Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in British Columbia, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Gwaii Haanas protects land and sea in southern Haida Gwaii, off British Columbia's northern coast. Its full designation is Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. The Haida Nation and Canada manage it cooperatively. A visit requires a marine or seaplane journey, advance arrangements, and preparation for weather delays.

Haida cultural landscapes and rainforest shores

• Haida village sites: Carved poles, longhouse remains, and Haida Gwaii Watchmen interpretation connect visits with continuing Haida culture. Access restrictions determine which sites can be visited.
• Rainforest islands: Cedar and Sitka spruce rise above sheltered shores and tidal channels.
• Boat journeys: Guided day trips and longer voyages provide different ways to experience the protected seascape.
• Marine wildlife: Watch for whales, sea lions, and seabirds without treating sightings as guaranteed stops.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Prepare for a remote marine journey

Independent travel requires skills in north-coast marine navigation and self-rescue. Strong currents, tidal changes, and sudden winds can affect even a short crossing. Carry extra food and fuel for delays. Bad weather can postpone emergency assistance for many hours.

There is no cellphone or internet service in Gwaii Haanas. Boats should carry VHF radio equipment. Review the official safety and emergency guidance before departure. A guided trip is the park's recommended option for visitors with limited experience in these waters.

Respect Haida places and wildlife

Treat camping places and shorelines as potential cultural sites. Leave middens, poles, house remains, and other features undisturbed. Do not approach bears feeding along the shore. Secure food, toiletries, and garbage so wildlife cannot reach them.

Shore groups are normally limited to 12 people. Camping at one location is limited to three consecutive nights, except when weather prevents safe travel. Drone use requires written permission. Hotspring Island prohibits camping and domestic animals; other restrictions apply elsewhere. Follow staff instructions and site notices.

Book before entering

Independent visitors must reserve at least five business days ahead and complete the mandatory online orientation. Carry the booking receipt and orientation certificate. Guided visitors arrange reservations, fees, and orientation through their licensed operator.

For visits from October 1, 2026 through February 15, 2027, the park directs visitors to reserve by telephone. Reservations for the 2027 season open February 15 at 9 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Allow extra days for weather and confirm the process before committing to transport.

Maps, location, and access

There is no road into the protected area. A journey to Haida Gwaii or the Skidegate office is only the first part of the trip. Entry requires a boat or seaplane arranged for the intended itinerary.

Use the official map, tide-table, and chart guidance. General visitor maps do not replace suitable marine charts. Parks Canada specifically warns that chart 3853's broad scale is unsuitable for navigation.

Other parks before or after the expedition

These Graham Island stops are road-access options elsewhere in Haida Gwaii. They are not connected by road to Gwaii Haanas.

• Naikoon Park: Highway 16 provides approaches near Tlell, Mayer Lake, and the Masset area.
• Pure Lake Park: South of Masset, a highway pullout connects to a short walking approach to the lake.

Choose the trip format first

Licensed operators offer boat excursions, kayaking journeys, and longer sailing or motorboat trips. Choose an itinerary for its travel demands and permitted landings. A cultural-site name in a brochure is not confirmation that access is currently allowed.

Haida Gwaii Watchmen introduce visitors to village sites when access and staffing permit. Elsewhere, the protected coastline supports wildlife watching and exploration by water. There is no maintained hiking network to substitute for the marine journey.

Expect limited wilderness services

There are no stores, fuel facilities, roads, or formal campsites. Small-craft mooring buoys exist at selected locations. Composting toilets are available at Watchmen sites. Freshwater hoses at Shuttle Island and Louscoone Inlet supply untreated water; visitors must prepare to treat their own supply. Watchmen cannot refill visitors' drinking-water bottles.

Operations stations support staff and researchers. Do not rely on finding someone there or treat them as visitor lodging. Discuss boarding, shore landings, and personal needs with staff and the operator before booking.

About Gwaii Haanas

Protection through Haida and Canadian agreements

The Haida Nation designated the area a Haida Heritage Site in 1985. The South Moresby Agreement followed in 1988, and the 1993 Gwaii Haanas Agreement established cooperative planning and management. Marine protection expanded in 2010. The Archipelago Management Board brings equal representation from the Haida Nation and Canada.

Rainforest and tidal habitat

Haida Gwaii black bears use the islands, including shore feeding areas. Whales, porpoises, and sea lions use the surrounding waters. Bald eagles and other birds connect forest and marine habitats. Give animals space and keep food waste from changing their behavior.

Contact

Official Gwaii Haanas visitor information
Telephone: 250-559-8818
Toll-free: 1-877-559-8818
Email: [email protected]
Office: 60 Second Beach Road, Skidegate, at the Haida Heritage Centre.
Mail: P.O. Box 37, Daajing Giids, British Columbia V0T 1S0.