Exciting, Unique and Free Things to Do in Haida Gwaii

Nestled off the northern coast of British Columbia, Haida Gwaii is an archipelago consisting of more than 150 islands. This magical destination, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, offers a remote wilderness, rich indigenous culture, and an abundance of wildlife:
Hike scenic trails like Tow Hill Trail
Go storm watching along the rugged coastlines
See Haida totem poles and visit the Haida Heritage Centre
Go fishing for salmon, halibut, crab and more
Kayak through the islands of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
Take workshops on Haida arts like carving and weaving
Go foraging for edible native plants and berries
Relax on remote and pristine beaches
Take a float plane or helicopter tour for aerial views
Dine on delicious local seafood like salmon, halibut, and crab
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or simply stunning scenery, there are things to do in Haida Gwaii for every type of traveller.

 

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Exciting Things to Do in Haida Gwaii

From kayaking along shorelines, to combing windswept beaches, to catching a glimpse of a bear foraging along a river’s edge, Haida Gwaii offers exceptional opportunities to experience nature and indigenous culture.

With so many amazing things to do, every time is the best time to visit Hadai Gwaii.

This national park reserve protects a rich diversity of wildlife, like seabirds, shorebirds and land mammals. The area also safeguards essential Haida cultural sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay.

With extensive shorelines, Haida Gwaii offers world-class fishing opportunities. Whether you prefer casting from the rocks or joining a charter boat, you'll have access to salmon, halibut, rockfish and lingcod.

The protected inlets of Haida Gwaii offer superb sea kayaking. Paddle alongside rocky cliffs covered in green forests, keep watch for humpback whales and black bears, and stop to explore small islets. Guided day trips and multi-day kayaking adventures allow you to fully experience the magic of this island paradise.

Unique Things to Do in Haida Gwaii

Looking for something different? You’ll be spoiled for choice!


Attend the Haida Festival

This annual event celebrates Haida art, culture, food, and heritage. Held each August, it features storytelling, canoe races, drumming, dance performances, local cuisine, and more. Immerse yourself in the living culture of Haida Gwaii at this lively gathering.


See Totem Poles Up Close

Haida Gwaii is renowned for its iconic totem poles, which represent clan crests and important stories. Two of the best places to view them are SGang Gwaay UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the poles are left to decay naturally, and the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay. The Centre actively preserves one of the largest collections of poles in the world.


Take an Ethnobotany Tour

The islands contain a diverse landscape with many plants of cultural significance to the Haida Nation. By joining an ethnobotany tour, you’ll learn how the Haida people have traditionally used regional plants for food, technology, medicine, and art.


Free Things to Do in Haida Gwaii

There are several scenic Haida Gwaii hiking trails to explore:


Walk Along the Cape Fife Trail

Located in Tow Hill Recreation Site, this trail features striking views over Rocky Pass, Virago Sound, and several small islands off the northeast coast of Graham Island.


Naikoon Provincial Park

Encompassing the northeastern tip of Graham Island, Naikoon Provincial Park protects the largest provincial park on Haida Gwaii. Along with showcasing sandy beaches, coastal wetlands, forests, and dunes, the park provides critical habitat for wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled for grey whales offshore, black-tailed deer walking the shoreline, black bears fishing for salmon, and bald eagles soaring overhead. The Agate Beach area offers one of the best places to comb for agates along the coast.


Cape Fife Trail

Situated near Tow Hill Recreation Site, the Cape Fife Trail offers captivating views over Virago Sound and several small islets.

The relatively easy trail traverses seaside meadows before winding through pine and spruce forests. Ambling along the Cape Fife Trail allows you to experience both cultural history and natural beauty as you take in panoramic vistas of rocky shores and glittering sea.


Tow Hill

Rising above the town of Tlell, Tow Hill offers rewarding views after a steep forest hike. This popular trail switchbacks through moss-draped trees and salal brush before breaking out above the treeline. Panoramas include the Tlell River Valley and the surrounding islands, such as Kunghit Island.

Ambitious hikers can continue beyond Tow Hill to the summit of Vista Mountain. However you choose to explore this landscape, Tow Hill’s heights deliver breathtaking scenery as a reward for the uphill trek.


Enjoy Arts and Crafts in Haida Gwaii

If you fancy something more relaxed, try the local arts and crafts scene:


Crystal Cabin Gallery 

Nestled along a quiet inlet, Crystal Cabin Gallery makes a fine stop while driving the Yellowhead Highway south of Masset Inlet. This unique gallery specializes in quartz crystal, agate, and gemstone artwork, as well as impressive mineral specimens from around the world.

Handcrafted jewelry and carvings add creative flair. You can take a peaceful stroll along the inlet shoreline behind the gallery while enjoying dozens of pieces highlighting the exceptional talent of Canadian lapidary artists.


Enjoy World-Class Fishing

If fishing is your thing, you’ll love Haida Gwaii!


Chrome Coast Fishing

For outstanding fishing opportunities on Haida Gwaii’s scenic north shores, look no further than Chrome Coast Fishing. Their experienced guides can lead you to superb fishing spots for salmon, halibut, and bottom fish around the archipelago.

Friendly and knowledgeable, they customize charter trips to match the preferences of every angler.. And since they operate from a mobile fishing lodge at various remote outposts, Chrome Coast Fishing promises an exceptional Haida Gwaii fishing adventure no matter when you visit.


Stay at Our Eco-Friendly Accommodation in Hadai Gwaii

With so many exciting things to do in Hadai Gwaii, a visit here makes for an unforgettable trip that inspires respect for both the Haida Nation and the wild landscapes they call home.


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Visit http://lovehaidagwaii.com/ for more information on things to do Locally in beautiful Haida Gwaii.

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