Ocean, Landscape, Haida Gwaii, Canada

Haida Gwaii

Within the archipelago of the national park, Gwaii Haanas protects a range of historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural events, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.

Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a chain of islands off the west coast of British Columbia, northwest of Vancouver Island. Within the archipelago of the national park, Gwaii Haanas protects a range of historical monuments, archaeological sites and indigenous heritage.

The islands are best visited by boat, sailing through the spectacular scenery and exploring the shoreline and vast primary rainforests. The National Park not only protects a large number of marine species, but also a strong First Nations history, and is widely known as the ‘Canadian Galapagos’. The islands are one of the most inaccessible regions. Bald eagles circle the skies while bears roam the rivers looking for salmon. The surrounding ocean is filled with breaching whales, sea lions and dolphin.

Viewing totems, SGangGwaay, by Kevin J Smith, Haida Gwaii, Canada
Canada

Highlights of Haida Gwaii

Home of the Haida First Nations, the Haida Gwaii islands are known for their culture and the mystical atmosphere. Huge cedar trees tower over ancient totem poles and fallen longhouses are lost amongst the coastal temperate rainforest. Named as one of National Geographic’s must-see places in the world, the archipelago represents some of the earliest evidence of human habitation in Canada, dating back some 14,000 years.

Ninstints, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada
Canada

Culture & Wildlife in Haida Gwaii

Sail the remote waters of Haida Gwaii, uncovering the ancient culture of the Haida First Nations people and exploring the nooks of this dazzling island chainset that protrudes from the western coast of British Columbia.
With just enough time to amble around Vancouver and take in an ice hockey match, this navigation is an in-depth voyage around a little-visited haven of wildlife and culture.

12 days

from £8,510 pp

See holiday idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Haida House £££££

  • Canada
  • B&B, Motel and Guesthouse

Facing the Tlell River on one side and the open ocean of the Hecate Strait on the other, Haida House is surrounded by 50 acres of woodland, open sky and water. This cedar tree lodge has 10 simple but comfortable guestrooms, a bar, lounge area and a wonderful restaurant serving a variety of unique appetisers, fresh seafood, local seasonal vegetables, charbroiled meats and decadent desserts. A range of all-inclusive experience packages ensures guests make the most of the stunning scenery, rich history and culture of this region.

View Property

Ocean House £££££

  • Canada
  • B&B, Motel and Guesthouse

Sister hotel to Haida House, Ocean House is a 12-room floating lodge anchored in a sheltered bay, surrounded by rugged coastline, sandy beaches, forest and ancient village sites. Designed to reflect the cultural values and traditions of the Haida people, Ocean House offers a range of all-inclusive packages with a focus on the history of the area as well as the stunning scenery.

View Property

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Roxy Dukes

Roxy’s love for Canada is limitless and she has returned on an almost yearly basis since her first visit as a child. From hiking the high alpine trails, riding with local cowboys to kayaking with humpbacks, she has likely been there and done it.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Paul Bird

Watching bears interacting without any care of his presence was fascinating for Paul, and being a privileged onlooker in their natural habitat created a lifelong fascination with Canada.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Start planning your trip


Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Enquire

Not only is Steppes an excellent organisation, but the friendliness, great advice and superb attention to detail provided by Paul meant that we had a seamless booking experience and a wonderful trip to Canada.

Destination: Canada
Travel Expert: Paul

Roxy was FANTASTIC at recommending the best place and season to go to see bears in Canada. We saw 47 in total, and 3 of these were up close and personal. Roxy was very professional and helpful, especially when my friends circumstances changed.

Destination: Canada
Travel Expert: Roxy

We had a truly amazing trip and everything was so very well planned by Paul - this trip will be hard to beat.

Destination: Canada
Travel Expert: Paul

As always, Paul married his knowledge with our preferences which resulted in a superb trip.

Destination: Canada
Travel Expert: Paul

I could not have wished for a better and more efficient itinerary in terms of both the destinations we visited and how the timing coincided. Plus, the communication from Roxy was excellent throughout.

Destination: Canada
Travel Expert: Roxy

Explore other regions in Canada

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E