Haida Gwaii for Active Seniors – 7-Day Indigenous Culture & Nature Tour

After an early breakfast, we’ll make our way down to the boat dock for a 15-minute briefing. Here, our 30-foot aluminum catamaran awaits with a heated closed cabin, bathroom, and open deck space. Guests are issued gear including rubber boots, toques, and floater jackets. 

Then, off we go to the Haida villages of Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans) and T’aanuu Llnagaay, two distinctive historic village sites. Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay was once a village of 26–30 longhouses. Guests follow clam-shell trails to view the remains of longhouses and poles that reveal the former grandeur of the site. Along the way, Haida guides share stories, songs, and history, offering a glimpse into the Haida People’s heritage and stewardship of the land and sea. 

After lunch, we travel to T’aanuu Llnagaay (“Eelgrass Town”), once home to 25–40 longhouses. Though no standing poles remain, the moss-covered posts and house depressions vividly evoke the village’s past. 

Overnight in local B&B accommodation with private bathroom. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

The morning starts with Skidegate 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.

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. 

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.

After breakfast, take some time to load your luggage and check out from your B&B. 

Your driver/guide will transfer you to Masset Airport for your return flight to Vancouver. Enjoy your final look at the peaceful landscapes of Haida Gwaii as you fly back over the coastal mountains toward the mainland. 

Meals: Breakfast 

End of tour services.