Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

In the southern portion of the Haida Gwaii archipelago (Queen Charlotte Islands), 215 km southwest of Prince Rupert on Canada's west coast and 640 km north of Vancouver, is Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.  It is a remote area accessible only by boat or chartered aircraft.

Cooperatively managed by the Government of Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation, this roughly triangular wilderness area of 138 islands stretches 90 km from north to south.

Gwaii Haanas offers a unique blend of natural and cultural features.  To the west, mountains rise steeply. To the east, the coastline is dotted with inlets, bays and islands, while rain forest and upland bog, salmon streams, estuaries and kelp beds sustain a rich diversity of life.  The relationship between the land, the sea, and the living culture of the Haida people is powerful and dynamic.

Gwaii Haanas combines rare opportunities to experience wilderness, solitude, spirituality, adventure, discovery and Haida culture.  Wildlife encounters may include whales, bald eagles, colourful intertidal life, or some of the 1 million seabirds nesting along the shores, as well as black bears, river otters and sea lions.  Some of the vegetation and wildlife are unique to these islands.

SGang Gwaay is a unique gem in the UNESCO World Heritage Site listings.  Here and at other ancient Haida village sites in Gwaii Haanas, the Haida Gwaii Watchmen act as hosts and guardians.

For trip planning information, including sea kayaking tips and “no-trace” camping practices, and for a list of licensed commercial operators, visit the Gwaii Haanas web site. Each traveller entering the protected area must attend an orientation session, and reservations are required if you plan to travel independently. To make a reservation, or to receive a trip-planning package, call Super, Natural BC at 1-800 HELLO BC.