When you've reached the edge
of your world, ours begins.
Spring & Fall e-News will keep you updated on what's happening on Haida Gwaii
What’s New
Check out the Haida Gwaii Tourism Blogspot - it's all about Haida Gwaii! Updated Monday mornings
| Annual Festivals | |
| Haida Gwaii Film Festival | March 25-27 |
| Masset Harbour Days | May 21-22 |
| Aboriginal Day Celebration (Old Massett) | June |
| Hospital Day Parade and events in Queen Charlotte | June 18 |
| Canada Day events in Port Clements (mud bog, fishing derby) | June 30-July 1 |
| Skidegate Days (canoe races, Haida events) | July 14-16 |
| Totem to Totem Marathon | July 16 |
| Bike Race at the Edge | not this year |
| Logger Sports Day in Sandspit | July 23 |
| Tlell Fall Fair | July 31 |
| Edge of the World Music Festival | August 5-7 |
| Haida Heritage Celebration | August 20 |
| Coho Salmon Derby in Sandspit | September |
| Surfing Expression Session | November |
What to do
Haida Gwaii is great for hardy adventurers, sports enthusiasts, or individuals, couples, and families who simply want to vacation in a relaxing environment and soak up culture. Haida Gwaii offers endless recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, and camping in and around protected parks and reserves of diverse wildlife and flora. It's also the only place in all of Northern British Columbia where travellers can surf. Aboriginal sites and remarkable works of art make for good down time exploring.
Biking
Haida Gwaii offers 150 kms of paved road that follows the coast from the Haida village of Old Massett down to the village of Queen Charlotte and approximately 20km on 
Moresby Island from the Alliford Bay ferry landing to the village of Sandspit.
BC Ferries charge $5 for bikes from Prince Rupert to Skidegate and $2 from Skidegate to Alliford Bay (Moresby Island to go to Sandspit). BC Ferries prices subject to change.
The cycling club, Derailers in the Mist ride together out of Queen Charlotte and often organize a bike race called "Race to the Edge" in the summer time. Check out their blog for further details.
There are a number of places to rent bikes around the islands:
Moresby Explorers Sandspit 365 Beach rd 250-637-2215
Dorothy and Mike's Guesthouse Queen Charlotte 3127 2nd Ave 250-559-8439
North Beach Surf Shop Masset 1567 Delkatla St 250-626-7873
Trip to Gwaii Haanas
Gwaii Haanas is a wilderness of 1,884 islands and islets, extending about 90 km from north to south. The San Christoval Range forms its backbone, with peaks of up to 1,200 m in height. Gwaii Haanas is surrounded by over 1,700 km of shoreline. On the western shore, surf batters against mountains that plunge steeply into the ocean. The eastern shore is gentler, with relatively protected waters. Still, storms can bring winds of more than 100 km an hour (60 miles an hour) to the east coast. The west coast bears the brunt of Pacific storms, where winds have been recorded at speeds of nearly 200km and hour (120 miles an hour). Anciet cedars, hemlocks and Sitka spruce tower over an undergrowth of salal, shrubs, fern and moss, patterning the forest with many shades of green.
Discover Haida traditions wile visiting the 5 Haida Gwaii Watchmen village sites:
K'uuna Llnagaay (Skedans)
T'aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu)
Hlk'yah GaawGa (Windy Bay)
Gandll K'in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island)
SGang Gwaay (Ninstints, Anthony Island)
Before visiting Gwaii Haanas, independent travellers without a tour guide licensed by Gwaii Haanas, must make a reservation and pay an all inclusive entry fee. The daily fees for 2011 are under $20 for adults. All visitors are required to attend an orientation at least once every 3 years. Visitor trip permits are issued at the orientations. Make your reservation by calling the Gwaii Haanas Administration Office at 1-877-559-8818. 
Surfing
The islands offer the excitement of surfing as well!
Surfing on Haida Gwaii is a well-kept secret! Bring your board, wetsuit, gloves, hoodie and booties for this adventure or rent from the islands surf shop in Masset: North Beach Surf Shop (250) 626-SURF. 
The waves hit the islands for good surf primarily from October to May but swells keep the surf going the odd day in the summer. The beaches best known for surfing are North Beach, the Hiellen, Jungle Beach and Rennel Sound.
The third annual Surfing Expression Session held on North Beach, November 1-5, 2011 was another success! The 2011 event - The 'Smorgasboard' featured a variety of board sports. The annual event is becoming increasingly popular!
