PO Box 3014, Courtenay, BC V9N 5N5 Phone: 250-207-1567 Toll Free: 800-677-0877 Website:  https://www.tofino.com Email:  [email protected]

Orcas and Grizzlies Tour with Air

5 Days, 4 nights. In remote Alert Bay, local guides escort guests to pristine wilderness areas with historic high populations of grizzly bears and orcas.

Haida Gwaii Tours for Seniors | Ultra Small Groups

8 Days, 7 Nights. In Haida Gwaii, surround yourself in flourishing rainforests, windswept sand-dunes and endless beaches. Visit totems that honour 10,000 years of history. Meet Haida artists.

Custom Tours

Midnight Sun Adventure Travel is staffed by guides who have worked and loved this land for 30 years. We know the out-of-way places, properties and best places to view wildlife.

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Discover Haida Gwaii

Welcome to “the edge of the world”.

Header Photo: Credit Destination BC/Grant Harder

With deep moss-covered rainforest and ancient village sites, Haida Gwaii can feel mythic. Come explore the dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife and some of the world’s richest heritage treasures that Canada’s “Galapagos” is known for.  Come visit one of BC’s most unique and spectacular destinations and you will leave wanting more.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 – quesnel, bc.

This epic adventure begins as we head north for an overnight stay in Quesnel.

DAY 2 – SMITHERS, BC

Travel through the diverse Cariboo Region to Smithers for our overnight stay.

DAY 3 – PRINCE RUPERT, BC

Visit the fascinating “Ksan Village, a replicated ancient Gitxsan village, and the once bustling port town of Hazelton.  Experience 125 years of history at the Northern Pacific Cannery  before arriving in Prince Rupert.

The North Pacific Cannery National Historic  Site is the longest running cannery in BC History with close to 90 years of continuous Salmon production and fish processing.

DAY 4 – HAIDA GWAII, BC

Board the “Northern Adventure” for a 6-hour sailing across Hecate Strait to the waterfront village of Skidegate, best known for its beautiful totem poles. Our next four evenings are spent in Skidegate Village. (*Please note rooms are clean and safe but may not be what you are accustomed to on a Journeys tour.)

DAY 5-7 – HAIDA GWAII

7 Haida Gwaii means “place of wonder.  We spend these days exploring and experiencing the culture and history of this wondrous region. Take a day trip by boat to the Haida villages known as the Skedans and walk through these ancient villages. Along the way, your local guide will incorporate stories, song and local history. Also experience time in Skidegate Village, Old Masset, Port Clements along with a visit to the Haida Heritage Centre. We will even indulge in a traditional “Haida  Feast.”

Experience a traditional Haida Feast hosted by local Chef Roberta Olsen of Keenawaii’s Kitchen. Savour multiple courses, freshly prepared (from scratch) with ingredients grown or caught on the island.  Enjoy a small taste of Haida culture in an unforgettable way!

DID YOU KNOW?

Tow Hill is a prominent landmark on North Beath. At 357 feet in height, Tow Hill is an eroded volcanic plug formed from volcanic rock about 2 million years ago.

DAY 8 – PRINCE RUPERT, BC

Once again, enjoy the scenic beauty onboard the “Northern Adventure”  as we sail back to Prince Rupert.

DAY 9 – PORT HARDY, BC

Embark on a full day scenic voyage onboard the “Northern Expedition” through the Inside Passage. Look out for whales, dolphins and bears. Overnight in Port Hardy.

EXPERIENCES & HIGHLIGHTS

Cruise the Inside Passage through channels surrounded by mountains that tower out of the sea and experience just how immense and diverse BC’s coast truly is.

BC Ferries’ Northern Expedition makes this 15-hour journey travelling over 500 kilometres along the coastline of one of BC’s most spectacular scenic routes: the Inside Passage. Pass fjords and islands all while spotting whales, sea lions and eagles on this breathtaking sailing adventure.

DAY 10 – RETURN HOME

TOUR AT A GLANCE

Day 1 – Quesnel, BC

Billy Barker Casino Hotel

Day 2 – Smithers, BC

Hudson Bay Lodge

Day 3 – Prince Rupert, BC

Pacific Inn

Day 4-7  – Haida Gwaii, BC

Sea Raven Motel*

Day 8 – Prince Rupert, BC

Day 9 – Port Hardy, BC

Kwa’Lilas Hotel

Day 10 – Return Home

Tour Dates & Prices

Travel style.

Scenic & Sightseeing

Escorted Small Group 15-30

Tour Activity Level

Passport points.

70 Double or 80 Single

Accommodation

9 Nights Hotel

9 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Transportation

Deluxe Coach, Ferries

WHAT’S INCLUDED

15 Meals • Haida Gwaii Heritage Centre • Skedans Day Tour • ‘Ksan Village • Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum • Northern Pacific Cannery • Port Clements Historical Society • Inside Passage sailing on the Northern Expedition • Tow Hill • Old Masset • Agate Beach • Skidegate Village • All Ferry Fares • Passport Points • Greater Vancouver Area Pick-Up • and more

Book Tour! Questions?

Haida Gwaii Sailing

• Explore a pristine wilderness region
• View whales in Hecate Strait
• Visit the old Haida village of SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site to take in the fabulous totem poles
• Visit Hotsprings Island

Tour Overview

The Islands of Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) are one of the richest biological and cultural areas in North America. The majestic coast, wilderness, people and wildlife of coastal British Columbia are stunning; this coast has some of the most magnificent tracts of temperate rainforest remaining on the planet.

Aboard our 82’ sailing vessel, we will cruise the waters of this remote archipelago seeing ancient Haida villages, an incredible abundance of wildlife and outstanding wilderness scenery. We should encounter Killer Whales, seals and sea-lions, maybe Humpback and Gray Whales, Black Bears, as well as dozens of Bald Eagles, puffins, murres, guillemots, and murrelets. Sabine’s Gulls, shearwaters, petrels and even Black-footed Albatross are possible, as are other surprises!

Our crew are experienced sailors and naturalists with extensive knowledge of Haida Gwaii. They will help you learn about the diverse natural history and about issues that made preservation of Gwaii Haanas a vital environmental battle for more than a decade. We hope you join us for what promises to be an engaging and exciting voyage of discovery!

Departures & Cabins

Departures & cabins.

More dates may be available than those listed - contact us for more information.

What's Included

Tour price includes.

• All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on the last day
• All accommodation onboard ship; skipper, cook, naturalist;
• Full use of all onboard facilities, including kayaks.

Tour Price Does Not Include

• Transportation to the start point and from the finish point of the trip
• Accommodation or meals prior to the start of the trip or after the completion
• Travel or cancellation insurance
• $100 CAD / $85 USD Sustainability fee
• Taxes (5% GST)
• Airport transfers
• The only money participants require during the trip is for optional purchases and gratuities for the crew.

Day 1: Sandspit, BC

Arrive in Sandspit.

Overnight at the Inn at Sandspit. Most of our guests fly with Air Canada direct from Vancouver. Transportation to The Inn is not required as it’s located across the street from the Airport. It is a quick walk (approximately 150 yards), out the main doors and to your right. There are carts available to help you transport your baggage. In order to facilitate the check-in process, we have reserved a room for you under your name at the Inn’s front desk. Dinner for this evening is on your own. We recommend the Inn’s dining room. If you would like to venture out, Sandspit has two other restaurant choices; Dick’s Wok Inn (Chinese cuisine) and the Orange Roof. Your evening’s accommodation at the Inn at Sandspit and breakfast the following morning are included.

Day 2: Skidegate

Begin your day with an a la carte breakfast at The Inn’s dining room prior to your journey to Skidegate. Please allow plenty of time to enjoy your breakfast, as the restaurant cooks all meals to order. The group will meet in front of The Inn at Sandspit at 8:30 am. Please be sure to check out of your hotel room with luggage in hand prior to this time. You will be greeted by our shuttle bus driver/guide for your Haida Gwaii land tour. You will be transported to the ferry landing at Alliford Bay to take the ferry across to Skidegate Landing on Graham Island. The ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. Our first stop will be the newly renovated Haida Heritage Centre on Graham Island for a guided tour followed by a traditional Haida lunch at Keenawii”s Kitchen hosted by a local Haida family from Skidegate. Following lunch, we may have time for a short walk around Spirit Lake before catching the ferry back to Moresby Island. Then we are off to meet up with the Island Roamer, anchored at Moresby Camp, and her Crew. Upon boarding the ship you will meet the crew, cabins will be assigned, and everyone will participate in an introductory & safety orientation with dinner to follow. We will spend our first evening anchored nearby and will depart early the next morning into the waters of Southern Moresby Island to explore the Gwaii Haanas Park Reserve.

Days 3 - 9: Moresby Island

We will spend our time exploring the eastern and southern shores of Moresby Island. Daily activities include wildlife watching, shore excursions to explore ancient Haida villages, “old growth” forests, beautiful creeks, and colorful intertidal zones. Be sure to keep an eye out and your cameras ready, as we will encounter a wealth of marine wildlife on our journey. We aim to spot humpback whales, porpoise, fin whales, sea lions and orca. We hope to capture the sight of the mighty, Gwaii Haanas black bear foraging along the shoreline for the myriad of intertidal creatures found in these nutrient-rich areas.

