Haida Gwaii: Canada's Galapagos

The “Islands of the People,” as these remote islands of British Columbia are known to the Haida, are the ancestral home of the Haida Nation. Haida Gwaii is cloaked in moss-draped old-growth spruce forests, edged by rugged mountains, intricate tidal pools, and monumental totem poles that speak to a deep cultural legacy.

The islands’ isolation has fostered remarkable biodiversity, with flora and fauna that differ subtly from their mainland relatives. Deer are small and often unafraid. Hairy Woodpeckers show distinctive grey breasts. Even the Black Bears exhibit unique island characteristics. Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, this archipelago is often called “Canada’s Galápagos.” Our journey is timed for late spring, when longer days, fresh coastal greenery, and active wildlife mark the transition into summer.

As we explore the archipelago, we’ll watch for seabirds such as Ancient Murrelets and Tufted Puffins, along with Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles. Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, and Orcas begin returning to rich feeding grounds, and Steller’s Sea Lions gather at haul-outs and rookeries. Early wildflowers bloom along forest edges and open meadows, adding colour to the landscape. We’ll begin with time ashore visiting Haida communities before boarding our sailing ketch, our home for the voyage. From there, we’ll cruise among the islands, stepping ashore to explore tidal pools and beaches, learn from Haida Watchmen, walk beneath towering old growth, and enjoy the vibrant energy of the coast in late spring—an unforgettable immersion in one of Canada’s most distinctive cultural and natural landscapes.