Surfing Agate Beach and North Beach
Surfing Agate Beach You Tube Video Credit: kevlarsmit
Surfing Queen Charlotte Islands North Beach You Tube Video Credit: mungbob99
Surfing Queen Charlottes You Tube Video Credit: indeeko
Land Tours
There are many places to visit on the islands, the nooks and crannies of which can be shown by one of the local tour guides.
Mount Moresby Adventure Camp Mosquito Lake 626-3494
Haida Gwaii Adventure Tours Sandspit 637-2424
Eagle Transit Queen Charlotte 559-4461
Off the Beaten Path Tours Queen Charlotte 559-7759
Gwaii Taxi and Tours Skidegate 559-2380
Haida Expeditions Skidegate 559-7885
Kris May Guiding Services Skidegate 559-8432
“Skil Q’uas” Dick Bellis Skidegate 559-8067
Delkatla Bay Birding Tours Masset 626-5015
Haida Gwaii Discovery Tours Masset 1-866-626-3949
Hiellen Tours Old Massett 626-3337 ext 29
Tluu Xaada Naay Longhouse and Canoe Tour Old Massett 626-5250
Museums & Centres
The Haida Heritage Centre is an award winning cultural heritage centre in a 53,000 square foot cedar multi-complex consisting of five contemporary monumental timber longhouses. The Centre houses the expanded Haida Gwaii Museum, additional temporary exhibition space, two meeting rooms/classrooms, the Performing House, Canoe House, Bill Reid Teaching Centre, the Carving Shed, a gift shop and a small restaurant/cafe. The Haida Gwaii Museum focuses on the Islands Natural History and traditional Haida Culture.
The official Grand Opening Ceremony took place on Saturday, August 23rd, 2008.
Photo & Video Credits: Haida Heritage Center
Haida Gwaii Museum
Kaay Llnagaay ("Sea Lion Town") Second Beach Road.
The Haida Gwaii Museum is a non-profit organization with a 20 member board of directors representing all Haida Gwaii communities. The museum originally opened to the public in 1976 at Second Beach, Skidegate. In 2008, the newly renovated 17,000 sq ft expanded museum was opened, as part of the new 53,000 sq ft Haida Heritage Centre. The Haida Gwaii Museum primarily focuses on Haida history and contemporary culture in the form of art, objects, knowledge and documentation.
The museum's permanent 'Exhibit Houses' include Greenhouse Atrium, Eating House, Saving Things House, Contact and Conflict, Keeping our Way of Life, Forest, Connections and Cycles/Natural History.
In addition, The museum organizes an annual visual arts program of workshops and temporary artist exhibits; educational programs in conjunction with School District #50; and a series of public programs aimed at Haida Gwaii visitors during the visitor season (May to September).
Four to six temporary exhibitions representing the work of contemporary artists from Haida Gwaii as well as artists from BC, Canada and international destinations are organized each year.
Open daily in the summer with reduced hours during the winter. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children under 6. Different hours during the winter months.
Box 1373, Skidegate, V0T 1S0
Ph: (250) 559-4643/ Fax: (250) 559-7886
E-mail: haidagwaiimuseum@skidegate.ca
Port Clements Settlers Museum
45 Bayview Ave
Box 417, Port Clements, VOT 1RO
Ph: (250) 557-4576 or (250) 557-4403
Fax: (250) 557-4255
E-mail: pcmuseum@qcislands.net
The Settlers Museum in Port Clements is operated by the Port Clements Historical Society. The museum was built in 1985 to display items having historical value from early pioneers on Haida Gwaii. The focus of the Settlers Museum is upon the history of the European settlement and the forest industry on Haida Gwaii. Displays include pioneer artifacts and historical photographs of logging camps and early 1900s life in Queenstown/Port Clements.
The Golden Spruce and the ‘White Raven’ were popular attractions in Port Clements until 1997 at which time the Golden Spruce was illegally felled and the ‘White Raven’ met its demise when it made contact with an electrical transformer. The museum features both of these attractions in articles and photographs.
Open daily during the summer from 11am-4pm and on weekends during the winter at different hours. Admission is $2.
Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum
2182 Collinson Ave
Masset, V0T 1M0
Ph: (250) 626-6066
The Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum is appropriately located in an historical building – that being the original Masset hospital, built in 1914. The building has also served as a school house, a teacherage and an alternative school.
The Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum was organized with leadership from David Phillips and a group of dedicated volunteers. The museum opened to the public in 2001 and continues to operate as a non-profit organization.
The focus of the museum is upon Greater Massett’s maritime and settlement history. The museum features exhibits of Masset and Old Massett’s fishing fleets and shipbuilders as well as the numerous clam and crab canneries (Tow Hill, Naden Harbour, Old Masset, Lock Port and Queen Charlotte).
The museum captures the history of the thriving north end communities in a time of abundance and hardship.
The museum displays include photographs and documentation from the turn of the century featuring medical pioneers on Haida Gwaii, Union Steamships as the mode of transportation to Haida Gwaii, pioneer life and military history.
The museum also features local art exhibits throughout the year.
Open daily June - September (1-5pm) and weekends in April– June (2-4pm) . Admission is $2.
1860 Trumpeter Drive
Masset, V0T 1M0
Ph: (250) 626-5015
A building ajacent to the wildlife sanctuary, it provides interesting information on local birds, nature interpretation and local art on display. Open Thursday to Sunday 2pm-4pm.
Art Route Tour
Haida Gwaii is known for its rich history of art and culture. Historically, Haida carvings and creations were not necessarily regarded as “art” but rather as a functional component of ceremonial society. Following European contact, Haida art began to be recognized and valued beyond its practical uses.
We are fortunate today to celebrate the Arts on Haida Gwaii. Haida art has been preserved in museums worldwide including masks, totem poles and regalia. Many books document this powerful history. Today, we can celebrate this preservation and the possible repatriation of these treasures to their homeland.
Many carvers continue the Haida traditional techniques. Renowned artists such as Bill Reid, Robert Davidson, Reg Davidson, and Jim Hart have made great strides in showcasing Haida art and culture. The development of the Bill Reid Teaching Centre and Carving Shed within the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay in Skidegate will be another asset for those wishing to discover the meaning of Haida forms while they visit the Islands.
Haida Gwaii, Queen Charlotte Islands has attracted many creative people who have come to enjoy the natural environment as inspiration for their creativity.
Emily Carr, famous member of Canada’s Group of Seven, left a legacy of documented works of old Haida village sites and Toni Onley supported the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary with his watercolour originals. Cultural exchanges have also taken place with the Hopi, artist Jessi Monangue and a Maori delegation from New Zealand.
Numerous artisans have chosen to call Haida Gwaii home. These islands have attracted sculptors such as Lon Sharp, batik artist Betsy Cardell, water colour artists (Benita Saunders and Sheila Karrow), acrylic artists (Sheila Karrow and Kiki van der Heiden) and gemstone jeweller Dutes Dutheil.
Take the Art Route Tour! Meet the artists and experience their passion for this amazing place and its cultural history.
There are many Galleries and Artists/Artisans on the Islands. Pick up a copy of the Art Route brochure produced by Haida Gwaii Tourism listing artisans islands-wide. Some have dedicated storefronts, some work out of their home - all welcome you. Enjoy the islands' hospitality!
Galleries & Shops
Sandspit Visitor Centre Sandspit 1 Airport Rd 250-637-5362
Tidal Haans Pottery Sandspit 587 Beach Rd 250-637-2332
Funk It! Queen Charlotte 3208 Wharf St 250-559-4753
Charlisle Clothiers Queen Charlotte 104 Causeway 250-559-8444
Jackies Island Jewelers Ltd. Queen Charlotte 3301 Oceanview Dr 250-559-4423
Nancy Hett Pottery Queen Charlotte 611 6th Ave 250-559-8234
QCI Office Works Plus Queen Charlotte 403 3rd Ave 250-559-4599
Queen Charlotte Visitor Centre Queen Charlotte 3220 Wharf St 250-559-8316
Rainbows Gallery Queen Charlotte 3201 Oceanview Dr 250-559-8420
Seaside Gifts Queen Charlotte 404 Oceanview Dr 250-559-4242
Haida Heritage Centre Giftshop Skidegate 2 Second Beach Rd 250-559-4643
Longhouse Giftshop Skidegate 107 Front St 250-559-8013
Joby’s Wear Skidegate 2 Skidegate Commercial Centre 250-559-7788
Tom Greene jr Studio Skidegate 211 Front St 250-559-8348
Sitka Studio Tlell 845 Richardson Rd 250-557-4241
Crystal Cabin Gallery Tlell 778A Richardson Rd 250-557-4383
Ernie Burnett’s Studio Tlell 459 Richardson Rd 250-557-4531
All Things Stationery Masset 1684 Orr St 250-626-6042
Bloom and Shoe Masset 2083 Collison Ave 250-626-3366
Haida Raven Gallery Masset 1530 Old Beach Rd 250-626-3979
Island Time Pottery Masset 2162 Collison Ave 250-626-5459
Made with Love Masset 1971 Trumpeter Ave 250-626-3220
Alliance Children’s Shop Old Massett 368 Guud K'yuuwaas(Eagle Ave) 250-626-7528
James Sawyer Haida Art Old Massett 369 Guud K'yuuwaas(Eagle Ave) 250-626-3518
Sarah’s Haida Arts & Jewellery Old Massett 387 Guud K'yuuwaas(Eagle Ave) 250-626-5560
Sherri Dick and Apprentices Weaving Old Massett 607 K'yuu t'askajuuhldyas(Loop Rd) 250-626-9323
Fishing & Crabbing
Anglers are attracted to Haida Gwaii mostly for Spring Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Halibut. 