Windy Bay is the site of the first pole raised in 130 years honouring the 20th anniversary of the Gwaii Haanas Agreement to protect the natural and marine resources. We visit the old Haida village of SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site to take in the fabulous totem poles. Each evening we will anchor in a different secluded bay with time to discuss the day’s wildlife sightings and opportunity to explore the shoreline by kayak.

Day 10: Sandspit

The trip will finish mid morning and you will disembark at 11:00am at Moresby Camp. There will be charter bus waiting to shuttle the group to Sandspit airport. The trip by bus takes about an hour. You can expect to arrive in Sandspit by midday. This will give you time to have lunch and do any last minute shopping at the souvenir shop located in the Sandspit Airport, prior to your afternoon flight to Vancouver.

What to Expect

Regardless, in all of our destinations our itineraries remain flexible. This allows the crew to take time to enjoy wildlife sightings, spend more time at an ancient village site, or simply cater to the interests of the group.

Usually on the Pacific Coast we have a good variety of constantly changing weather. Expect a mixture of sunshine, rain and wind on most trips. You will require waterproof rain gear and rubberboots as most of our landings will be wet, where you will be stepping into the water and onto the beach.

We travel in protected areas most of the time. On many days of the summer this coast is like sailing on a lake – flat and calm. Sometimes we cross into open water for short periods of time where we may experience greater motion. If you are prone to motion sickness it is a good idea to bring sea sickness medication. Check with your doctor.

All of our meals are served buffet style. We can usually accommodate most special dietary concerns if we are given sufficient advance notice.

Typical Day In the morning, you might expect to have breakfast served around 8am. If you are an early riser there is always the opportunity for a morning kayak around the secluded bay we are anchored in. After the meal, a shore excursion will take place – Either to search for wildlife, look at intertidal zones, or go for a culture/nature hike. We will load into the zodiacs and take off to see what nature has in store for us. Bring your backpack, water bottle and camera! You never know what you will see on these outings.

We come back to the boat for a gourmet lunch served by one of our amazing chefs. At this time, the skipper might take us to our next destination, while we look for more wildlife along the shores, or try to find pods of whales. The crew will be explaining all the places we are passing and all the species that you might see flying, swimming, or walking near the vessel. If something is of interest we will stop or slow down to enjoy. We are never in any hurry. We travel to all of our destinations only when the weather and wildlife is consistently good – And our skippers are experts and finding exciting things to show you. A stop at an ancient village site is always a unique experience for our guests.

After lunch, we might spend some time relaxing, while the crew puts up the sails and takes you through a passage or strait. This would be a good time to reflect in a journal or take a book from our extensive reading library. If we are lucky, you may see some Humpbacks frolicking in the waters around the boat. If this happens we turn off the engines and float silently among them – quite spectacular. Before dinner we might do a light hike to bear stands to view some grizzly or black bears feeding on the salmon, or enjoy an afternoon kayak. We serve dinner and then might go for a dip in some remote hotsprings along the coast, and then come back to the boat and enjoy some BC wine.

Ship & Deck Plan

Island solitude, island odyssey.

The newly built, SV Island Solitude is 82′ long and accommodates twelve guests in six cabins. Each is furnished with two lower berths and a private ensuite bathroom, complete with a hot shower. The spacious wheelhouse, located on the main deck, accommodates the entire group during meal time where guests will enjoy healthy and deliciously prepared food surrounded by 360-degree views.

Built on the British Columbia coast with the environment in mind, the engines exceed EPA emission standards. Designed specifically for expedition travel, Island Solitude provides elegance and comfort in while exploring some of the most remote and beautiful coastal areas.

There is plenty of space on deck for wildlife watching with 2 zodiacs for daily shore excursions and 5 stable sea kayaks for guests to use whenever the vessel is at anchor.

Joining us in 2003, this 68 ketch, The Island Odyssey is the sister-ship to Island Roamer. Originally built as a luxurious private yacht in 1984, she completed a major renovation in 2003 to update the cabins and all safety systems. She features 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 heads with hot showers and a comfortable salon with a natural history library. On deck, the large deckhouse provides a comfortable spot to watch for wildlife.

Featured Wildlife

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.

• Cassin’s Auklet
• Marbled Murrelet
• Rhinoceros Auklet
• Black Oystercatcher
• Black-footed Albatross
• American Dipper
• Chestnut-backed Chickadee
• Humpback Whale
• Orca (Killer Whale)

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We are an award-winning, niche adventure travel company specializing in wildlife and cultural expeditions to Canada’s Haida Gwaii Archipelago, Northern Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands and Salish Sea, and Great Bear Rainforest based from our classic wooden schooner, Passing Cloud,  as well as all-inclusive stays at Outer Shores Lodge featuring Barkley Sound and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Great Bear Rainforest

Outer Shores Expeditions offers intimate tours of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest and surrounding islands, a magical region of stunning beauty and immense biodiversity. Join our Spring or Fall expeditions and let us show you a place you’ll never forget – a place that offers new surprises and captures the imagination like few places on Earth.

Gwaii Haanas

The remote island archipelago of Haida Gwaii stands alone in a country teeming with spectacular wilderness areas and offers unmatched wildlife viewing paired with an Indigenous cultural heritage dating back more than 14,000 years.

Photo: SG̱ang Gwaay, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site | Credit: Ryan Flett

Northern Vancouver Island

Observing, photographing, learning about, and simply being amazed by the spectacular populations of killer whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds that congregate in the coastal waters of Northern Vancouver Island is the central focus of this expedition.

Outer Shores Lodge

Outer Shores Lodge welcomes guests year-round for all-inclusive experiences that feature the Outer Shores approach to balancing escape, relaxation, connection, and adventure. 

Photo: Outer Shores Lodge | Credit: Owen Perry

Schooner passing cloud.

Passing Cloud is a 70′ classic wooden schooner designed by William James Roué, famous for designing the legendary schooner Bluenose.

Gulf Islands and the Salish Sea

Join us aboard the schooner Passing Cloud to explore Gulf Islands National Park Reserve within British Columbia’s Salish Sea and Southern Gulf Islands Archipelago.

Fern Forest | Credit: James Thompson Photography

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Expeditions

+1-250-510-3313 (Expeditions)  +1-250-650-2930 (Lodge Stays)

[email protected]

Monday – Thursday 9:00 – 3:00 (Pacific Time)

PO Box 361, Cobble Hill, BC, V0R 1L0, Canada

©2022 Outer Shores Expeditions, All Rights Reserved

Website by: Owen Perry

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Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Off the northwest coast of British Columbia, you’ll find a group of mystical islands known as Haida Gwaii, one of the greatest treasures of Canada. Over 200 islands make up this 250-km long archipelago, perched on the edge of the continental shelf and separated from the rest of BC by the ocean.

Many people don’t know about this wild, isolated archipelago. Yet, once they learn about this remote group of islands, they are often drawn to Haida Gwaii’s shores, seeking to be immersed in its powerful, wild beauty. Those who do visit the islands will have unforgettable experiences and will leave wanting more.

Haida Gwaii (formerly, the Queen Charlotte Islands or The Charlottes) has a wild beauty and rich culture that is unmatched elsewhere. Here, you can stand among the massive trees of the old-growth rainforests, walk along never-ending sandy beaches, kayak through sheltered inlets with whales, and explore the ancient villages and totem poles of the Haida people, who call the land home.

The islands of Haida Gwaii are the ancestral territory of the Haida people, whose culture and traditions are intimately tied to the land, air, and sea. For thousands of years, the Haida people have called these islands their home. Haida culture is found everywhere across the archipelago, from moss-covered totem poles in ancient forests to culturally-managed trees to the vibrant communities that continue living on the islands today.

The Haida people have worked hard to protect Haida Gwaii, leading to the creation of Gwaii Haanas, one of the most beautiful protected areas in Canada. Gwaii Haanas is one of the few parks protecting the interconnectedness of everything, from the sea to the land to the people.

With immense beauty and rich culture, Haida Gwaii embodies the true essence of British Columbia. It’s a mystical, magical, wild place, offering the ultimate outdoor adventure and an authentic cultural experience.

In this article, you’ll find everything that you need to know to plan a trip to Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, Canada. We cover everything from how to get there, what to expect, places to see and things to do, the best season to visit, and more!

Where Exactly Is Haida Gwaii in British Columbia?

Masset, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Sandspit, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Haida Gwaii is a group of beautiful, remote islands located off the northern coast of British Columbia, Canada. Over 200 islands of various sizes make up this archipelago, with about 10,180 km 2 (or 3,931 square miles) of land. That’s about a third of the size of Vancouver Island!

Haida Gwaii perches on the edge of the continental shelf, with the immensely deep Pacific Ocean to the west. Storms from the open ocean batter the western, exposed edges of the islands with massive waves and forceful winds. As a result, most of the communities are on the eastern, sheltered side of Haida Gwaii.

