Northern British Columbia

Queen Charlotte Islands

The Queen Charlotte Islands—historically known as Haida Gwaii, — is an archipelago of more than 150 islands. The region is a popular destination for travelers seeking beautiful coastal landscapes and a fascinating First Nations culture. The islands are some of the world’s richest heritage treasures, with more than 500 archeological sites.

Haida Gwaii's climate produces lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. Groups of Sitka deer feed on the grassy clearings along the Queen Charlotte Highway, and eagles—often hundreds at a time—can be seen flying overhead in spring and summer.

Island waters teem with sea life. Watch for grey, orca, and humpback whales along with seals, sea lions, porpoises, and marine birds. For the ultimate vantage point, take a kayaking daytrip in Skidegate Inlet or a multi-day paddle to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site—North America's #1 national park according to National Georaphic Traveler Magazine.

Haida Gwaii's administrative center is located in Queen Charlotte City, a small community offering motels, B & B accommodation, restaurants, shops and galleries. Local operators offer tours and activites such as fishing, kayaking, floatplane trips, beachcombing, diving, and whale watching.

Learn more about the Haida Gwaii in Northern BC by clicking on Field Reporter Simon's video below.

• Facts
• Communities
• Nature Wildlife Viewing
• Haida Culture
• Fishing
• Kayaking

Facts

• The Queen Charlotte Islands are known by its original settlers as Haida Gwaii, which means, “the islands of the people.”

• There are two main islands: Graham Island is defined by far-reaching beaches along its east side and a rocky, inlet-studded west coast; wilder Moresby Island is home to rugged mountain ranges and some of Canada's oldest cedar and spruce forests.

• The climate here is mild, moderated by moist Pacific air throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 8ºC (46ºF).

• The islands are reached by a 6.5-hour BC Ferries ride from Prince Rupert. Scheduled airline service from Vancouver is also available as well as floatplane service from Prince Rupert.

• A 20-minute ferry ride connects Graham and Moresby islands and their communities.

• Most communities and roadways are located on Graham Island, with Queen Charlotte City the administrative centre.

• The islands' commercial airport is near the community of Sandspit on Moresby Island.

Communities

Queen Charlotte City
Queen Charlotte City is located in Bearskin Bay on the southern shore of Graham Island.
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Sandspit
Sandspit lies on the northeast tip of Moresby Island, one of the Queen Charlotte Islands.
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Nature Wildlife Viewing

The Queen Charlottes are a unique ecological refuge, probably because
parts of the islands were not completely glaciated during the last ice age.

• Distinct flora and fauna have evolved here for thousands of years, giving the islands the nickname, “the Galapagos of the north.”

• You're in whale country: watch for greys, which pass through in spring en route to the Bering Sea. Look for orcas, humpbacks and minkes, too, as well as dolphins, porpoises and harbour seals.

• Bring your binoculars, because Haida Gwaii hosts over 250 different bird species, including the rare horned puffin. You'll spot masses of gulls, eagles and ravens during the fish-spawning season.

Haida Culture

Visitors from around the world are drawn to the history and vibrant arts of the Haida.

• Visit the communities of Skidegate and Old Massett to see traditional dugout canoes, witness captivating ceremonies and gaze at the art, which includes magnificent totem poles.

• Explore  Haida art, history and culture at the new Haida Heritage Centre at Qay'llnagaay.

• Many important Haida sites are protected in the remote wilderness of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site on south Moresby Island. SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), the location of awesome (and humbling) standing Haida mortuary poles, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gwaii Haanas is only accessible by boat or floatplane. Many guided sailing, kayaking and floatplane tours are available.

Fishing

Mention the Queen Charlottes in southern BC and residents immediately think, Fishing. Anglers, take note: the islands are a revered world-class destination:

• Island waters host all five species of Pacific salmon, as well as river steelhead, halibut, lingcod, rock fish, Dungeness crab and prawns.

• Charters are available as are a variety of accommodation, including floating and land-based lodges.

Kayaking

If kayaking is one of your sports, then make the Queen Charlottes one of your destinations,

• Hundreds of islands, sheltered coves and inlets, and a rich abundance of sea life make the islands an unforgettable kayaking destination.

• Beginners: Rent a kayak in Queen Charlotte City and weave through the islets of Skidegate Inlet as the ancient Haida canoes once did.

• Experienced paddlers: Arrange a multi-day journey into the pristine waters of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.