Between Seattle and South East Alaska, the Pacific coast is one of the most beautiful marine landscape in the world. And the pearl of the coast is Haida Gwaii, an archipelago in British Columbia. Haida Gwaii, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is located 150 miles west of Prince Rupert and just south of the border with Alaska.
Haida Gwaii is also known as the Galapagos of the North. It is the birthplace of the Haida people, one of the most powerful first nation of the Pacific North West. The archipelago was renamed Haida Gwaii, the land of the Haidas, in 2010 to honor their heritage. 4500 people live there including 50% of members of the Haida nation.
It is about 200 miles long with two large islands: Graham in the north and Moresby in the south, and 120 smaller islands. It is a very mountainous area and the west coast is extremely remote and is known as the edge of the world. To reach Haida Gwaii, you can choose between daily flights from Vancouver, ferry from Prince Rupert or sailing your own boat.
Visiting Haida Gwaii is one of the most beautiful travel you could do in our part of the world. You will be able to combine salmon fishing, hiking in thousand years old forest and remote beaches, take a local cruise to visit the Gwaii Haanas (the land of wonders) national park and visit the ancestral villages of the Haida, including one which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Salmon fishing
The hanging rock on the beach
Thousand years old Sitka Spruce
SGang Gwaay, Haida village where more than a 1000 people used to live.
And, of course, you will be able to watch the local fauna, both on land and on water.
And to relax after so many adventures, you will also be able to bath in warm springs and even play golf in Sandspit.
Welcome to the edge of the world, welcome to Haida Gwaii. https://www.gohaidagwaii.ca/
Marc Onetto