To the east, the shallow but wide waters of the Hecate Strait separate Haida Gwaii from the rest of BC by up to 125 km. These waters are challenging to cross, with massive waves that stop even the largest boats from crossing during storms. Despite this, the Hecate Strait is home to one of the world’s rarest ecosystems: glass sponge reefs. Once thought to have gone extinct in the Jurrasic period, glass sponge reefs were rediscovered in 1987 and are now conserved in marine protected areas in both the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound.

To the south of Haida Gwaii, you’ll find the waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, separating the archipelago and northern Vancouver Island by about 200 km. In the north, Haida Gwaii is about 50-km below the Alaska panhandle and the Alexander Archipelago (the southern tip of Alaska). Haida Gwaii and Alaska are separated by the ocean in the Dixon Entrance (or Seegaay in Haida), where the maritime border for Canada and the United States lies.

Map of Haida Gwaii, BC

Ways to Get to Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii is incredibly beautiful, but the archipelago is separated from the rest of British Columbia by up to 125 km of Pacific Ocean. You can’t just drive to Haida Gwaii! Your main travel options to Haida Gwaii are:

• Ferry to Haida Gwaii from Prince Rupert – This option takes about 6-8 hours, but you can bring your car. It’s also pretty affordable.
• Fly to Haida Gwaii from Vancouver – You can fly to Haida Gwaii from Vancouver. Air Canada goes to Sandspit on Moresby Island, while Pacific Coastal Airlines goes from Vancouver to Masset on Graham Island. The flight is 1.5-2 hours long.
• Take a floatplane from Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii – Inland Air operates a 45-minute floatplane route between Prince Rupert and Masset. This is a scenic option, but pricier.

For more details on how exactly to get to Haida Gwaii, check out our comprehensive article: How to Get to Haida Gwaii

Is Haida Gwaii Even Worth It? Why Visit Haida Gwaii?

Haida Gwaii can be quite the trek to get to, depending on where you’re coming from. Also, it may not be the easiest travel destination to get around. This leaves some people asking the question: Is visiting Haida Gwaii even worth it?

In our opinion, yes. Haida Gwaii is absolutely worth the effort. Nowhere else in British Columbia will you experience the wonders that Haida Gwaii has to offer. Haida Gwaii captures the true essence of the Pacific Northwest and the vibrant people who live there.

Haida Gwaii offers an experience that you won’t get anywhere else in British Columbia. If you are seeking the ultimate wilderness adventure, Haida Gwaii has everything that you will ever want and more. From walking along massive beaches to admiring ancient totem poles to paddling along the rugged coast, you’ll constantly be in awe at the power and beauty of Haida Gwaii.

Places to See in Haida Gwaii, Canada

The islands of Haida Gwaii are absolutely brimming with beauty. Everywhere you look, you’ll be in awe of this stunning archipelago and its people. Here, we’ve listed some of the must-see locations around Haida Gwaii. You don’t want to miss these locations on your trip to this remote archipelago!

Haida Gwaii has so many beautiful locations and places to see that it’s hard to list them all. As a result, this list doesn’t include all of the wonderful places you can visit in Haida Gwaii. For more ideas, we’ve also included a guide to Haida Gwaii’s cities and a guide to activities you can do in Haida Gwaii below.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is the heart and soul of Haida Gwaii. Located on the southern end of the archipelago, this remote protected area consists of 138 islands, about 130-km off the coast of BC’s mainland. The park stretches all the way from Moresby Island and Tanu Island in the north, down to Kunghit Island at the southern tip of Haida Gwaii.

The full name of the park is the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area, and Haida Heritage Site. However, the park is usually just referred to as Gwaii Haanas, meaning “Islands of Beauty” in the Haida language (X̱aayda kíl). It’s a very fitting name because these islands are absolutely breathtaking.

Gwaii Haanas is quite remote and can only be accessed by boat or floatplane, making access difficult without planning in advance. Most people explore Gwaii Haanas with a multi-day kayak tour, either camping or using a mothership (a boat that serves as your home base). Alternatively, some people will explore Gwaii Haanas on a shorter zodiac boat tour or by chartering a floatplane.

Kayak tours through Gwaii Haanas usually last from 3 to 10 days. These tours are very popular, sometimes booking up over 6 months to a year in advance, so you need to plan ahead!

Gwaii Haanas has some of the best kayaking in the world. You’ll pass rich intertidal zones, over swaying kelp forests, past rugged rocky coastlines, and between numerous islands. As you paddle, you’ll often cross paths with whales, sea lions, and other marine creatures. Along the way, you’ll camp on beaches or return to the mothership boat at night.

Gwaii Haanas will immerse you in a cultural experience. Your main destinations on the tours are the Haida Heritage Sites, sacred village sites scattered through the islands of Gwaii Haanas.

Many of these ancient villages are returning to the earth and the forest. Depressions in the ground mark where houses once stood. Moss-covered totem poles that hold rich cultural stories and history stand decomposing or have fallen among the giant trees. Walking through the memory of these villages is a poignant, mystical experience and demands the utmost respect.

Depending on the tour, you’ll visit either SG̱ang Gwaay Llanagaay on SG̱ang Gwaay (Ninstints/Nan Sdins on Anthony Island), Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans), T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu), Hlk’yah G̱awG̱a (Windy Bay) and/or G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island). The southernmost of these sites, SG̱ang Gwaay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more below to learn about these Haida cultural sites!

SG̱ang Gwaay Llanagaay on SG̱ang Gwaay (Ninstints / Nans Dins on Anthony Island): UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hidden on the exposed, southwestern edge of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, SG̱ang Gwaay is one of the most remote sites in Gwaii Haanas. Even just getting to this island can be quite an epic journey, but it’s worth the effort.

The sheltered bay on SG̱ang Gwaay (Anthony Island) holds one of British Columbia’s greatest treasures – the village of SG̱ang Gwaay Llnagaay (Nan Sdins or Ninstints), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arriving at SG̱ang Gwaay is an unforgettable experience. Through the ocean mist, a row of ancient mortuary poles appears, standing stoically along the beach and marking the site of the ancient village.

This site was once home to over 300 people, who survived off the land and sea. Today, the ruins at SG̱ang Gwaay, looked after by the Haida Watchmen, are but a shadow of this rich and vibrant community. Much of the village has been engulfed by the forest, returning to what it once was.

Hlk’yah G̱awG̱a (Windy Bay)

Hlk’yah G̱awG̱a (Windy Bay) is an important Haida cultural site on Athlii Gwaii (Lyell Island). Once home to a thriving village called Hlk’yah Llnagaay (Peregrine Falcon Town), Athlii Gwaii also became the place where the Haida people protested the logging of their islands, ultimately leading to the creation of Gwaii Haanas.

Gwaii Haanas is one of the few parks in the world that protects everything, from the bottom of the sea to the tops of the mountains, as well as the relationships with the people. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Gwaii Haanas Agreement , a monumental Gwaii Haanas Legacy Pole was carved and raised at Hlk’yah GawG̱a (Windy Bay). This beautifully carved pole was the first to be erected in Gwaii Haanas in 130 years. The Legacy Pole symbolizes the Gwaii Haanas Agreement and the protection of Gwaii Haanas as a whole.

Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans)

Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans) was once a Haida village that stood at the edge of Skedans Bay and the Cumshewa Inlet on Louise Island, Haida Gwaii’s third-largest island. Numerous carved poles lined the edge of the water in Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay, and the village’s 26 to 30 longhouses were home to over 700 people.

Now, much of Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay has been returned to the earth. Several standing memorial and mortuary poles show impressions of their former carvings in the decaying wood. Mossy depressions mark the sites of past longhouses. The village stands as a reminder of the transitory nature of humans and walking through the remnants is a haunting yet peaceful experience.

T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu)

T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu) was once a large, thriving village on Tanu Island of over 500 inhabitants. The name T’aanuu refers to the eelgrass that grows abundantly near the village in Laskeek Bay. In the past, the village site had about 25 to 40 longhouses, numerous house poles, 15 mortuary houses, and 31 mortuary poles. Now, the village site is a mere memory of what it once was.

The forest has reclaimed most of T’aanuu Llnagaay. On forest paths, you’ll walk past moss-covered fallen poles and the depressions where houses once stood. The lasting impressions of the village site give you a sense of the village’s former layout.

G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island)

On G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island), you can soak in beautiful, natural hot springs while enjoying the beautiful views of Juan Perez Sound. Located south of Lyell Island, G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay is a wonderful stop on any Gwaii Haanas tour, especially if you’ve been hard at work kayaking!

The temperatures in these mineral-rich hot pools range from 32°C to up to 77°C (89°F to 170°F), which feels amazing on your sore muscles. In 2012, a strong 7.8 magnitude earthquake temporarily drained the water from these pools. However, the hot springs are back now and warmer than ever!

G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island) is one of the most remote hot springs that you’ll ever soak in. You’ll be surrounded by nature as you enjoy the hot mineral water. You might even be treated to a pod of orcas swimming past!

