Is Haida Gwaii worth visiting?

If the distance and the effort involved seem overwhelming, trust us—it’s worth it. Haida Gwaii is a snapshot of the unchecked power of nature, and a testament to the bravery of the humans who inhabited the area over the millennia.

What is the best time of year to visit Haida Gwaii?

Generally our best weather is May – September, with July and August being the warmest months – usually! From Vancouver you can fly direct into Masset via Pacific Coastal, or direct into Sandspit via Air Canada.

What is so special about Haida Gwaii?

Known as the Canadian Galápagos for its endemic wildlife, including the ubiquitous Sitka deer visible along the islands’ only main road, this 155-mile-long, torch-shaped archipelago hangs underneath the Alaska panhandle, over 90 nautical miles off British Columbia’s North Coast.

What is the Hecate Strait known for?

Hecate Strait is notorious for rough water. With shallow depths, ranging from 50 to 115 feet, winds can quickly whip up uncomfortable seas. Early morning crossings when winds are typically lighter, are usually recommended. Tides move large volumes of water through Hecate Strait.

Do you need a car on Haida Gwaii?

Once you’re in Haida Gwaii, you will need a car to get around. So if arriving by air, consider renting a car.

How long does it take to drive around Haida Gwaii?

17-hour
I kicked off my summer with a great British Columbian road trip. The final destination: Haida Gwaii. This mystical and remarkably beautiful archipelago of around 150 islands is full of wilderness and history. And it’s (just) a 17-hour drive (and 8-hour ferry ride) away from Vancouver.

Does anyone live on Haida Gwaii?

Today, around 4,500 people live on the islands. About 70% of the indigenous people (Haida) live in two communities at Skidegate and Old Massett, with a population of about 700 each. In total the Haida make up 45% of the population of the islands.

Is Hecate Strait international waters?

It merges with Queen Charlotte Sound to the south and Dixon Entrance to the north….

Are there bears in Haida Gwaii?

Black bears (Ursus americanus carlottae) play a vital role on the Islands; and for thousands of years, the Haida have respected this animal, calling bears Taan, or “Brother of Man”. The bears found on Haida Gwaii are often seen foraging in the intertidal zone.

Are there wolves on Haida Gwaii?

There are no grizzly bears, no wolves, coyotes or foxes, no cougars, lynx or bobcat either! There are only 10 native land mammals on Haida Gwaii and six of them are unique subspecies found nowhere else!

How to visit Haida Gwaii?

Here’s how to visit. A n archipelago off the western coast of mainland Canada, Haida Gwaii is tough to reach but well worth the trip. Most of the population and activities are concentrated on the two largest islands: Graham in the north—home to Queen Charlotte, the principal city—and Moresby, the gateway to Gwaii Haanas National Park, in the south.

How do I get to the Haida Islands?

(Air Canada is the only airline with connecting international flights.) You can also take the eight-hour ferry ride (cars allowed) from Prince Rupert, B.C., to Skidegate, a Haida village located five miles east of Queen Charlotte.

What happened to Haida Gwaii?

In 2010, after the passage of a landmark reconciliation agreement, Haida leaders ceremonially returned the colonial name to the then-Premier of British Columbia in a traditional handcrafted bentwood box. The islands were renamed Haida Gwaii, Islands of the People, and maps were redrawn to include Haida place names.

How did the Haida cross the Hecate?

Haida canoes, which could be up to 60 feet long and hold as many as 40 people, were the only ones capable of crossing the Hecate Strait to the mainland. In another workshop, Jaalen Edenshaw hollows a 36-foot canoe from one massive cedar trunk, which he widens by steaming it open with hot stones.