Hop on a charter or stay at one of the many luxurious fishing lodges on remote islands in the area. Crabbing and catching prawns is part of the experience too. Throw some traps over the side of your boat, or place them on North Beach on Graham Island, and simply wait for the tide to roll in and out. Supper will be waiting.
Cartwright Sound Charters Sandspit 250-637-2276
Copper Bay Lodge (fresh water) Sandspit 877-846-9153
Sandspit Adventures Sandspit 250-637-2210
Queen Charlotte Safaris Sandspit 250-637-5788
Captain Arch’s Fishin’ Ventures Queen Charlotte 250-559-9055
Gwaii Horizon Adventure Guides Queen Charlotte 250-559-9040
Lone Wolf Fishing Charters Queen Charlotte 250-559-8836
Old Owl Charters Queen Charlotte 250-559-7866
West Wave Fishing Queen Charlotte 250-559-7759
Haida Expeditions Skidegate 250-559-7885
Haida Soul Fishing Charters Skidegate 250-559-8397
Starlock Charters Skidegate 250-559-4760
Salt Spray Explorers Tlell 250-557-4453
Sea to Trees Fishing and Eco Adventures Tlell 250--557-8599
Eagle Crest Enterprises Port Clements 250-557-4541
Golden Spruce Charters Port Clements 250-557-4325
Kumdis River Lodge Port Clements 250-557-4217
Dream Maker Fishing Adventures Masset 250-626-3779
Escott Sport Fishing Masset 250-626-6076
Gerry’s Fishing Charters Masset 250-626-3544
Hidden Island Charters Masset 250-626-5286
Ken’s Charters and Lodging Masset 250-626-5176
Masset Fishing Adventures Masset 250-626-5299
Naden Lodge Masset 250-626-3322
Pacific Silver Fishing Adventures Masset 250-626-3242
Super Sport Charter Masset 250-626-3330
Brady’s Charters Old Massett 250-626-7900
Ugoigo Fishing Charters Old Massett 250-626-5424
Eating & Drinking
Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Shops
| Brady's Bistro | Sandspit | Airport | 637-2455 |
| Dick's Wok Inn Restaurant | Sandspit | 388 Copper Bay Rd | 637-2275 |
| Inn at Sandspit Restaurant | Sandspit | 459 Airport Rd | 637-5377 |
| The Orange Roof Restarant and Pub | Sandspit | 373 Beach Rd | 637-5445 |
| Willows Clubhouse Restaurant | Sandspit | 342 School Rd | closed |
| Howler's Bistro and Pub | Queen Charlotte | 2600 3rd Ave | 559=8600 |
| Island Burger House | Queen Charlotte | 101 Causeway | 559-4575 |
| J&T's Restaurant | Queen Charlotte | 3223 Wharf St | 559-4204 |
| Ocean View Restaurant | Queen Charlotte | 3301 Oceanview Dr | 559-8503 |
| Oceana Restaurant | Queen Charlotte | 3119 Oceanview Dr | 559-8683 |
| OV Pizza | Queen Charlotte | 3301 Oceanview Dr | 559-8008 |
| Purple Onion Deli | Queen Charlotte | #1-3207 Wharf St | 559-4119 |
| Queen B's Cafe | Queen Charlotte | #5-3208 Wharf St | 559-4463 |
| R&S Smoothies and Restaurant | Queen Charlotte | 622 Oceanview Dr | 559-4749 |
| Bite Me Bakery | Skidegate | #3-888 Hwy 16 | 559-4430 |
| Dave's Take Out | Skidegate | 112 Front St | 559-8782 |
| Haala Gaa Taa Naay | Skidegate | Haida Heritage Centre | 559-7885 |
| Jag's Beanstalk Cafe | Skidegate | 100 Hwy 16 | 559-8826 |
| Keenawii's Kitchen | Skidegate | 237 Hwy 16 | 559-8347 |
| Rising Tide Bakery | Tlell | 37580 Hwy 16 | 557-4223 |
| Gas Plus Cookhouse | Port Clements | 211 Grouse St | 557-4245 |
| Golden Spruce Restaurant | Port Clements | 2 Grouse St | 557-4325 |
| Kiku's Kitchen | Port Clements | 77886 Hwy 16 | 557-2475 |
| Yakoun River Inn Lounge | Port Clements | 117 Bayview Dr | 557-4440 |
| Bud's Take Out | Masset | 2013 Collison Ave | 626-5427 |
| Golden Pam Restaurant | Masset | 2062 Collison Ave | 626-3860 |
