Site management

Gwaii Haanas embraces more than 1,800 wild, undeveloped islands and islets off the coast of northern British Columbia and is often called Canada’s Galapagos.

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the mountainous islands are covered by dense Pacific temperate rainforest and shelter an unparalleled diversity of wildlife, from the Haida Gwaii black bear to more than 20 species of whales and dolphins and tidal channels teeming with rainbow-coloured sea stars.

Gwaii Haanas is also a unique living museum, with an aboriginal history stretching at least 12,000 years. Historic villages, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site with century-old totem poles, are hidden throughout the islands, overseen by indigenous Haida Gwaii Watchmen who welcome visitors.

Travellers can explore Gwaii Haanas independently or via guided tours. Visits can range from a single day to longer adventures of a week or more, with most trips involving some combination of boating, kayaking and hiking.