Diversity Prevails Among Haida Gwaii Accommodations Available

By Katrina Wheeler


There are plenty of Haida Gwaii accommodations to choose from. Prospective vacationers will find an extensive variety on offer. The most popular season stretches from May to September. During this period, it is advisable to reserve guided tours and lodging in advance.

Online information is readily available about where to stay. Most of these places can be found located in local communities or on Highway 16. The highway is the primary route running north and south alongside Graham and Moresby.

The natural splendor of this region, formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands, and its pristine environment continues to lure nature lovers. The isolated 150 island archipelago is a must visit destination for many travelers. This secluded area gives visitors a break from the perennial sounds of urban living on the mainland. Here is the only area for surfing in Northern British Columbia. The leading activities guests enjoy are camping surfing, fishing and climbing in the nature reserves and protected parks.

This secluded Canadian territory is triangular in shape and the form tapers at Cape St. James on the southernmost point. It is 300 km in length and 100 km in width. This territory is located 120 km to the west of the northern coast of British Columbia. It is situated under the Alaska panhandle about 75 km from American land. The major islands are the northern Graham island and the southern Moresby island. In the southern portion of Moresby Island there is a National Park as well as a Heritage site. A brief ferry trip of approximately 20 minutes connects these two main land masses and their Indigenous communities. These communities have their own cultural reflections of the Haida living traditions.

The Indigenous people settled here centuries ago. Five hundred historic locations have been identified by archaeologists. Among these are the mortuary poles in the village of SGang Gwaay. Nan Sdins Illnagaay has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage location since 1981.

To get here travelers must choose which mode of transportation is most suitable for them. Daily, BC Ferries provides ferry service from Prince Rupert to Moresby Island. The six and half hour journey is a scenic way and practical way to travel. For car owners, it is recommended they bring their car along. Otherwise, renting a car will become a necessity. There is no bus service available. Taxis operate only within the major population centers. A daily flight runs between Vancouver and Sandspit and between Vancouver to Masset in the summer. In the other season this service is offered three times a week. Travelers may also fly to QC City, Sandspit and Masset from Prince Rupert. North Pacific Seaplanes is a provider of this service. For sailors, harbor facilities are also provided at these three locations. There are also rail and bus links to this area. There is year round service from Jasper to Prince Rupert. From there, the isles can be accessed via ferry or by air.

The assortment of lodging options include camping grounds, lodges, a hostel, motels, hotels, bed and breakfast purveyors, huts on the beach and rustic cabins, luxurious cottage and guest housing facilities. Some of these may be inaccessible during the winter. RVs and Campers can get into most camping sites.

Some places have a bigger selection of accommodation choices. These include Masset, Tow Hill nearby and QC. The variety of Haida Gwaii accommodations options are intended to fulfill personal preferences while respecting the ecological environment.




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