Naikoon Provincial Park

Naikoon Provincial Park protects most of the northeastern side of Graham Island, Haida Gwaii. Here, you’ll find towering ancient trees, a hundred kilometers of flat sandy beaches, amazing surfing opportunities, all kinds of wildlife, old shipwrecks, and ocean water that blasts into the air. There’s even a huge volcanic plug with amazing views of the ocean, as far as Alaska!

If you can’t afford the tours of Gwaii Haanas, Naikoon Provincial Park is an affordable alternative that still offers tremendous beauty. The park is massive (69,071 hectares) and incredibly diverse. Below, we cover some of the places to see in Naikoon Provincial Park!

North Beach

North Beach is located along the northern edge of Haida Gwaii and Naikoon Provincial Park, between Tao (Tow Hill) and Rose Spit Ecological Reserve. The beach is mostly sand, making it an excellent spot for relaxing and enjoying the amazing ocean vistas.

Long and flat, North Beach is great for endless beachcombing, hiking, relaxing, surfing, and fishing. You’re even allowed to ATV on North Beach, on the hard-packed sand after ebb tides. And, if you’re brave, you can venture into the cold waters for a swim (you might want a wet suit)!

Taaw Tldáaw (Tow Hill) and the Blowhole

Tow Hill is a tall volcanic plug that stands by itself between the beaches on the north end of Naikoon Provincial Park. This massive rock formation was created as a result of the combination of volcanic activity, glacial retreat, and coastal erosion, forming the rugged face of the rocky hill.

To hike to the top of Tow Hill, you’ll walk through the coastal forest along the Hiellen River. Then, you’ll head up to the summit on a series of stairs and boardwalk. The climb is short and will get your heart rate up, but what will really take your breath away is the view from the top of Tow Hill.

At the summit, you’ll get amazing views of the beaches of Naikoon Provincial Park and the ocean. You can even see as far as the Alaska Panhandle, far across the Dixon Entrance!

Agate Beach

Agate Beach is located between South Beach and Tow Hill on the north edge of Naikoon Provincial Park. The beach is made of rocks smoothed by the ocean, and many treasures from the ocean wash up among the rocks.

While it isn’t a great swimming spot, Agate Beach is famous for its beachcombing opportunities. You can walk the beach looking for agate, a rock with bands and swirls of translucent colors. These stones are often made into jewelry. The beach is also an amazing spot to look for Japanese glass ball floats, shells, and driftwood.

The Agate Beach Campground is a great place to stay when you’re exploring the northern edge of Naikoon Provincial Park. All of the campsites are along the shoreline, with amazing views of Tow Hill and the ocean. And, in the winter, you can park along the road and watch storms crash against the coast.

Rose Spit Ecological Reserve

Rose Spit Ecological Reserve is located within Naikoon Provincial Park’s boundary, at the northeastern-most tip of Haida Gwaii. This massive spit reaches far into the ocean, by about 18-km (and another 3-km underwater). The ecological reserve protects rare plants and birds, and grey whales can be spotted from the beach. At the tip of the sandbar, the crashing waves of the Hecate Strait and Dixon Entrance meet.

You can access Rose Spit by driving along North Beach or walking the Cape Fife Trail. This long stretch of sand extends far into the ocean, so you have to be careful of the tides when you’re walking on it!

In Haida legend, the beach at Rose Spit is the site of creation. Here, people first entered the world from a clam shell, coaxed out by the Raven. This event is depicted in Bill Reid’s “Raven and the First Men” sculpture, which you can view in UBC’s Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver.

East Beach and Cape Fife

East Beach is a massive sandy beach found along the east side of Naikoon Provincial Park, starting near Tlell and running all the way up north to Cape Fife and Rose Spit at the very tip of Graham Island. This windswept, sandy beach is gorgeous, and even features a shipwreck!

You can walk the entirety of the east coast of Naikoon Provincial Park on the East Beach Trail, a 90-km multi-day hike that will take up to a week. However, you don’t have to hike the entire trail to see the East Beach. Instead, you can access the beach near Tlell on the Pesuta Shipwreck Trail. Or, alternatively, you can access East Beach and Cape Fife via the Cape Fife Trail (10-km one-way) that starts from Tow Hill.

Pesuta Shipwreck

In 1928, a treacherous winter storm in the Hecate Strait caused a 264-foot long lumber-carrying barge to ground itself near the Tll.aal Gandlaay (Tlell River). Almost 100 years later, the bow of the ship still remains, despite being exposed to the coastal weather.

To get to the shipwreck, you’ll need to walk the Pesuta Shipwreck Trail, which starts near Tlell. This 10-km round-trip hike will take you about 3 hours. The trail is mostly on flat ground, so don’t be daunted by the hill at the start!

Haida Heritage Centre at K ay Llnagaay

One of the best ways to learn about the Haida people and their culture is to visit the Haida Heritage Centre at K ay Llnagaay, near Skidegate. The Centre celebrates the Haida people, allowing visitors to learn about their culture and history. The Haida Heritage Centre stands on the historic village site of K ay Llnagaay (meaning the “Town of Sea Lions”) and was designed to resemble this ancient village.

The Haida Heritage Centre has many buildings to explore. There is a museum, exhibit spaces, an interpretive center, a performance house, a teaching center with classrooms and educational programs, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a cafe.

The museum displays numerous Haida artifacts and artworks, allowing you to learn about this vibrant culture. The Canoe House has exhibits on traditional Haida ways of transportation, resource gathering, and trade. You can view large canoes and monumental poles being worked on by local artists at the Carving House. At the Centre, there is also the Bill Reid Teaching Centre named after Bill Reid, a Haida artist whose sculptures are featured across the Pacific Northwest.

The Golden Spruce Trail

On the edge of the Yakoun River, a magnificent gold-colored Sitka spruce tree grew. Known as Kiidk’yaas (or Kiid K’iyaas or the Golden Spruce), this tree was unlike any of the other spruce trees due to a genetic mutation causing it to grow needles of gold, instead of green.

Believed to be an ancestor who was turned into a tree, Kiidk’yaas was sacred to the Haida people. However, in 1997, the Golden Spruce was horrifically chopped down by Grant Hadwin, in a misguided protest of the environmental destruction of logging.

While the tree has unfortunately been destroyed, the legacy of Kiidk’yaas lives on at the Golden Spruce Trail in the Yaaguun Gandlaay Heritage Site/Conservancy near Port Clements. You can walk through the ancient forest, and view the area where the golden Sitka spruce once stood. As well, the Golden Spruce lives on in a small sapling in Port Clements, grown from a seed salvaged from the original tree.

The Golden Spruce Trail serves as a reminder of the importance of old-growth forests. Another reminder of the devastation of logging in British Columbia can be found on Vancouver Island, where a massive ancient Douglas fir tree called Big Lonely Doug stands alone in the middle of an empty, logged clearcut.

Villages to Visit in Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii has a relatively small population of about 4500 people, who live in communities on Graham Island and Moresby Island.

Graham Island is the largest of the archipelago’s islands, the most accessible, and has the largest population. The main communities on Graham Island are Queen Charlotte, Skidegate, Port Clements, Tlell, Masset, and Old Massett.

Moresby is the second largest island, just south of Graham Island. The main community on Moresby Island is Sandspit. Most of the southern part of Moresby Island is protected by the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.

Daajing Giids (Queen Charlotte)

Daajing Giids (Queen Charlotte) is on the south end of Graham Island, to the west of Skidegate. This charming village has lots of art, from murals on the sides of buildings to sculptures beside the ocean. Beautiful art from Haida artists can also be found throughout the village in gift shops and coffee shops.

While you’re in the village, take a casual stroll down the incredibly scenic Queen Charlotte Seawalk, enjoying breathtaking ocean views. About 1-km long, the pathway takes you past several unique, ocean-themed sculptures, and Spirit Square where local events are hosted. You’ll also pass the Queen Charlotte docks, where you can enjoy looking at all the different boats.

Hotel recommendation: Sea Raven Hotel

Hlg̱aagilda (Skidegate)

Hlg̱aagilda (Skidegate) is a small community on the southeast end of Graham Island, on the edge of Rooney Bay and Skidegate Inlet. Ferries from Prince Rupert arrive in Skidegate. Here, you’ll also be able to ferry across the Skidegate Inlet on the small Kwuna ferry, which connects Skidegate Landing on Graham Island to Alliford Bay on Moresby Island.

There are many wonderful tourist attractions near Skidegate. One of the must-see places in Haida Gwaii is the Haida Heritage Centre at K ay Llnagaay, which celebrates the Haida people. Nearby, you can walk the Spirit Lake Trail, climb the lookout tower at Jungle Beach, or view the small but impressive Rock Sitting Creek Waterfall.

Also, make sure to stop and see the Balance Rock (or Balancing Rock), a massive boulder balanced precariously on a tiny point. While it seems like this boulder should fall over, it has remained in this position since the ice age, deposited on the shore near Skidegate by glacial retreat.

Hotel recommendation: Misty Harbour Inn

Tll.aal (Tlell)

Tll.aal (Tlell) is a small hamlet community beside the Tll.aal Gandlaay (Tlell River), with about 200 residents. The village used to be a Haida Fishing camp, seasonally plentiful with salmon. The Tlell River is still a great fishing spot for Coho salmon and Steelhead, with a beach that’s nice for walking and beachcombing.

