Extending Your Trip in Haida Gwaii

With the operating season upon us, guests are starting to reach out to the office with questions about their flights, crew are starting to receive their seasonal contracts, and the coast is waiting in a snow-muted silence, waiting to be explored. As the excitement of the season starts to bubble to the surface, we thought it would be fun to do a series of location-specific stories on how guests can extend their visit on the coast. As Haida Gwaii is our first itinerary of the season, it will be the first trip in the spotlight.

Why Extend Your Trip? 

Regardless if you are coming from overseas or from right here in Vancouver, extending your trip helps reduce your flight carbon footprint and also puts money back into the small, coastal communities we operate out of. As regenerative and sustainable travel are core pillars of our operations, staying two or three extra days before or after your trip is always something we recommend.

Haida Gwaii: Getting There 

Haida Gwaii is one of our trip itineraries that hits the trifecta of transportation options: car, ferry, or plane. It also is a loop itinerary, with guests departing from and arriving back to the same place, making the logistics around a road trip/ferry option of transportation much easier. 

• By Car: The ultimate road trip, one could start in Vancouver and drive all the way to Haida Gwaii. Flying into Vancouver airport, there are a multitude of car rental options and there is parking available in Skidegate where cars can be left for the duration of a Haida Gwaii trip. Passing through the coastal mountain range, through the interior desert, into lake country, then in through northern BC, this would be a quintessential British Columbia experience.
• By Ferry: If driving, one will need to take the ferry to get to Haida Gwaii – it is an island after all. Run by BC Ferries, this route departs from Prince Rupert and arrives into Skidegate, Haida Gwaii. If taking a car, we strongly suggest making a reservation for your sailing. It is also possible to do this without a car (called a “walk on”) though one would need to organize transportation from Skidegate onward to their accommodations. 
• By Plane: Our Haida Gwaii itinerary officially starts in Sandspit which is serviced by Air Canada. If looking to extend your trip, flights are also available from the north side of the island out of Masset by Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Where to Stay 

There are a few main hubs in Haida Gwaii that one will find accommodation: Sandspit, Daajing Giids, Port Clements, and Masset. With a few hidden gems in between these ‘main’ towns, folks can find anything from campsites, tiny homes, quaint bed & breakfasts, to luxurious hotels on the island of Haida Gwaii. From Sandspit, the most southernly town, to Old Masset, the most northernly town, it is about a 2hr drive tip to tip, with a short ferry between Alliford Bay to Skidegate. 

Things to Do 

There is no shortage of things to do and see while on Haida Gwaii. Unlike any other place in British Columbia, or Canada, Haida Gwaii has untamed and unparalleled nature & wildlife at its front door. The adventure seeker and arts appreciator alike will find something up island:

• Naikoon Provincial Park: Located on the northeastern side of Haida Gwaii, Naikoon Provincial Park offers stunning & sweeping views of the Hecate Strait while providing visitors with opportunities to camp, hike, bike, and visit Haida village sites. 
• Outdoor Activities: Haida Gwaii offers hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing, and biking along its varied coastline. Many outfitters run day or multi-day guided tours, or there are rental options for those that want to go it alone. Browse through Go Haida Gwaii’s attractions page to learn more.
•  Art Galleries: Haida art is world-renowned and worth learning more about while on Island. Wood carvings, jewelry, painting, ceramics – it can all be found on Haida Gwaii. 

Places to Eat 

With a population of about 5,000 people, Haida Gwaii caters to a small, close-knit community. Visitors won’t be finding restaurants with huge capacities or any chain franchises – dining on island is kept much more personal and low-key. But don’t let size fool you – the gastronomic offerings on island range from food truck to fine dining. Looking for a caffeine fuel up on a quick bite to eat before hitting the road? Jag’s coffee shop in Skidegate offers delicious coffee & tea lattes alongside delectable pastries. And if looking for a true foodie experience, one must head to Raincoast Breads, where head chef Kevin created hyper-local, rotating dinner offerings based on what has been foraged that day.

We’re Here to Help 

If extending your coastal adventure on either side of your Bluewater trip is something you’re interested in, please contact the office to run over your tentative plan so we can confirm it aligns with your trip departure and arrival needs. Hoping to explore more of BC but not sure where to start? We’re also happy to help offer some guidance.