Made up of a series of islands and islets, Haida Gwaii is a remote land of rocky cliffs and expansive ocean vistas. Accessible by flying into one of the very small airports in Skidegate or Masset, or by a long, 7 hour ferry from Prince Rupert to Skidegate, the remote islands of Haida Gwaii can be a bit challenging to reach. But those who make the trip will be rewarded with coastal scenery, old-growth forests, fantastic hunting opportunities, world-class fishing, remote kayaking routes, and several scenic backcountry recreation sites perfect for camping. This is all in addition to centuries-old villages, rich Indigenous culture, and small restaurants and cafes featuring fresh, local seafood and traditional cuisine.
No matter your destination in this stunning region, find your way with the new 4th Edition Haida Gwaii Waterproof Recreation Map. With plenty of map updates, cartographic style changes, and the addition of campsite numbers to marked campgrounds, this waterproof map is the perfect trip planning tool for any Haida Gwaii adventure. Below, we highlight some of the top attractions and outdoor adventures in this scenic, remote village.
A Land of Traditional Culture
Archaeological evidence indicates human occupation of Haida Gwaii at least 12,000 years ago. In fact, the islands of Haida Gwaii were the first place in British Columbia discovered by European settlers with a recorded date of 1774. The Haida People are known for their craftsmanship, trading skills, seamanship, and their ethics and values, with respect, responsibility, interconnectedness, and balance emphasized in their culture. Haida Gwaii still possesses a thriving Indigenous culture, and a visit to Haida Gwaii would not be complete without checking out the traditional totem poles in the Village of Masset, the Port Clements Museum which showcases the rich and interesting history of the area, and the Haida Gwaii Museum which includes a visual arts gallery with beautiful pieces from local artists.
Paddle Through History
The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, a boat-accessible park on the southern end of Haida Gwaii, protects a remote collection of 138 islands and five Haida Heritage Sites which are former villages that offer a glimpse into the history of the area before European contact. Centuries-old carved totem poles still stand, grassy clearings and depressions in the earth mark where longhouses once stood, partially carved canoes lay abandoned in the woods, and cedar trees remain stripped of bark. Gwaii Haanas is only accessible by travelling rather dangerous waters, so it is recommended to sign up for a guided expedition if you wish to visit this spectacular place.
Perhaps the best way to experience the remote beauty of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is by kayak or canoe. Considered one of the premiere sea kayaking destinations in the world, this park reserve offers countless islands, islets, inlets, and coves to explore. Paddle along the sheltered east side of Gwaii Haanas and keep an eye out for signs of former villages, or float through the diverse marine life of the Burnaby Narrows. Random camping is the rule in Gwaii Haanas as there are no established campsites. Try to camp on sand or stone to limit your impact.
The new 4th Edition Haida Gwaii Recreation Map features Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve messaging to aid with trip planning, added and updated Haida place toponyms and labels, as well as cartography updates, new symbols, and recreation features.
Escape into the Backcountry
From frontcountry campgrounds to recreation sites found off forest service roads and single backcountry campsites tucked deep in the backcountry, Haida Gwaii features several scenic and strategically placed campsites for hunters, anglers, hikers, and backcountry explorers. Graham Island features the bulk of recreation sites, including the Kagan Bay Forest Service Recreation Site just west of Queen Charlotte City. From Queen Charlotte City, a private forestry road leads north and then to the west coast, where the Cone Head Forest Service Recreation Site and the Rennell Sound Forest Service Recreation Site are located on Rennell Sound. Graham Island is also home to the Naikoon Provincial Park, which features frontcountry camping options and plenty of great hiking trails.
Hunting on Haida Gwaii is a truly bountiful experience. There is a generous bag limit of 15 each year, and 5 in possession for deer. Haida Gwaii is divided into two hunting zones, 6-12 and 6-13. The northern island, which is Graham Island, is the most populated island but also the island with the least amount of hunting closures and the most backcountry campsites and recreation sites. The main haul road on Graham Island provides direct access to a vast expanse of land to hunt and plenty of rustic campsites.
Catch a Fish of a Lifetime
The inlets and fjords of Haida Gwaii feature cold, nutrient-packed waters which are prime feeding grounds for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, and trophy-sized salmon and halibut. Anglers from all over the globe come to Haida Gwaii to experience world-class sport fishing opportunities, where salmon can reach up to a whopping 60 pounds, and catching a Tyee is not at all uncommon. Fishing lodges dot the islands of Haida Gwaii, and knowledgeable guides can get anglers out to all the best fishing spots. Self-guided anglers will want to try trolling the west side of the archipelago near Hippa Island or further to the north, although winds and large waves often pose a problem. Boat charters are also available from the communities of Sandspit, Masset, and Queen Charlotte City.
Serious anglers will also head to the riverbanks between October and March in search of the elusive winter Steelhead, which are considered a prized catch in Haida Gwaii. The winter-run fish are known for their strength and impressive size for such small waters. Anglers will want to try the Yakoun River on the northern end of Graham Island or the Tlell River in Naikoon Provincial Park. The Tlell River also hosts a huge fall run of Coho salmon, and ample cutthroat trout fishing during July and August. The nearby Mayer Lake provides a car-top boat launch ramp and wilderness campsites scattered along the lakeshore and forest.
Further south, Moresby Island hosts the Coho Salmon Derby annually at the end of September. Accessible by car from Sandspits, the Copper River also offers a nice run of sea-run cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden between May and July.
Endless Outdoor Adventure Opportunities
Often referred to as the “edge of the world”, Haida Gwaii is a true land of mystery, beauty, and endless outdoor recreation. Visitors are likely to see more eagles than crows and untouched wilderness still dominates the landscape, where seven villages scattered across the archipelago are home to under 5,000 permanent residents. Paddle through sheltered inlets and coves, fish below towering mountains, hunt for deer deep in the backcountry, or camp beneath the stars at secluded recreation sites.
No matter where your Haida Gwaii adventure takes you, Backroad Maps has you covered with the 4th Edition Haida Gwaii Waterproof Recreation Map. Explore hiking trails and paddling routes with clearly marked trailheads, access points, and backcountry campsites. On the road, find exciting backroad attractions such as beaches, big trees, diving sites, hot springs, scenic viewpoints, surfing hotspots, waterfalls, and more. Out on the water, anglers will find updated fish species, marked stocking information for lakes and rivers, and ocean fishing hotspots.
Ready to get out and explore all that Haida Gwaii has to offer? Check out the brand-new 4th Edition Haida Gwaii Waterproof Recreation Map today. Also, be sure to check out our GPS Maps and the BRMB Maps App which is downloadable to your smartphone, tablet, or computer.