Known for its thriving art community, many artists live around Tlell. You’ll find several art galleries and studios in the community with jewelry and argillite sculptures. In August, Tlell is home to the Edge of the World Music Festival , which hosts local and off-island musicians at the Tlell Fall Fairgrounds. It also hosts the Tlell Fall Fair in August, which has music, vendors, crafts, local food, livestock, and more!

Tlell is at the southeastern corner of Naikoon Provincial Park, near the Pesuta Shipwreck Trail, the East Beach Trail, and Mayer Lake. The community also has other attractions nearby, such as St. Mary’s Spring, Anvil Trail, and the unusual Green Man.

Hotel recommendation: Haida House at Tllaal Campground recommendation: Misty Meadows Campground

Gamadiis (Port Clements)

Gamadiis (Port Clements) is a small, cozy village found on the east side of the Masset Inlet, just north of the mouth of the Yakoun River. Just under 300 people live in Port Clements, with almost a third working in the forestry industry.

There are many attractions by Port Clements. You can walk on Rainbow Wharf to get a good view of Masset Inlet. Or, head to the Port Clements Museum if you want to learn about the history of Port Clements and logging. The museum also features a piece of the Golden Spruce tree and the preserved White Raven, a rare true albino raven that used to be the town’s mascot.

The village of Port Clements has many wonderful walking trails, including the famous Golden Spruce Trail by the Yakoun River. You can also walk the Museum Trail, which has fabulous views of Stewart Bay’s mudflats. Or, there is the Sunset Park Trail through Sunset Park. This park is a great spot for watching sunsets and features a Bird Tower with amazing views of the Yakoun River estuary.

Hotel recommendation: Haida House at Tllaal Campground recommendation: Sunset Park Campground

Masset and Old Massett

Masset and Old Massett are two neighboring communities on the edge of Masset Sound in the north end of Graham Island. Old Massett is one of the two village sites where the Haida people were forced to move after smallpox devastated their communities in the 1800s. Masset is just to the east of Old Massett, linked by a road and sidewalk. Masset has an airport, where some flights to Haida Gwaii arrive.

You can stop at the Northern Haida Gwaii Visitor Centre to find the best things to do in the area. The waters around Masset and Old Massett have awesome sportfishing. There are fantastic hiking trails and beaches in the nearby Naikoon Provincial Park.

Many artists live in the area, often selling art out of their homes. As well, there are many totem poles throughout Old Massett that you can view. The Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum is a great spot to learn about maritime history. Also, make sure to walk through the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary. This scenic wetland is a protected migratory bird sanctuary, perfect for an easy walk through nature and birdwatching from the viewing platforms.

Hotel recommendation: Cedar Oceanfront House Campground recommendation: Agate Beach Campground

K’il Kun (Sandspit)

K’il Kun (Sandspit) is the main community on Moresby Island and is located on the northeastern corner of the island. Moresby Island and Sandspit are connected to Graham Island via a ferry between Alliford Bay and Skidegate Landing. About 250-300 people live in Sandspit, and the community is located near a historic village site called Kil Llnagaay, near Haans Creek.

Sandspit has one of the two airports in Haida Gwaii, which connects the archipelago to Vancouver. When you arrive, check out the Sandspit Visitor Centre at the airport. Also, make sure you spot the Spirit of Sandspit statue while you’re in the area!

There are lots of beaches and trails around Sandspit that you can explore. Try the Dover Trail in the Damaxyaa Conservancy, the Onward Point trail, Mosquito Lake, and Gray Bay and the Secret Cove Trail in the Kun⨱alas Heritage Site/Conservancy. Check out Copper Bay during the salmon run, when it is teeming with life. Also, Moresby Camp, the gateway to Gwaii Haanas, is about an hour’s drive away from Sandspit.

Hotel recommendation: Sunrise Cabin

Things to Do in Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii is the perfect place for outdoor adventures, ranging from that multi-day kayaking trips to surfing on the winter waves. You can camp on almost any beach, walk through ancient forests, fish for delicious seafood, explore rugged coastlines, and more. You will connect with nature in a way that you never have before on your visit to the islands.

Where to Stay in Haida Gwaii

Here are some of the best hotels, accommodations, and lodges in Haida Gwaii.

1. Haida House at Tllaal – Best Overall

Check Latest Price: Booking.com / Agoda

2. northern shores lodge.

Check Latest Price: Expedia / Agoda

3. misty harbour inn.

4. Sea Raven Motel

Check Latest Price: Booking.com / Expedia / Agoda

Haida gwaii camping.

One of the best parts about Haida Gwaii is all of the excellent camping locations. Haida Gwaii is brimming with natural beauty. What better way to enjoy the outdoors in Haida Gwaii than to sleep under the stars, surrounded by nature?

There are many choices for Haida Gwaii campgrounds. You can stay at one of the many serviced, managed campgrounds or trek into one of the many remote backcountry camp sites. Some of the best campgrounds in Haida Gwaii are:

• Agate Beach Campground – This is one of the most popular campgrounds in Haida Gwaii and for good reason. Right beside Agate Beach, this campground has incredible ocean views. You can easily explore North Beach and Tow Hill in Naikoon Provincial Park at this site! It is first-come, first-served and has no reservations.
• Gray Bay Campground – An hour away (25 km) from Sandspit on a logging road. The campground has 18 sites, with fire pits and outhouses. There is no potable water or cell/internet service. The campground is nearby beautiful beaches, with trails to Sheldens Lagoon (Dogfish Beach) and the remote beach at Secret Cove.
• Misty Meadows Campground – This camping area is near Tlell. They have pit toilets, a sheltered cooking area, and group camping. The campground is very close to Naikoon Provincial Park, so you can easily get to attractions like the Pesuta Shipwreck.
• Backcountry sites – There is camping all over Haida Gwaii, you just have to find it! Some excellent backcountry camping sites are in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Naikoon Provincial Park. Follow leave no trace guidelines anywhere you go.

Many campgrounds are open year-round but are only serviced and managed in the summer. Most remote camping areas don’t have cell service or internet. As well, some don’t have potable water and you’ll need to pack in/pack out everything you need. Follow leave no trace practices when visiting Haida Gwaii, especially in backcountry areas.

What to Bring to Haida Gwaii: Gear and Packing List

Haida Gwaii has unpredictable weather, even in the best summer months. You can go from sunny skies to stormy weather in the same drive. To make sure that you have the best trip possible, you have to come prepared for all kinds of weather.

You need a good rain jacket, rain pants, and warm clothes, in case of poor weather. We highly recommend a combination of an Arc’teryx jacket, down jacket, and rain pants. We find that this combination is quite waterproof, durable, and warm. Additionally, you should also bring a warm toque and long underwear. These are extremely important, especially if you’re going on a kayaking or backcountry camping trip.

How to Get Around Haida Gwaii?

Driving and Vehicle Rentals

The best way to get around Haida Gwaii is by driving. You can either bring your vehicle over to the islands on the ferry or rent a vehicle when you arrive. Hitchhiking is also common, but not recommended.

Haida Gwaii only has about 140 km of paved roads. The paved roads connect Queen Charlotte to Old Massett and Masset, as well as Sandspit to Alliford Bay.

There are many forest access roads, but these roads are in varying conditions. Some are in such poor condition that they are definitely not driveable! Also, many of these roads are used by logging trucks, making the roads dangerous to drive without a two-way radio.

You can check Drive BC to find out road conditions, or ask at the local visitor information centers in either Queen Charlotte, Port Clements, Sandspit, or Masset.

Vehicles can be rented from the following companies:

• Sandspit – Budget Car Rentals (250-637-5688)
• Queen Charlotte – Budget Car & Truck Rentals (250-559-4641); Island Auto Rentals (250-559-4118); Haida Gwaii Vehicle & RV Rentals (250-637-1202)
• Skidegate – Gwaii Taxi & Tours (250-559-2380); Haida Gwaii Scooter Rentals (250-640-6474)
• Masset – Masset Car & Truck Rentals (250-626-7089); Rustic Car Rentals (250-626-3756)

For most of these companies, you’ll have to phone to book the vehicle, as online bookings aren’t always available. Also, most of these rental companies do not allow you to drive on the beach or logging roads. And they’ll know if you don’t follow the rules, as the vehicles often come with GPS trackers!

Biking is a great way to get around Haida Gwaii! You can stick to the paved roads or venture into the wilderness on the forest service roads. If you head into the more remote areas, make sure you are experienced with repairing your bike and have all the proper gear.

Either bring your bike over on the ferry or rent a bike from one of the following companies:

• Masset – Masset Bikes (250-626-8939); North Beach Surf Shop (250-626-7873)
• Sandspit – The Sandspit Visitor Centre (250-637-5362)
• Queen Charlotte – Echo Bay Lodge (250-637-1758); Green Coast Kayaking (250-637-1093)

Public Transportation and Taxis

Unfortunately, Haida Gwaii doesn’t have public transportation. However, Eagle Transit operates a daily airport shuttle between the Sandspit Airport, Queen Charlotte, and Skidegate.

