Queen Charlotte Islands

Haida Gwaii: This triangular archipelago known as Haida Gwaii "islands of the people" to the Haida People is located 80 km (50miles) from the B.C. mainland. The Queen Charlotte Islands are comprised of more than 150 islands, many small and uninhabited. Graham to the north and Moresby to the south, are the largest of the islands. To reach the Queen Charlotte Islands you may travel by air or ferry from Prince Rupert. Direct air service from Vancouver is also available.

Some of the largest trees on earth are found in the ancient temperate rain forests of these islands. They include Sitka spruce, western hemlock, giant red cedar and yellow cypress. Some 218 species of birds live on these islands. The Haida, whose rich cultural traditions means living in harmony with nature, number about 2000. The islands offer hiking, mountain biking, beach combing, sea kayaking, whale watching and excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Graham Island:
Graham island is the most populated and accessible of the islands. The BC Ferries terminus is located at Skidegate; ferries to and from Prince Rupert and Moresby Island dock here.

Skidegate:
The Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) continues here from the BC Ferries terminus at Skidegate west to Queen Charlotte City and then north to Masset. Rich in Haida culture and art, visitors may visit traditional longhouses, totem poles and view art by the famous Haida artist, Bill Reid.

Queen Charlotte City:
With logging and fishing as its major industries, Queen Charlotte City was the first registered townsite on the island. Full services and accommodation are available here. The city is located just west of Skidegate on Highway 16.

Tlell:
This farming area was first settled in 1904. Nearby Naikoon Park, miles of sand dunes and good fishing are just some of the attractions here. Tlell is located 36 km (22 miles) from Skidegate on Highway 16.

Naikoon Provincial Park:
Naikoon is a Haida word meaning "long nose" and indicates Rose Spit, an ecological reserve. This long finger of land juts out into the sea and is the northeastern tip of the island. Camping is available throughout the park

Pesuta:
The Pesuta, is an old wooden log barge that ran ashore in a storm in 1928. To reach this site hike 5km (3miles) through the forest and along the beach.

Tow Hill:
Take the north-end access (from Masset causeway). From the parking lot hike 15 minutes through heavy rain forests to the top of the hill. The view to the mainland and Alaska is amazing.

From Tlell, Hwy 16 continues northwest from the coast.

Port Clements:
Located on Masset Island, 21 km (16 miles) northwest of Tlell, this area's main industry is logging. Port Clements was a major centre during WWII for airplane construction.

Masset:
40km (5miles) north of Port Clements at the end of Hwy 16 is Masset. Located on Masset Sound, this is the largest community on the Islands. The Canadian Forces Base is a big employer and fishing is the other industry. Halibut, salmon and crab fishing trips can be booked here. Masset is fully equipped with accommodations.

Old Masset:
Located just north of Masset, this is the largest Haida village in the Queen Charlottes. Visit the Ed Jones Haida Museum with Haida artifacts and information which is located at the old schoolhouse.

Moresby Island:
Moresby can only be reached by ferry from Graham Island, or by air from Prince Rupert or Vancouver.

Sandspit:
This village is the Moresby Island terminus for ferries from Skidegate and also has the main airport for the Queen Charlotte Islands. Sandspit is fully equipped to meet traveler's needs.

Before you travel any logging roads on North Moresby, check with local logging concerns..

Gray Bay:
21km (13mi) southeast of Sandspit this is a very quiet campsite with hard sand and gravel beaches.

Mosquito Lake Park:
These 11 rural campsites are 44km (27miles) southwest of Sandspit. Just beyond is the Pallent Creek Hatchery.

Moresby Camp:
To visit Cumshewa Inlet and the Moresby Islands launch your boat 2 km (1 mile) past the hatchery.

South Moresby/Gwaii Haanas:
Officially declared a reserve in July 1988, the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve encompasses over 15 percent of the Queen Charlottes. Access to this beautiful wilderness and the abandoned Haida villages found there is possible by air or boat. Tours are available or register with Parks Canada or the Haida Gwaii Watchmen office or base camp.

Anthony Island:

Anthony Island was first inhabited by the ancient Kunghit Haida until massacres by fur traders and a small pox outbreak. Ninstints is located on the island and was declared a UNESCO world cultural heritage site in 1981. Permission to visit the island is available through the Parks Branch or the Haida Gwaii Watchmen in Skidegate.