| Haida Bucks Lounge | Masset | 100 Dave Penna Way | 626-5540 |
| Hidden Island Restaurant | Masset | 1790 Tow Hill Rd | 626-5286 |
| Island Sunrise Cafe | Masset | 1645 Main St | 626-9344 |
| Mile Zero Restaurant and Pub | Masset | 1993 Collison Ave | 626-3210 |
| Pearl's Dinning Room | Masset | 1586 Main St | 626-3223 |
| Player's Lounge | Masset | 1675 Main St | 626-3779 |
| Sea Breeze Restaurant | Masset | 1675 Main St | 626-3779 |
| Villager Cafe | Masset | 1690 Orr St | 626-3694 |
| New Moon Over Naikoon Bakery | North Beach | 16443 Tow Hill Rd | 626-7737 |
| Trout House Restaurant | North Beach | 9102 Tow Hill Rd | 626-3474 |
| Haida Morning | Old Massett | 207 Eagle Ave | |
| Haida Rose Cafe and Roaster | Old Massett | 415 Frog St | 626-3310 |
| Pizza Pizza | Old Massett | 619 Loop Rd | 626-7722 |
| Totem Pizza | Old Massett | 249 Eagle Ave | 626-3652 |
| NEW: | |||
| The Ground Gallery & Coffee House | Masset | 1599 Main St | 626-5251 |
| Crow's Nest Cafe & Country Store | Tlell | Highway 16 | 557-4593 |
Camping
Camping is a popular activity on the Islands for both locals and visitors. These listings are remote back country locations with no maintenance or emergency services available. For Campgrounds that charge a fee for their use, including our Provincial Park Campgrounds and Municipal Campgrounds, please see our Accommodations section.
Campers using the areas listed below are expected to be fully self contained. In many cases these areas were former Ministry of Forests Recreation Sites, which are now user maintained. No fees are currently being charged for the use of these facilities.
For more information on these sites, check in with the Visitor Centre when you arrive.
NORTHERN GRAHAM ISLAND AREA
NORTH BEACH AND EAST BEACH
The East Beach hike includes a multi night camping along the beach and North Beach often receives spectacular views.
CAPE FIFE
At the end of a 10km hike starting at the Tow Hill base and the Hiellen Bridge, campers can stay at a cabin located near Rose Spit. Be aware that no reservations are taken and no fresh water is on site.
CENTRAL GRAHAM ISLAND AREA
PAPA JOHN'S
Access through logging roads, south of Port Clements.
MARIE LAKE
Access through logging roads, as above
SOUTHERN GRAHAM ISLAND AREA AND RENNELL SOUND
CONE HEAD -Duu Guusd Heritage Site/Conservancy
Short walk to the water, 2 unit campsite, beachcombing and hiking
BONANZA AND GREGGORY BEACH -Duu Guusd Heritage Site/Conservancy
Water front view
KAGAN BAY
6 small units, picnic tables, toilets, suitable for small & medium sized groups
NORTHERN MORESBY ISLAND AREA
SHELDONS BAY -Kunxalas Heritage Site/Conservancy
2 small sites on beach, dry toilets. 4-wheel drive recommended
GRAY BAY -Kunxalas Heritage Site/Conservancy
20 sites located on beach, dry toilets, picnic tables, day-use shelters
MOSQUITO LAKE
11 sites, boat launch, picnic site, dry toilets and day-use area
MORESBY CAMP
6 sites, suitable for single or large groups
Kayak and Boat Activities
Canoeists and kayakers will love wild Rennell Sound on the west coast, or the calm water in Masset Inlet, both located on Graham Island. More experienced boaters may want to explore Gwaii Haanas, a national park reserve that encompasses the bottom half Haida Gwaii. The reserve is a magical spot full of wildlife, hundreds of islands, and ancient Haida village sites. Check out the natural hot spring island for a soak.