Often, communities will have a taxi service that you can use.

• Skidegate, Queen Charlotte & Sandspit – Gwaii Taxi and Tours

Ferry between Moresby Island (Alliford Bay) and Graham Island (Skidegate)

To get between Moresby Island and Graham Island, you’ll have to take the ferry. BC Ferries operates a ferry service between Alliford Bay on Moresby Island and Skidegate on Graham Island. It’s a very quick ferry and only takes about 20 minutes to cross between ferry terminals.

The ferry is non-reservable but it runs quite regularly throughout the day between the two islands. Here is the Moresby Island (Alliford Bay) to Graham Island (Skidegate) ferry schedule on the BC Ferries website.

To cross between Alliford Bay and Skidegate, the ferry will cost $9.10 per adult and $21.10 for a standard-size vehicle. You can save money by using the BC Ferries Experience Card .

Haida Gwaii Weather: When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Generally, Haida Gwaii has a quite mild climate. It never gets too hot, but it also doesn’t get that cold. Temperatures range from about 2°C to 18°C. The weather is also very unpredictable and variable. In one day, you can switch from stormy to sunny, very quickly. Also, rainy days and wind are common, even in the summer.

This raises the question: when is the best time to visit Haida Gwaii? Well, it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for! Most people visit the islands in the summer, between May to mid-September. However, you can visit Haida Gwaii at other times of the year. We’ve covered each season’s weather and considerations below.

Summer (primarily July-August) is the peak tourist season, as it is the driest and warmest time of year.

Spring (March-May)

During the spring, Haida Gwaii is quite cool and rainy. However, the weather improves towards May. Days become longer and warmer, with less rain, clouds, and wind. March is the coolest (5°C) and wettest (130mm rain), while May is the warmest (9°C) and driest (70mm rain).

Tourist services usually start running in May. As a result, May can be a nice time to visit the island because it strikes a balance between decent weather, availability of tourist services, and low tourist numbers. Spring is also a good time to go surfing.

Summer (June-August)

The summer months are the warmest, driest months on Haida Gwaii. Temperatures are warmer (12°C to 18°C) during the summer, and there is more sun, more daylight, and less rain. August is the hottest month of the year (15°C), and the driest month is July (50mm). However, you should still expect cool weather and some rain (60-80mm).

Summer is the peak tourist season, especially in July and August. It’s a great time for camping and other outdoor activities. All tourist activities should be open, and you’ll probably run into other groups on tours or camping. Even so, many places will still feel quite empty. Also, June is a great time for spotting whales and late August is good for spotting salmon and black bears.

Autumn (September-October)

There are still many warm, dry days in September. However, around mid-September, the weather starts to worsen. Rainfall increases and temperatures begin to drop from September (140mm; 13°C) to October (212mm; 10°C).

Salmon spawn from mid-September to October. Autumn is a great time to spot black bears fishing for salmon, as well as migratory sea birds. In autumn, you’ll see fewer tourists than in the summer, but you’ll still get some nice days and some tourist services. The surfing season also starts up around October.

Winter (November-March)

Winters in Haida Gwaii are cool and wet. Temperatures range from 0°C to 8°C, and usually, there will be 100-200mm rainfall per month. Some months even get up to 300mm of rain! Winter storms are usually just rain, but there can also be snow (or anything in between, from slush to sleet to freezing rain). And, while the islands never get too cold in winter (ranging from 0°C to 8°C), it can still feel quite chilly due to the humidity.

Many of the tour guides don’t operate in the winter. While you can still explore Haida Gwaii, expect fewer services and tourist attractions to be available or open.

If you love surfing, winter is the best time to head to the beach to ride the waves. The main surfing season in Haida Gwaii lasts from October to May.

How Many Days Do You Need in Haida Gwaii?

Many people will ask the question, “How many days should you spend in Haida Gwaii?” However, the answer really depends on how much time you have and what you want to get out of the trip.

I highly recommend visiting the islands for at least 5 days to 2 weeks. A longer trip will give you a chance to fully explore what Haida Gwaii has to offer. You’ll be able to do some of the longer kayaking tours of Gwaii Haanas, one of the highlights of Haida Gwaii. You’ll have more time for exploring, while also having time to relax on one of the many beaches!

Of course, if you only have a few days to visit, you can still make the trip. You will have to work harder to make the most out of your time but it’ll still be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, on a shorter trip, you won’t be able to do some of the multi-day kayaking tours. However, if your heart is set on visiting Gwaii Haanas, there are still many zodiac boat day tours to Haida Heritage Sites in Gwaii Haanas.

What to Expect From Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii is remote and isolated from the rest of BC. It’s a whole different world compared to the rest of the province.

You won’t find any busy cities in Haida Gwaii, as only about 4500 people live permanently on Graham Island and Moresby Island. Many of the communities in Haida Gwaii are small, with a laid-back attitude.

Because of Haida Gwaii’s size and isolation, the communities usually have limited amenities and services. Often, there is only one grocery store and gas station. The communities have locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops, but there aren’t many chain businesses.

Many businesses close quite early in the evening, and tourist activities are often not open in the off-season. Also, you won’t find as many indoor recreation services (e.g. movie theatres) as in other parts of BC. However, Haida Gwaii makes up for the limited services with abundant outdoor activities.

The Haida People

Haida Gwaii would not be what it is today without the Haida people (known as X̱aayda, X̱aadas, X̱aad, or X̱aat in the Haida language). Their culture is deeply woven into the land and sea of the archipelago.

The Haida people have lived on the islands of Haida Gwaii for at least 12,500 years. Many ancient heritage sites are scattered across the islands, the most well-known village sites being located in Gwaii Haanas. These aren’t the only sacred sites to the Haida people though, and every part of the archipelago should be treated with respect.

The traditional territory of the Haida Nation spans from Haida Gwaii’s islands to the southern part of Alaska, including everything from the ocean to the tops of the mountains. Those that live in southeastern Alaska are known as the Kaigani Haida.

About half of the archipelago’s population is Haida, and the Council of the Haida Nation governs the islands. They have worked hard to protect their culture, traditions, and their traditional territory. The Haida people are the reason that Gwaii Haanas exists, and they continue to protect the archipelago and its people.

Trips to Haida Gwaii offer an amazing chance for you to learn about the rich culture and history of the Haida people. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre to learn about the Haida people and show your respects at the sacred Haida Heritage Sites in Gwaii Haanas.

Living in Haida Gwaii

Sometimes, people will visit Haida Gwaii and never want to leave. If you love remote places with few people and the ability to easily escape to the outdoors, Haida Gwaii might be the perfect place for you.

The cost of living in Haida Gwaii is fairly average. Real estate prices in Haida Gwaii are going up, but you can still buy a house with a great location for a decent price. Grocery prices are similar to other parts of Northern BC. However, perishable foods are sometimes limited in availability, as freight only arrives from the mainland once a week.

Access to services (e.g. movie theatres) is more limited than in other regions of BC. As well, job opportunities are limited in the archipelago.

Many people who live on the island are there because the land calls to them for some reason. Haida Gwaii is full of artists and people who love the outdoors. If you’re used to city life, you might have to adjust to life in Haida Gwaii.

For news on Haida Gwaii, check out the Haida Gwaii Observer .

Haida Gwaii Travel Restrictions

Currently, Haida Gwaii travel and tourism are not restricted. For the most up-to-date information on whether Haida Gwaii has any travel restrictions, you can check the COVID information pages from either the Council of the Haida Nation or Parks Canada.

More Articles to Help with Planning a Trip to Haida Gwaii

• How to Get to Haida Gwaii

Top Travel Tips & Resources for Haida Gwaii, BC

• Travel Guide – Planning a trip to Haida Gwaii? Check out our comprehensive Haida Gwaii Travel Guide for everything you need to know to plan your trip!
• Getting There – Check out our guide on How to Get to Haida Gwaii , which covers the best ways to travel to this beautiful archipelago.
• Travel Insurance – If you’re travelling internationally, travel insurance is a must for any trip. Being covered by insurance is especially important when you’re going to an adventure-filled place like British Columbia. If you injure yourself while adventuring, you want to have insurance! We recommend using SafetyWing for international travel insurance. They are affordable and have great policies for travellers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Also, SafetyWing provides COVID-19 coverage, which many other insurance companies don’t cover.
• Car Rental – We find the best deal on vehicle rental prices using RentalCars.com . They compare the prices for different car rental companies so you can find the best deals out there!
• Accommodations – We prefer booking all of our hotels, hostels, and other accommodations through Booking.com because they have a flexible cancellation policy. Also, there are lots of different options on their platform, from hotels to vacation homes. Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com are good for booking accommodations. For vacation home rentals, VRBO is an excellent choice (they have lower fees than Airbnb, many of the same properties, and are more ethical).
• Flights – You’ll find many good flight deals on Skyscanner or Google Flights. You can book flights through these websites and they’ll help you find the best prices and flight times. If you fly at less popular times (e.g. mid-week or red-eye flights), you can also save some money.
• Tours – Get the most out of your vacation by taking a guided tour! This is a great way to see the city, adventure to exciting new locations, and learn about the local culture. Viator or GetYourGuide are great options for booking tours.

