Haida Gwaii / the Queen Charlotte Islands
The Queen Charlotte Islands are known locally as Haida Gwaii (Islands of the People) and are an archipelago of about 150 islands, consisting of 2 large islands and a myriad of smaller islands. Located 128 km off the northwest coast of British Columbia, the 5,000 inhabitants live mostly in the small communities on Graham Island and in Sandspit on the northern tip of Moresby Island.
Once home to hundreds of Haida villages, the majority of the Haida Nation today live in the two communities of Old Massett (Haida) and Skidegate. The ancient Haida village sites, with standing poles and the visible remnants of Haida longhouses, are found primarily in the Gwaii Hannas National Park Reserve and Haida Protected Area. This area is accessible only by boat or float plane. Arrangements can be made visit these sites as part of your tour if requested.
"Discovered" by Juan Perez in 1778, Haida Gwaii was the first place in British Columbia to be sighted by a European. Little interest was shown in the area until the areas vast fur reserves were uncovered. Later gold, coal, fishing and lumber would take their places as initiators of European settlement on the Islands.
Climate
Weather on the Islands is variable and often changes quickly. Summer temperatures are in the 15 to 20 C range and the days are long. June and July have up to 20 hours of daylight although May and August have the most sun. There is a fair degree of sporadic rain throughout the summer months however, extended periods of rain are unusual. Winter months are mild with temperatures in the 0 C to 8 C range. There can be some snowfall although the majority of precipitation is in the form of rain. Weather Conditions can become severe without warning and Masset has registered wind gusts to 160 km/h!
Village of Masset
The Village of Masset is a small fishing community, on the northern end of Graham Island. Masset is the oldest and largest of the Islands’ municipalities with full amenities for visitors including a community rec. centre with sauna, swimming pool, and bowling alley. The community is an excellent base to explore the northern section of Naikoon Provincial Park, close to features like North Beach and Tow Hill.
Getting Here
If you are not travelling as part of our All-Inclusive Discovery Tours you have a few options for getting yourself to the Islands.
BC Ferries offers regular sailings from Prince Rupert to Skidegate. The crossing takes about 8 hours.
Pacific Coastal Airlines flies daily between Vancouver and Masset in the summer and 4 days a week during the winter. Flying time is 2 hours.
Air Canada flies daily from Vancouver to Sandspit. Flying time is 1 1/2 hours.
North Pacific Seaplanes flies twice daily between Prince Rupert and Masset.
Old Massett (Haida) IR
Old Massett (Haida) is one of two occupied Indian Reserves on Graham Island. Located beside Masset, Old Massett is home to many outstanding artisans. Traditionally a fishing and boat building centre Old Massett is experiencing a revival and resurgence of traditional culture and art. The communities of Masset and Old Massett are the most closely linked First Nations and non-First nations communities in Canada and share many of their sevices. Both communities are known together collectivly as Greatter Massett.
Village of Port Clements
The Village of Port Clements is located at the base of Masset Inlet, 48 km south of Masset. Originally established by the coal industry, forestry has been the economic driver of the area for more than 65 years. Port Clements offers excellent opportunities for nature viewing and settlement history studies. Port Clements is near the Yakoun River, Golden Spruce Trail and Haida Canoe.
Tlell
Tlell is a small rural community approximatly 1/2 way between the Village of Queen Charlotte and Masset. Tlell has an operating cattle ranch, numerous B&B accomodations, and several small artisan studios. The Edge of the World Music Festival takes place in Tlell on the second weekend every August and is a popular event for visitors and locals. The Tlell River Day-Use Area is the starting point for day hikes to the wreck of the "Pesuta" or longer 4-6 days hikes along East Beach to Rose Spit and Tow Hill within Naikoon Provincial Park.
Skidegate IR
The Haida Reserve of Skidegate is home to Bill Reid's Loo Taas Canoe and Dogfish Totem pole. Skidegate is a crossing point for BC Ferries service to Prince Rupert and to Aliford Bay on Moresby Island. The recently completed Haida Heritage Centre and Haida Gwaii Museum at Kaay'Llnaagay on the edge of the community are must sees for visitors wanting contact with the Islands cultural and natural history.
Sandspit
Sandspit is the only community on Moresby Island and is primarily a forestry town although the tourist industry is making some gains. Sandspit has an International Airport (YZR) that is serviced by Air Canada. The recently constructed small boat harbour is the pride of the town. Sandspit is the closest community for visitors wanting to embark on sailboat charters from Moresby Camp.
Village of Queen Charlotte
The Islands newest municipality (2005) Queen Charlotte is spread out along the Yellowhead Highway. The second largest settlement on Graham Island, The Village of Queen Charlotte serves as an administration centre and entrance point to the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Protected Area. The community has a wharf for mariners and beautiful views across Bearskin Bay to the San Christoval mountains that run along the west coast of the archipeligo.
Toll free in North America 1-866-626-3949
Getting Around
Once on the Islands getting around can be difficult. Scheduled bus service is limited between the Sandspit Airport and Queen Charlotte and taxi service is limited to the major centres.
Vehicles may be rented from the following operators, but your best bet is to tour with us!
Rustic Rentals 250-559-4641
Budget Rentals 1 -800-557-3228
National Tilden 1-800-227-7368