Haida Gwaii Indigenous Culture and Nature Tour in British Columbia

After an early breakfast, we’ll make our way down to the boat dock for a 15 min briefing. Here our 30-foot aluminum catamaran awaits with its heated closed cabin, bathroom and open deck space. Guests are issued gear including rubber boats, toques and floater jackets. Then, off we go to the Haida villages of Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (commonly known as Skedans) and T’aanuu Llnagaay for walks through two distinctive village sites. Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans) was a village of 26 to 30 longhouses at its height.

In this remote corner of the world, we view these ruins as structures that evoke and summon the past to an encounter with contemporary reality. At Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay, guests follow the network of clam shell trails to view the remains of the village. The poles that remain and the depressions of several longhouses give one a sense of the former grandeur of the village, splayed out along Skedans Bay. Along the way, local guides incorporate storytelling, songs and local history to give guests a glimpse into the heritage of the Haida People and how they protect the land and waters.

After lunch, we board our boat and head to the village of Tanu. The Eagle and Raven Wolf village of T’aanuu Llnagaay translates to Eelgrass Town in reference to the eelgrass beds nearby. This village was once populated with between 25 and 40 longhouses. Though no standing poles remain at T’aanuu, the house depressions and moss-covered house posts provide a vivid reminder of the history this place holds.

After the trip, you'll return to Graham Island, where you'll later continue your night at a local pub.

Both breakfast and lunch will be served that day.

The morning starts with Skitegate village, where you'll visit Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay' Llnagaay. Those who wish to have a morning walk can reach the centre on foot by going six kilometers along the coastal road. Once there, you'll be guided through the centre that was built on the site of the historical village Ḵay' Llnagaay (also known as "Sea Lion Town"). The centre museum preserves many Haida antiquities: traditional clothing, household items, poles, and the most extensive argillite collection in the world. 

The premises of the centre also include the Performance House, where you'll get the opportunity to hear exciting stories and drumming accompanied by traditional dances. Next on the list is the Carving House (Gyaa K'id Naay) and Canoe House (Skaajang Naay). In the Carving House, you'll see more old poles, canoes, and other large items. The one piece of art you can quickly notice is artist Bill Reid's carved Skidegate Pole. To learn more about the life of the Haida people, you'll be invited to the Canoe House. Here you'll hear about the importance of canoes that helped them to travel, work, and gather essential resources such as food. Haidas were known for being experienced, travelers and traders. After spending time at the centre, you'll have the possibility to go for a walk on a well-maintained path around Spirit Lake.

After eating lunch at a local bistro, you'll continue your day by going north on the Yellowhead Highway to see Balance Rock. The place, surrounded by tall cedars and the ocean, is known for its spiritual atmosphere. On your way to Tlell, you'll also stop at Jungle Beach and St. Mary Spring. According to the legend, those who sip water from the spring are destined to return to Haida Gwaii.

The day will end when you check into a B&B and have dinner at a local restaurant. 

Only breakfast will be served that day.

Start your morning by walking on the beach, watching the sunrise, and having a slow breakfast later. After this, you'll continue your morning by going to the village of Port Clements and exploring the protected lands of Yaaguun Gandlaay Heritage Site. By taking a trail that takes you to the banks of the Yakoun River, you'll end up near the location of Kiidk'yaas ("The Golden Spruce"). The Golden Spruce was a Sitka spruce tree that was well-known for its genetic mutation, making the tree's needles golden-colored. This tree was very special to the Haida people. Unfortunately, it was cut down in the act of protest in 1997 by forest engineer Grant Hadwin. On the road, you'll find out more details about the "death" of the tree and the attempts to save it. 

After lunch, you'll visit a family-owned gift shop called the Crystal Cabin Gallery, founded 25 years ago by the Dutheil family. The shop also serves as a display of the Tlell Stone Circle. It was created in 2002 by Dutes Dutheil, a lapidary artist and rockhound, and showcases rare fossils, crystals, old wood, and even volcanic thunder eggs. It also serves as a place that allows you to connect to Haida Gwaii spiritually. In the Crystal Cabin Gallery, you can also buy unique jewelry made from an international selection of gems and crystals. The Dutheil family offers signature articles such as Island Mist Agates, Serenity Stones, or Star Spirit Thunder Eggs.

After breakfast, you'll first go to the village of Masset, where you'll meet your local guide, with whom you'll continue your trip to the historic Village of Yan or Kung. The final destination will depend on occurring weather conditions. Both these villages were once successful and prominent; now, compared with S'Gaang Gwaay Llinagaay (Ninstints), they only remain of the past. Yan, which used to have up to seventeen long houses and is considered one of the biggest villages of the north in Haida Gwaii, was abandoned in the 1800s. The Village of Kung was also a prosperous place with fifteen long houses. During your trip, you'll visit one of these villages and hear exciting stories from your local guide, surrounded by this unique atmosphere.

You'll finish your evening by checking into a local B&B and receiving a tasty dinner. 

Both breakfast and dinner will be served that day.

This day will be more relaxing than the previous ones. After checking the tides, you’ll start your tour of the day by going to Naikoon Provincial Park. It covers 72,640 hectares along the Northeast tip of Graham Island and is known for various trees such as lodgepole pines, red and yellow cedars, hemlocks, and Sitka spruces. You’ll walk the trail up Tow Hill, which offers a panoramic view of Masset Inlet and sandy beaches.

After checking the surroundings at Tow Hill, you’ll continue walking along North Beach, where you’ll have time to wade and beachcomb. Later, you’ll visit a hip local bakery in the forest. 

In the afternoon, you can also visit Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the creation of Masset or choose to explore Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary – a sanctuary for migrating birds. 

Both breakfast and dinner will be served that day.

On the last touring day, you'll be exploring the village of Old Masset. To feel the true spirit of the town, you'll visit the local chief's Big House. As the name suggests, the house owned by a chief was bigger than the others and was situated in the middle of the row of houses. To deepen your knowledge about the Haida People, you'll also visit the homes of local argillite and cedar carvers and painters. 

You'll continue your tour by checking out recent poles that were put up in the village and having lunch with the town's locals at their favorite dining place. You'll also have an opportunity to check out Sarah's Haida Arts & Jewellery house and wonder in Haida Raven Gallery. It's guaranteed that you'll have some pleasant memories of this trip as you'll be able to take some pictures at the local sites whenever possible. Another attraction that will await you is watching eagles fly and fishermen throwing out treats for them.

At the end of this trip, you'll admire the tranquility and calmness of Haida Gwaii. This trip will make you feel more at ease and in sync with nature. 

Both breakfast and dinner will be served that day.

After an early breakfast, you’ll get time to load your luggage and check out from your B&B. The driver/tour will take you to a point where an airport shuttle will pick you up to go back to Sandspit. At Sandspit airport, you’ll have a flight to Vancouver, B.C.

Only breakfast will be served that day.