Related posts:

• 5 Best Surf Spots in British Columbia
• Essential Gear for Surfing in British Columbia
• 11 Best Tips to Save Money Traveling on BC Ferries

Hey, I'm Nicole! I've travelled all over the world but my favorite place is British Columbia. I've lived in Victoria, BC since 2019 and spend most of my free time travelling around BC. My goal is to explore as much of this beautiful province as possible. Along the way I'll be sharing travel tips with you!

Gonzales Hill Regional Park, Victoria

Ogden point breakwater, victoria.

HAIDA GWAII

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Haida title act gets royal assent

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An historic agreement recognizing aboriginal title over all of Haida Gwaii is now law.

The Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act received royal assent Thursday afternoon, on the last day of the BC Legislative session.

The act recognizes the Haida Nation’s title over all of Haida Gwaii.

In a press release, the B.C. government noted that the new law is the first of its kind in Canadian history.

Aboriginal title has been recognized elsewhere in B.C. through treaties – the Nisga’a Treaty, for example – and in one case, the aboriginal title of the Tsilhqot’in First Nation was recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2014.

The Haida Agreement is the first case in which a provincial government unilaterally agreed, outside the formal treaty process, to recognize title to the entire traditional territory of a First Nation.

"For the first time in Canadian history, Aboriginal title is being recognized and it's happening here in British Columbia," Premier David Eby said in a press release.

Haida Nation President Gaagwiis, Jason Alsop remarked on the agreement’s importance in terms of reconciliation with First Nations. The alternative was a lengthy court battle, as the Haida have been seeking recognition of rights and title through the courts.

"Negotiating the acknowledgement of Haida title with the province of B.C. not only marks a welcome departure from an adversarial court process, but also uplifts the (honour) of the Crown by resolving the issue through negotiation rather than litigation," he said in a government press release.

"That clarity of vision and purpose that was present at the negotiation table will further enable both governments to address the realities on the ground. Putting the question of title to rest enables us to embark on building a future with all the peoples of Haida Gwaii based on our relationship to the land and sea."

The legislation provides for a “staged transition” of Haida Gwaii to Haida jurisdiction.

“Over the next several years, the Council of the Haida Nation and the province will work together and negotiate how provincial and Haida Nation laws can work together,” the government said in its news release.

“Local governments, residents and others will have opportunities to have input in the discussions. Over the transition period, land and resource decisions will continue to be made through existing processes."

Legal experts and politicians have argued over the agreement’s impact on private lands, with some arguing that private fee simple lands are “legally incoherent” within aboriginal title, which is communal.

That question took up much of the debate when the Haida title act was being debated in the Legislative Assembly.

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Historic Haida Nation agreement shows the world how to uphold Indigenous rights

Chair and Member from North America of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) and Professor in Political Science, Public Policy and Indigenous Studies, University of British Columbia

Disclosure statement

Sheryl Lightfoot receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and collaborates with the Coalition for the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council.

University of British Columbia provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation CA.

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The recent agreement reached between the Haida Nation and the government of British Columbia — called the Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement — marks the first negotiated settlement in Canada to recognize an Indigenous nation’s jurisdiction over its traditional territory.

The agreement has been welcomed by First Nations leaders in B.C. as a significant breakthrough in the recognition and protection of the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples. The agreement also serves as an inspiration to Indigenous Peoples across Canada and around the world who share the common struggle to restore a viable and sustainable land base.

Historic. Inspiring. But also long overdue, particularly in light of the clear direction provided by decades of rulings and recommendations by international human rights bodies.

‘Defining element of identity’

The United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples found in a 2020 study that Indigenous Peoples’ connection to their lands and waters is “the defining element of their identity and culture and their relationship to their ancestors and future generations.”

Furthermore, as is the case for all people, wise management of land and resources is essential to the health and prosperity of families and communities.

The British Crown and other colonial states relied on racist concepts like the Doctrine of Discovery and Terra Nullius , known as the unowned lands doctrine, to seize Indigenous lands and ignore or subvert the laws and institutions through which Indigenous Peoples had successfully managed these territories. The consequence has been cultural loss, alienation, impoverishment, conflict and environmental degradation.

Read more: This Canada Day, settler Canadians should think about 'land back'

These are not simply the wrongs of the past. So long as the determination about who owns and controls what lands is based on such corrupt foundations, Indigenous Peoples will continue to be dispossessed and the state’s claims about justice, human rights and the rule of law will ring hollow.

This is why international human rights bodies have repeatedly called on all states to work proactively — and in partnership with Indigenous Peoples — to respect, protect and restore Indigenous Peoples’ rights to control and benefit from their traditional territories.

The weight of UNDRIP

An example is the 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which Canadian provincial and federal governments have both committed to fully implement . Significantly, the declaration itself did not create new rights. Instead, it built on decades of progressive developments in international law.

Land rights and Indigenous self-determination are a consistent thread through the entire declaration. It affirms that Indigenous Peoples have rights to “the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired.”

It also asserts all states “shall give legal recognition and protection to these lands, territories and resources,” giving “due respect to the customs, traditions and land tenure systems of the Indigenous Peoples concerned.”

The positive legal obligations in UNDRIP means that Indigenous Peoples shouldn’t have to engage in costly, decades-long legal battles to restore rights that have been wrongly denied. Nor should states abuse their power to press for settlements that diminish the rights of Indigenous Peoples and further entrench an unjust status quo.

Canada and the world need more models of what pro-active, co-operative realization of Indigenous land rights can look like in practice. The Haida title agreement provides one of the most promising examples I’ve seen.

Haida agreement

Significantly, while the settlement recognizes Haida title throughout the archipelago of Haida Gwaii , the province and the Haida Nation have also agreed that existing private property rights will be honoured, along with the resource leases and permits that have already been granted.

The agreement also provides for a transition period as the Haida Nation begins to exercise their jurisdiction over public lands in the territory.

Such an approach echoes UNDRIP’s call for a fair and peaceful reconciliation between the rights of Indigenous Peoples and “the just and most compelling requirements of a democratic society.” Hopefully this approach will also go a long way to address any public concerns over the consequences of this agreement and the precedent it sets.

Any time the tide shifts, and a new law or policy breaks with the status quo, there will be voices predicting conflict and ruin. This happened when B.C. adopted legislation to implement the UNDRIP. We saw it again when the federal government adopted similar national legislation. None of these dire predictions have come true.

Today, as B.C. moves forward with legislation to implement the Haida Title Lands Agreement, I hope all Canadians see this development for what it truly is: a positive step to finally live up to the values shared by Indigenous Peoples and Canadians pertaining to justice and respect for human rights.

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News release, media contacts, jimmy smith, ministry of housing, meet the team.

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The final legislative session for the 42nd parliament delivered action to help people in B.C. with new laws and measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures, delivering more homes for people with middle incomes and improving public health care.

“Everyone has been through a lot in the last four years here in B.C. Through it all, our team has been working to support people and make sure they can build a good life,” said Premier David Eby. “When times are tough, it’s more important than ever that government has your back and takes action to make life better rather than leaving you to fend for yourself against powerful interests, like speculators and wealthy investors.”

Sixteen pieces of legislation were passed this session, with nine additional bills expected to be passed on May 16, 2024, including laws to crack down on bad-faith evictions, curb speculation through a house-flipping tax, provide safe access to schools from disruptive protests and historic recognition of the Haida Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii. Building on the transformational laws passed in fall 2023, the spring session once again focused on changes to deliver more homes for people with middle incomes.

“Safe and affordable housing is essential for British Columbians and that’s why we passed legislation and introduced new initiatives to spur housing creation in the province,” said Ravi Kahlon, Government House Leader and Minister of Housing. “The significant actions we took this spring build on the historic housing legislation we passed in fall 2023 and further strengthen our actions to ensure that communities are supported in the delivery of homes faster.”

Key actions to help people taken during the spring legislative session include:

Action on affordable homes: Launched BC Builds to fast-track housing for people earning middle incomes, strengthened protections for tenants and landlords, launched the secondary-suite incentive program, brought new short-term rental rules into force and introduced a house-flipping tax to crack down on speculation.

Strengthening health care: Opened new urgent and primary care centres across the province, made key progress on new hospital projects in growing communities, such as Surrey and Richmond, welcomed 700 doctors to family practice and 6,300 nurses to B.C. in the past year.

Easing cost-of-living pressures: Provided a $110 ICBC rebate to drivers, who have now saved an average of $2,000 over six years, boosted and expanded the B.C family benefit, introduced a new BC electricity credit that will save people an average of $100 on bills this year, and starting next year, one round of IVF will be free.

Keeping kids and communities safe: Banned illegal drug use in public spaces, protected kids and teachers from disruptive protests at schools, reached an agreement with social media giants to keep children safe when they’re online and passed anti-racism legislation.

Building a stronger economy that works better for people: Launched an industrial blueprint to drive investment and create jobs, cut taxes for more small businesses by doubling the Employer Health Tax exemption and started an unprecedented expansion of B.C.’s clean electricity system.

