Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in the southern part of Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands), off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site spans both terrestrial and marine environments. It covers over 140,000 hectares of old-growth temperate rainforest, rugged coastlines, and marine ecosystems. The park is co-managed by the Government of Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation, reflecting a unique partnership honoring the Haida people's profound cultural connections to the land and sea. The area is renowned for its ecological diversity, home to iconic species such as the ancient Sitka spruce, black bears, bald eagles, and numerous marine mammals including sea lions and whales. Gwaii Haanas also contains more than 140 known Haida village sites with totem poles and longhouses that provide vital insight into the Indigenous history and archaeology. Outdoor recreation opportunities revolve around sea kayaking through sheltered inlets, multi-day wilderness hiking, guided cultural tours, and wildlife viewing. Visitors gain access by boat or floatplane from Moresby Island or Skidegate and can explore remote coves, pristine beaches, and hiking trails like the popular Windy Bay trail and the Island Heritage Trail. The site’s remoteness and attention to conservation make it a prime destination for those seeking solitude, cultural immersion, and exploration of one of Canada’s most extraordinary natural and cultural landscapes.
