Visit

Visit Us

Haida Gwaii is a Bucket List Experience. Our unique way of seeing the world is shaped by the traditional lands and waters that we have occupied since time immemorial. The wild beauty of Haida Gwaii strikes a deep impression on visitors and residents alike.

Come here with curiosity and respect – you will always be welcomed back to the edge of the world.

Photography by Mary Helmer

How to Get Here

The Haida Village of Skidegate is located on Haida Gwaii, off the northwest coast of British Columbia. Haida Gwaii is translated as the land of the Haida and is an archipelago made up of over 200 islands, stretching over approximately 300 km, located off of the Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Skidegate is located at the Southeast corner of Graham Island, one of two main islands with year-round inhabitants. 

The community is accessible by ferry from Prince Rupert or Sandspit, where the airport is located, with daily direct flights to and from Vancouver, and by road from the other major communities on Haida Gwaii- including Old Massett the other major reserve) Masset, and Port Clements in the North, Sandspit, and the Village of Daajing Giids, less than 10 km to the West. The Skidegate Band has approximately 690 members living on reserve and approximately 955 members living off reserve. Skidegate’s total population is approximately 900. While Skidegate village is the main population and land base for the Skidegate Band, the band has 11 reserve sites total.

© Gowgaia Institute 2022

  • Daily flight from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Sandspit (YZP)

  • You will need to drive to Alliford Bay and take the BC Ferries across to Skidegate Landing.

  • There is a airport shuttle to Alliford Bay through Eagle Transit or you can rent a car from Budget.

  • The Haida Heritage Centre is a 2 minute drive or a 10 minute walk from Skidegate Landing.
  • Daily service from Vancouver’s South Terminal(YVR) to Masset(YMT) during the summer and service three times a week during the shoulder and winter season.

 

  • To reach the Haida Heritage Centre, it is a 1 hour 30 minute drive (depending on driving conditions) to Skidegate from Masset.
  • Daily float plane service between Prince Rupert and Masset
  • A six hour ferry ride from the city of Prince Rupert to Skidegate Landing 2-3 times a week. Reservations are highly recommended.
  • If you plan to travel with your own boat, harbour facilities are available at Sandspit, Daajing Giids City and Masset. If you are planning to visit Gwaii Haanas please contact Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve Office.

Prepare your visit

Haida Gwaii is an ideal destination to experience the rugged and remote wilderness that British Columbia is known for. For a trip to remember, book your accommodation, excursions and travel well in advance. We recommend six months to a year lead time to ensure you enjoy a smooth trip. 

Accommodation varies from rustic off the grid beach cabins to modern and natural lodges and retreats, and extraordinary camping in old growth or on the beach. All accommodation is small scale and intimate. Each time you book you are talking with an owner who cares passionately about the quality of your experience.

Life on Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii is an archipelago located 130km off the northwest coast of British Columbia. It is known for its remote and ancient rain forests, stunning shoreline, rich and diverse wildlife, and for our Haida culture and heritage. One way to think of Haida Gwaii is as a village of 4,200 hardy, unique characters who live in seven neighbourhoods spread up and down the Islands. The ocean and the forest are our larder, the ferries are our connection to the mainland, and the ferry lineup is one of our gathering points where we socialize and politic with a coffee cup in hand. 

Here we live slowly, at a pace that is rich with unique experiences. The winter season is the social season, full of concerts, artisan fairs, coffee houses and events throughout the Islands. We re-connect, regroup, and plan for high season tourism in the summer, but love to see visitors all year long. There are no chain stores, fast food franchises or large hotels.

Discover our Cultural Tours

Daily tours are offered throughout the Summer season (June-August) for groups up to 25 people.  Private tours and activities are available at an additional cost

Book online or contact us for more information!