Quick Fact:

• B.C. is building 2.5 times more housing per capita than Ontario according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Learn More:

To learn more about the legislations introduced this spring, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/legislation

To learn more about the housing initiatives and the Homes for People action plan, visit:  https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing

Two backgrounders follow.

Backgrounders

What to know about government bills in spring 2024 legislative session.

Delivering more homes for people:

Bill 15 – Budget Measures Implementation (Residential Property (Short-Term Holding) Profit Tax) Act:

The B.C. flipping tax means more homes for families, not speculators. B.C. is taking action to target housing speculation to make sure more people can find an affordable home in the communities where they live and work.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024FIN0019-000462

Bill 14 – Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act:

Amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act will strengthen protections for tenants against bad-faith evictions, support landlords against problematic tenants and eliminate rent increases for additional minor occupants in a household. No rent increases above the annual allowable rent increase will be permitted even if there is a term in the tenancy agreement that states rent will increase with new occupants.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HOUS0017-000461

Bill 16 – Housing Statutes Amendment Act :

New proposed measures will improve the ability of local governments to build more affordable, livable communities for people and help tenants facing eviction from redevelopment.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HOUS0049-000471

Bill 18 – Vancouver Charter Amendment Act (No. 2):

Proposed changes to the Vancouver Charter will help build more homes faster. The legislative amendments would help improve planning and public hearing processes to support the timely delivery of housing for people in Vancouver.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024MUNI0018-000505

Bill 27 – Municipalities Enabling and Validating (No. 5) Amendment Act, 2024:

New amendments to the Municipalities Enabling and Validating Act (MEVA) will support action by the provincial government to keep rents affordable for low-income people in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), preventing as many as 1,000 people from losing their homes. The amendments were made at request of the City of Vancouver, allowing the city to regulate single-room occupancy (SRO) vacancy control and protect rent affordability for vulnerable residents. The amendments will validate single-room accommodation bylaws that limit rent increases between tenancies at SROs, as set out in Vancouver’s bylaws.

Bill 11 – Vancouver Charter Amendment :

Proposed legislative amendments support reconciliation and the delivery of social housing for people living in Vancouver. The bill will recognize First Nations as a level of government that qualify for exemptions from the City of Vancouver’s development-cost levy and amenity-cost charge for social-housing projects built on First Nations-owned land in Vancouver.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024MUNI0003-000341

Helping people with everyday costs:

Bill 3 – Budget Measures Implementation Act:

As part of Budget 2024, the Budget Measures Implementation Act outlined tax measures to crack down on the flipping of homes, support small and growing businesses, and help more first-time homebuyers get into the market.

Bill 2 – Employment Standards Amendment Act:

Amendments will ensure minimum wages automatically increase each year based on inflation. These changes will provide greater predictability for businesses and ensure B.C.’s lowest-paid workers do not fall behind. On June 1, 2024, minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024LBR0006-000240

Bill 7 – Social Development and Poverty Reduction Statutes Amendment Act:

The Poverty Reduction Bill sets ambitious new 10-year targets to help people out of poverty. Changes to legislation will also reduce barriers for people receiving income assistance or disability assistance, improving their access to the supports they need to move out of poverty.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024SDPR0006-000284

Keeping communities safe:

Bill 10 – Commercial Transport Amendment Act:

Changes to the Commercial Transport Act will make highway travel safer for everyone by imposing higher penalties for commercial truck drivers who hit overpasses.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024MOTI0028-000326

Bill 22 – Safe Access to Schools Act:

New legislation will help keep kids safe and focused on their education by preventing disruptive behaviour on school grounds, protecting the physical and mental safety of students and staff.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PREM0018-000526

Bill 26 – Name Amendment Act (No.2):

Proposed changes to the Name Act would prevent offenders convicted of serious Criminal Code offences from legally changing their names.

Bill 17 – Police Amendment Act:

Changes introduced to the Police Act will help ensure B.C.’s policing system is fair, equitable and responsive to all communities, with improved governance and oversight of municipal police agencies.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSSG0024-000478

Building a stronger and more inclusive economy:

Bill 23 – Anti-Racism Act:

The Anti-Racism Act requires government to identify and remove barriers affecting Indigenous and racialized people, making it more equitable for them when seeking out government programs and services in hospitals, schools, courts and other public institutions.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024AG0020-000521

Bill 25 – Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act, 2024:

The Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act, 2024, recognizes Haida’s Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii and is the first legislation to recognize Aboriginal title in Canadian history.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024IRR0020-000610

Bill 19 – Children and Family Development Statutes Amendment Act:

Amendments to the Adoption Act and the Child, Family and Community Service Act will strengthen Indigenous jurisdiction in child and family services. The changes will expand the scope for joint and consent-based decision-making agreements in Indigenous child and family services, and will create a full pathway for dispute resolution through the provincial courts under Indigenous law.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024CFD0005-000501

Bill 5 – Child, Family and Community Service Amendment Act: New procedural safeguards in the Child, Family and Community Service Act will enhance personal privacy protections, while supporting child protection needs through amended legislation that also removes barriers to Indigenous jurisdiction.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024CFD0001-000254

Bill 20 – First Nations Mandated Post-Secondary Institutes Act:

New legislation will commit to ongoing funding for First Nations-mandated post-secondary institutes to reflect their important role within B.C.’s post-secondary education system.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSFS0020-000510

Bill 8 – Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust (Winding Up) Act:

Through the Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust (Winding Up) Act, B.C. will enable the transfer of approximately $60 million from a legacy trust to the Gwaii Trust Society. The new fund will be used to support environmental restoration, renewable energy and economic diversification projects.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024FOR0009-000290

Bill 24 - Energy Statutes Amendment Act:

Legislative amendments will help ensure B.C. has reliable, affordable electricity to power the future, especially with more people and businesses switching to clean energy. 

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024EMLI0019-000536

Bill 13 – Land Title and Property Law Amendment Act:

The proposed Land Title and Property Law Amendment Act will help to eliminate discriminatory barriers for First Nations. The result would be administrative changes to the ways First Nations can acquire, hold and register fee-simple land in B.C., reducing discriminatory and racist barriers.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024IRR0013-000460

Bill 9 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act:

The Miscellaneous Bill contains amendments to the Offence Act, Lobbyist Transparency Act, Protected Areas of British Columbia Act, Financial Institutions Act, Sechelt Indian Government District Enabling Act, Chartered Professional Accountants Act, Motor Vehicle Act and Labour Relations Code.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024AG0015-000328

Bill 4 – Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act:

The proposed amendments will streamline and modernize several processes, such as reporting for the Municipal Finance Authority, as well as dog licensing and landscaping in Vancouver. This will make some services more user-friendly for people in Vancouver and B.C.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024MUNI0002-000251

Bill 21 – Legal Professions Act:

The proposed Legal Professions Act brings lawyers, notaries and other legal professionals under a single regulatory body. Depending on the legal matter, people will be able to choose if they would like to hire a lawyer, a notary public or a new designation called a regulatory paralegal for assistance.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024AG0021-000527

Key housing actions taken this spring

Updated on may 17, 2024.

• Launched BC Builds to leverage underused public land and low-cost financing to deliver thousands of rental homes for people with middle incomes faster.
• Secured $2 billion in financing from the Government of Canada for BC Builds to create thousands of additional homes.
• Brought new short-term rental rules into force, including principal-residence requirements and increased fines, to bring thousands of homes back into the long-term market.
• Launched the secondary-suite incentive program to create thousands of new, affordable homes throughout the province.
• Approved 3,500 new affordable homes to be built through the Community Housing Fund.
• Announced the first 400 of the more than 2,000 affordable homes to be protected through the $500-million Rental Protection Fund.
• Created partnerships with local governments to address homelessness and build housing in Abbotsford, Campbell River, Chilliwack, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George and Victoria.
• Increased rent supplements for seniors with low incomes and ensured that more seniors qualify.
• Brought in changes to the Residential Tenancy Act to better protect people from bad-faith evictions, support landlords with problematic tenants and eliminate rent increases for additional minor occupants in a household.
• Dramatically improved wait times at the Residential Tenancy Branch to resolve rental disputes faster, including a 73% reduction in all tenancy-dispute hearing wait times since November 2022.
• Increased funding to the BC Rent Bank by $11 million to support as many as 20,000 vulnerable renters, who have unforeseen financial challenges, stay in their homes.
• Brought in new measures to allow inclusionary zoning and to help tenants facing eviction from redevelopment.
• Identified 20 more priority communities in high-growth, high-need regions of B.C. to deliver more homes faster.
• Updated the building code to expand the use of mass timber so that housing can be built faster and more sustainably.
• Introduced greater protections for strata owners to create more stability and better management of their homes.
• Provided $51 million to local governments to meet new legislative requirements of new housing-density initiatives, such as small-scale, multi-unit housing and transit-oriented developments.
• SessionEnd_Chinese(simplified).pdf
• SessionEnd_Chinese(traditional).pdf
• SessionEnd_French.pdf
• SessionEnd_Punjabi.pdf
• SessionEnd_Tagalog.pdf

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