Recreation

While you are here

There are miles of endless beach from rocky to white sands and always a private spot available. Beach combing, beach walks, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are popular pastimes for locals and visitors alike. Bring your own gear or rent while you are here. Observe the sea life at low tide, or spend the day catching a delicious meal of fresh crab or salmon.

If you plan to visit in April or May, expect to see gray whales near Skidegate Landing or the museum. Charter a boat and you may enjoy the sight of killer whales, porpoises and humpbacks. Boat and seaplane charters can be taken from The Village of Queen Charlotte. Enjoy a trip to Gwaii Haanas National Parks Reserve and visit Windy Bay (Hlk’yah GaawGa), the location of the Gwaii Haanas Legacy Pole, raised on August 15, 2013 (a Park's orientation is required to visit the Park and ancient Haida villages).

For the Historian there are many homesteads, closed whaling stations and canneries, museums and logging machinery. Many of these sites shut down suddenly and the equipment was simply left in place. Those looking for Haida history, the museum in neighbouring Skidegate has many artifacts on display and the novice hiker can go into the woods and see culturally modified trees for themselves. (Culturally modified trees are those trees marked to be harvested for a canoe or totem pole.) Charters by plane or boat can be arranged to visit ancient Haida Villages where totem poles, house posts and various other artifacts lie in their original village sites.

Today, The Village of Queen Charlotte is a community full of art and culture. Gift shops and coffee shops scattered throughout the town display the works of various artists ranging from paintings, wood carving, pottery, Haida carving, glass work and handmade clothing. Stop at a coffee shop to trade stories with other travelers, or chat with local to learn about Island life. The Visitor's Information Centre has information for the young and old alike in the form of videos, functional radios, interactive maps and tidal displays.

Please visit Go Haida Gwaii - our local tourism bureau for more information on visiting.

The Queen Charlotte Visitor Information Centre can also provide additional information.