ISLAND EXPLORING

The Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii, is a remote environment of unsurpassed natural beauty – a unique destination that belongs on the must-see list of every world traveller.

This mystical archipelago off British Columbia’s northern coast offers a wealth of incredible sights and experiences, including ancient rainforests and abundant wildlife, endless beaches and rugged coastlines, a Canadian National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a native culture rich in history and tradition.

A HOME ON THE ISLANDS

Make Alaska View Lodge or Kumdis River Lodge your home while exploring the Queen Charlotte Islands. Both facilities are located on Graham Island and are accessible by vehicle along the main island highway.

Alaska View Lodge is situated east of Masset along the north coast of the Islands. Kumdis River Lodge is near Port Clements in central Graham Island. Each facility accommodates up to 8 guests, and features a full kitchen, satellite TV and outdoor hot tub.

ACTIVITIES

Haida culture
The Queen Charlotte Islands is more appropriately named Haida Gwaii, meaning ‘Islands of the People’ in the native Haida language. These Islands are home to one of the world’s oldest and richest native cultures. This culture is showcased in numerous museums and galleries around the Islands. The many abandoned village sites found throughout the Islands are testament to the incredible history of the Haida people.

Visitors with a keen interest in Haida culture should plan in advance to visit Gwaii Haanas National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at SGaang Gwaii.

Hiking & Beachcombing
Naikoon Provincial Park, which encompasses most of the northeast corner of Graham Island, is home to some of the best hiking and beachcombing in the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Numerous trails, with hikes ranging from a few hours to a few days, offer access to the park’s dense forests, scenic hills and hidden lakes. Popular hikes can take you to Tow Hill, Cape Fife, and the Pesuta shipwreck.

The Park is bordered by over 100 kilometres of expansive beaches. Rose Spit, a long finger of tidal sand on the northeast tip of Graham Island, is an ecological reserve and habitat for many local and migratory bird species. North Beach is the place to go on the Islands for crabbing and clam digging.

Wildlife
The Queen Charlotte Islands is often referred to as the Galapagos of the North, due to its isolated location and unique flora and fauna. Few places on earth play host to a greater variety and abundance of wildlife. Marine life, such as whales and dolphins, can often be seen when fishing or sea-kayaking. The Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Masset, offers incredible bird-watching, particularly in the spring and fall when this area plays host to millions of migratory birds.

Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to intimately explore the scenic coastlines and isolated islands of the Queen Charlottes. Several outfitters offer multi-day sea-kayak tours to the islands of Gwaii Haanas National Park. Day-long excursions in scenic protected waters, such as Masset Inlet and Rennel Sound, can be enjoyed by novice kayakers. Kayaks and equipment can be rented on the islands, usually for under $50 per day.

Floatplane tours
One of the best ways to explore the Queen Charlotte Islands is from the air. Floatplane tours to the rugged west coast and many isolated Haida village sites are available with South Moresby Air.