Kayak and Sport Equipment Rentals
Gwaii Haanas Guesthouse & Kayaks Rose Harbour 778-828-5152
Moresby Explorers Kayaks, Bikes, Etc Sandspit 365 Beach Rd 250-637-2215
Dorothy and Mike’s Guesthouse Queen Charlotte 3127 2ndAve 250-559-8439
Queen Charlotte Adventures Queen Charlotte 609 6thAve 250-559-8990
Bird’s Eye Kayak Services Masset 10456 Tow Hill Rd 250-626-5417
North Beach Surf Shop Masset 1567 Delkatla St 250-626-7873
Kayak Tours, Motherships, Power Boat & Sailboat Adventures
Gwaii Haanas Guesthouse Rose Harbour 559-8689
Rose Harbour Guesthouse Rose Harbour 559-2326
Mount Moresby Adventure Camp Mosquito Lake 626-3494
Haida Gwaii Adventure Tours Sandspit 637-2424
Moresby Explorers Sandspit 637-2215
Anvil Cove Charters Queen Charlotte 559-8207
GNOSES Sailing Adventures Queen Charlotte svgnoses@gmail.com
Green Coast Kayaking Ltd Queen Charlotte 559-4682
Queen Charlotte Adventures Queen Charlotte 559-8990
Sail Piraeus Adventures Tlell 360-6184
Salt Spray Explorers Tlell 557-4453
Bird’s Eye Kayak Services Masset 626-5417
Island Retreats
Life and executive coaching for people taking a sabbatical, wanting a guided retreat. Team Building to improve learning, cooperation, and performance. Seminars on leadership, the creative mind, coaching skills, mindfullness, and stress reduction.
Wildsilence Retreat
Barbara and Martin Pamment
303 Oceanview Dr.
PO Box 34, Queen Charlotte, BC, V0T 1S0
Ph: 250-559-2375
Golfing
Willows Golf Course
342 Copper Bay Road
Box 216 Sandspit VOT 1TO
Ph: (250) 637- 2388
Email: bcharman@qcislands.net
The Willows is a relaxing Par 72, 6154 yd. seashore golf course with the unique challenge of 18 tees to 9 greens. Some holes are exposed to the changes of Island weather while others are protected by natural Forest. The large club house is fully licensed and serves great pub food. Rentals are available.
Dixon Entrance Golf & Country Club
Tow Hill Road Pole #
PO Box 68
Masset, B.C., VOT 1MO
626-3500
Dixon Entrance Golf Club is located on along Tow Hill Road, 5 kilometers east of Masset. A 9 hole course with 18 different tie boxes.
Men's course rating is 64.7 with slope 106 par 65. Women's course rating is 70.5 with slope 120 par 69.
Bird Watching & Wildlife Viewing
Haida Gwaii is on the migratory path of many species of birds and offers excellent bird watching opportunities.
The Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary located in Masset is a migratory bird sanctuary with viewing platforms, shoreline access viewpoints, some short walking trails and a gravel road access to the sandy ocean beaches. The Delkatla bird sanctuary population changes seasonally with people and birds coming and going.
The region is a big attraction for bird watchers, photographers, painters and the curious. The bird sanctuary draws many to the west coast to view the 140 or so bird species who visit yearly.
Birds seen annually in the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary
Great Blue Heron, Trumpeter Swan, Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Pintail, American Widgeon, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, American Coot, Sandhill Crane, Black-bellied Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Black Oystercatcher, Greater Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Dunlin, Short and Long-billed Dowitcher, Common Snipe, Mew Gull, Thayer’s Gull, Herring Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Rufous Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Steller’s Jay, Northwester Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chikadee, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson’s Thruch, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Varied Thrush, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Orange crowned Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill and Pine Siskin.
