Haida Gwaii Vacation Rentals

The 2010 Haida Gwaii Reconciliation Act changed the name of these islands from Queen Charlotte Islands to Haida Gwaii, which translates as the "islands of the people" in the language of the native Haida tribes. Located about 145km off the west coast of British Columbia, Haida Gwaii is also known as the Canadian Galapagos. There is a profusion of endemic wildlife to be found here, including Sitka deer, whales, sea otters, bears, and dolphins. You can already enjoy vistas of moss-clad rainforests and craggy coastlines when approaching the island by boat. A vacation home is an excellent base for a holiday in Haida Gwaii.

Fresh Fish and School Bus Cafes

Haida Gwaii's ocean side locations make it the ideal place to sample seafood specialties in one of the many family-owned eateries. Sherri's Gas Bar and Grill is a 50s style diner that serves tasty venison burgers, and seafood chowder bursting with butter clams, squid, halibut, and salmon. Sherri, a Haida elder, runs the cafe with a notable eye for excellence. For flavourful crab dishes, halibut, and salmon, you can also try the Mile Zero Pub in Masset.

A family-run restaurant with a small village charm, the Island Sunrise Cafe offers hearty breakfasts, as well as burgers, and fish & chips for lunch and supper. Off the beaten track, Moon Over Naikoon Cafe on Graham Island has a comfortable hippie vibe, and serves up delicious soups, cinnamon buns, chocolate chip cookies, and pizza. Best of all, this eclectic cafe is housed inside a re-purposed school bus!

Learn About Haida Culture: Totem Poles, Artworks, and History

Home to the Haida First Nation, the dagger-shaped Haida Gawaii island is a treasure trove of history and early civilization. At Tanu, you can visit the headstone of Bill Reid, one of Canada's most influential First Nations artists, whose ashes were buried nearby, in the forest. Reid's dogfish totem pole carving, one of his most famous works of art, is on display in Skidegate Village.

The Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay Llnagaay celebrates the living culture of the Haida people through its original displays comprising monumental totem poles, longhouse-style buildings, fossils, and a 15m long Loo Taas Canoe. The centre also houses the Haida Gwaii Museum, a great place to discover historical and contemporary Haida art. Visit the museum's gift shop and bring some local Haida works of art back home for your friends.

Alternatively, the Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum in Masset explores the seafaring history of the region through native and non-native marine artifacts, while pioneering days and early logging practices come alive at Port Clements Museum.

National Parks and Natural Areas near Haida Gwaii

From the comfort of your lodging, rent a car and set out to explore the mystical islands. Gwaii Haanas National Park encapsulates the essence of the island with more than 500 cultural Haida sites, burial caves, and abandoned villages. Check out the world's oldest standing totem poles at SGang Gwaay village on Anthony Island. You will also find Hot Spring Island in this national park. An idyllic location, where visitors can relax in spring-fed hot pools as orcas glide by in the distant ocean.

Naikoon Provincial Park also deserves a visit, especially if the idea of pounding surf, desolate beaches, and hiking in the lonely wilderness appeal to you. Visit the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary, a good spot to observe more than 140 species of migratory birds, including black oyster catchers, European starlings, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to more than 20 species of marine mammals, such as dolphins, porpoises, and whales, as well as the hardy Haida Gwaii black bear that lives off crabs and salmon.

Farmers' Markets and Family Friendly Festivals

Haida Gwaii's farmers' markets are a great favourite with visitors. Masset Farmers' Market and Sandspit Farmers' Market are fun attractions crocheted local products, plant seedlings, gluten-free baked goodies, and jewellery. In March, Canadian and foreign films are screened at the Haida Gwaii Film Festival, which takes place near the market grounds.

With June comes the family-friendly Skidegate Days festival, an extravaganza of Haida canoe races, salmon barbecues, games, dances, and bingo. Canada Day, on the 1st of July, is all about pancake breakfasts, fishing derbies, and go-kart races. Finally, the Edge of the World Music Festival takes place during the second weekend of August. This three-day festival welcomes Haida and international artists playing ska, reggae, indie, and Latin beats on the banks of the Tlell River. So book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to come here in the summer!

In the quieter fall season, you can enjoy a crash course to learn to identify wild mushrooms at the Sandspit Wild Harvest Festival. The year closes with Christmas festivities. Endless possibilities reward the visitor to Canada's Final Frontier—Haida Gwaii.

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