After leaving Haida Gwaii and the Misty Isles, continue inland to the Stewart-Cassiar Highway which connects to the Yellowhead Highway 16 and the Alaska Highway.

Bluewater Adventures: Come see why National Geographic thinks we are “One of the Wolds Best!” Quality wilderness and wildlife eco-adventures about 70’ sailing and power vessels – our tours raise the profile of wildlife cruising in BC and Alaska. For small ship adventures off the ... more

Crystal Cabin Gallery: Our gallery on Haida Gwaii / Queen Charlotte Islands has been promoting our local Haida artists for the last 12 years. Visit and see their creativity and love for their Haida culture as we showcase our passions for beautiful gemstones, crystals, Shamanic stor... more

Ecosummer Expeditions: BC’s first kayaking company offers award-winning trips to the Queen Charlotte & Gulf Islands, Johnstone Strait, & West Coast Trail. We guarantee world-class scenery, some of the world’s finest Orca whale and bear watching, & an absolute commitment to service. more

Escott Sportfishing: Renowned for its big fish results year after year, for salmon and halibut, the Haida Gwaii is the place to be. Escott Sportfishing is a team led by Daniel “Sea Bass” Escott. With 15 years of experience this is sure to be the fishing adventure of a lifetime! more

Gerry's Fishing Charters: Located in the town of Masset, on the northern end of the Queen Charlotte Islands, we’re a short boat run to some of the most superb saltwater fishing in the area. Enjoy the warm hospitality of Gerry’s B&B to make this a fishing vacation you’ll remember with ... more

Langara Fishing Adventures: Our deluxe resorts are located in the remote Queen Charlotte Islands & Chilcotin, and provide you with the finest fishing, retreat, and adventure destinations available. There’s also whale watching, and wildlife or eco-heli tours of pristine marine environmen... more

Masset Fishing Adventures: The fishing & wildlife is awesome on the Queen Charlottes. Our 24 foot Discovery 727's are fully equipped & ready to take you to Masset’s Salmon & Halibut. We provide good quality tackle, & bait the hooks as fast as the fish can eat it. Give us a call for a ... more

Ocean Adventures: Ocean Adventures invites you to experience remote and spectacular BC locations while enjoying the luxury accommodations and gourmet cuisine aboard the 54-foot motor yacht the Great Bear ll. You will enjoy unparalleled wildlife viewing and whale watching. more

Pacific Coastal Airlines: Enjoy scheduled service from Vancouver's South Terminal to Anahim Lake, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Campbell River, Comox, Cranbrook, Kamloops, Klemtu, Masset, Port Hardy (float & amphibious aircraft to coastal communities), Powell River, Trail, Victoria, & Will... more

Queen Charlotte Lodge: For those seeking the ultimate sport fishing adventure, the waters of the Queen Charlotte Islands and Naden Harbour are legendary for an abundance of Chinook & Coho – plus Halibut, Lingcod, and groundfish! We pride ourselves in comfortable lodging, friendly se... more

Shearwater Marine Group: Fish for Salmon, Halibut, and Bottom fish .. or enjoy our eco-adventure at the Gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest. We have fly-in packages or arrive on BC Ferries. We also offer guided fishing tours, boat rentals, moorage, lodging, pub restaurant, and an RV ... more

Tsimshian Haidaway Fishing & Adventures: Our sportfishing charter company is located Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlottes) and Prince Rupert. You’ll receive the highest quality of service … and our First Nations, Haida and Tsimshian guides are well trained and specialize in proving the best sports fishing. more

West Coast Fishing Club: A visit to one of our Queen Charlotte Island fishing resorts is not just a fishing trip -- it’s a fishing experience. Our fishing, location, service, staff, accommodations are all world-class. Not only will you be fishing some of the most abundant runs of salm... more

Westcoast Fishing Adventures: Imagine hooking onto spring, king, silver, red, chinook, tyee, coho, sockeye, pink, dog, chum - a cast & your fly landing gently on the water drifting through the deep tail-out – and rarely another fisherman in site. Experience it with Westcoast Fishing Adven... more