Rare Bird Sightings: Cattle Egret, Tufted Duck, Bar-tailed Godwit, Wood Sandpiper, Smith’s Longspur and Brambling. (A complete checklist of birds is available at most visitor information centres on the island.)
Hiking & Beachcombing
A new hiking map was produced in 2011. View the map in adobe pdf format and at the bottom of the page. The detailed, locally produced guide “Hikes on Haida Gwaii” by Fern Henderson is available at the Haida Gwaii Museum and many local stores and contains detailed information on many Island hikes. Also, the Tlell Watershed Society produced several interpretive guides for many of the less developed trails in the Tlell River Watershed. These guides are widely available from many of the merchants in the Tlell area and may provide an option for those travelers wanting a more remote wilderness experience.
Beachwalking for pleasure, in the winter or summer, is another great pastime here. Comb the sand for shells, uniquely shaped rocks, and seaweed. Storm watching in the winter and birdwatching in the spring or fall is fascinating.
ATV’s are not permitted on any of the hiking trails on the Islands.
Some of the more popular Island hiking routes are:
Rennell Sound- Duu Guusd Heritage Site/Conservancy: Easy hiking trails on the West coast of Graham island. Road access limited to high clearance vehicles with spare tires. Includes Rennell Sound Campsite, Five Mile Beach Trail, Gregory Beach Trail, Bonanza Beach Trail, and Cone Head.
Sleeping Beauty and Slatechuck Mountain Trails: Difficult terrain, limited to high clearance vehicle access. Trails climb to 729m up Mt.Geneviene and 1009m up Slatechuck Pass.
Spirit Lake Trail: Easy to Moderate Difficulty with access in the Village of Skidegate. Excellent family hike.
Haydn Turner Community Campsite and Trails: Easy hiking around the village of Queen Charlotte's community campground.
Kagan Bay Day Use Area and Camp Recreation Site: Easy hiking 2 km from Queen Charlotte down the Honna Mainline.
Sunset Park and Trail: Easy hiking in Port Clements along the Yakoun river estuary.
Golden Spruce Trail- Yaaguun Gandlaay Heritage Site/Conservancy: Easy trail outside of Port Clements approximately 20 minute walk.
Dover Creek Trail- Damaxyaa Heritage Site/Conservancy:" Moderate trail on Moresby Island outside of Sandspit a tthe Haans Creek bidge. Winds through the forest of large cedar and spruce trees.
Onward Point Trail: Outside of Sandspit, an easy trail through shoreline forest.
Kunxalas Heritage Site/Conservancy: Sheldons Bay Day Use and Gray Bay Campsite and Secret Cove Trail are Easy walks but take a high clearance vehicle.
Mosquito Lake Recreation Site: Easy hike with access for high clearance vehicle. Named after the mosquito bombers in the second World War - not the bugs.
Moresby Camp Recreation Site: Easy hike limited to high clearance vehicle with 8 rustic campsites and a boat launch
Pure Lake Provincial Park: Easy hike along Highway 16 between Port Clements and Masset. Lakeside picniking.
Naikoon North Park: Includes Tow Hill Day use, Cape Fife Trail, Rose Spit Trail, and Agate Beach Provincial Campground.
Naikoon South Park: Includes Tlell River Day use and Pesuta Shipwreck Trail, Mayer Lake Day Use Site, Misty Meadows Loop trail and park, and the East Beach Hike.
Anvil Trail- Tlall Heritage Site/Conservancy: Moderate trail along Highway 16 in Tlell. 5 km loop trail through rich floodplain and patches of old growth.
Yakoun Lake Trail- Yaaguun Suu Heritage Site/Conservancy: Easy to Moderate trail limited to high clearance vehicles located 22 km on the Queen Charlotte mainline. 20 minute walk through old growth to the sandy shore of Yakoun Lake.
Tow Hill / Blowhole Trail: 23 km east of Masset the trail follows the Hiellen River 100 meters to the Tow Hill Picnic Area. From the Picnic Area the trail follows one of two well marked routes.
What to Do
Haida Gwaii is great for hardy adventurers, sports enthusiasts, or individuals, couples, and families who simply want to vacation in a relaxing environment and soak up culture. Haida Gwaii offers endless recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, and camping in and around protected parks and reserves of diverse wildlife and flora. It's also the only place in all of Northern British Columbia where travellers can surf. Aboriginal sites and remarkable works of art make for good down time exploring.
