Totem Pole at the Haida Heritage Centre. Photo courtesy of Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC

Balance Rock, Haida Gwaii

Carver/Artist Ben Davidson

K'san Village, Hazelton BC

Forest, Haida Gwaii, BC

Tow Hill Walking Trail

view at Queen Charlotte, Haida Gwaii

July 2018 group photo

CLOSE TO HOME TOUR SERIES

Haida Gwaii

DEPARTURE: Edmonton 7:00 am | Acheson 7:30 am | Entwistle 8:45 am | Edson 9:45 am | Hinton 10:45 am

Come along on an adventure of a lifetime!

Renamed from Queen Charlotte Islands in 2009, this captivating archipelago of over 200 islands off the northwest coast of British Columbia is sometimes called “Canada’s Galapagos.”  Ancient Haida culture and abundant wildlife survive amidst magical rainforests, storm-battered beaches and pristine waters.  

You will be a guest of the Haida people in their ancestral territory, where their vibrant way of life has existed since time immemorial.  This tour focuses on the Haida and other Coastal First Nations, including the Tsimshian, Gitxsan and Nisga’a peoples.

Highlights include ’Ksan Historical Village, Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park, Balance Rock, a picnic lunch at the beach, the Haida Heritage Centre, remains of the Golden Spruce and a delicious family-style Haida Feast. 

  • 2024 Departure dates
  • Guaranteed date
    • 11 days | June 10, 2024 Sold Out | August 12, 2024
      Canada West
      Motorcoach
      Passport Not Required
1

Edmonton to Prince George

Your Haida Adventure begins as you are welcomed aboard your deluxe coach in Edmonton.  Travel west through JASPER NATIONAL PARK and past majestic MOUNT ROBSON on your way to Prince George.  Stay in a comfortable room at the downtown Hyatt Place.

2

Prince George to Terrace

Follow the Yellowhead Highway through mountains and forests, watching for wildlife along the way.  The afternoon includes a visit to the ’Ksan HISTORICAL VILLAGE AND MUSEUM at Hazelton.  Learn about the Gitxsan people, who are known as the “People of the River of Mist.”  Upon arrival at the centrally located Best Western Terrace Inn, enjoy a WELCOME MEET and GREET with your travel companions.

3

Terrace to Prince Rupert

A diversion from Highway 16 will take you to NISGA’A MEMORIAL LAVA BED PROVINCIAL PARK, where geological structures meet indigenous culture.  Break for an included LUNCH before continuing to Prince Rupert, the gateway to BC’s beautiful north coast. Settle in at the friendly Inn on the Harbour.

 

4

Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii

(4 nights):  The MV NORTHERN ADVENTURE departs Prince Rupert this morning for a 7-hour scenic voyage through the COAST ISLANDS.  Watch for whales as you cross the HECATE STRAIT to Skidegate (Hlaagilda) and proceed to the village of Daajing Giids (formerly Queen Charlotte).  Your modest accommodations for the next four nights will be at the Sea Raven Motel.

 

5

Haida Gwaii

 Spend the day exploring diverse landscapes on the northeast end of Graham Island at NAIKOON PROVINCIAL PARK.  Look for agates among the multi-coloured pebbles and rocks at AGATE BEACH.  Then stop at TOW HILL where you will hear the legend of the monster Tow.  Take a short walk alongside the Hiellen River to the BLOW HOLE and possibly witness sea water shooting 25 feet in the air.  For a splendid view of the coastline, and perhaps even mainland Alaska, take an optional hike up the trail leading to the summit of TOW HILL.  After an included PICNIC LUNCH, visit the Haida village of OLD MASSETT followed by time to browse for local art in the gift shop.  Make a stop at MILE ZERO of Highway 16 on your way back to the village of Daajing Giids.

 

6

Haida Gwaii

This morning, a LOCAL GUIDE will take you through the HAIDA HERITAGE CENTRE at Ḵay ‘Llnagaay in Hlaagilda (Skidegate).  This world-class cultural complex resembles a traditional Haida village, preserves the history and celebrates the living culture of the Haida.  Discover the significance of six monumental totem poles and view a large collection of Haida artifacts.  Return to Daajing Giids for a free afternoon.  See the worthwhile Visitor’s Centre or enjoy live entertainment in Spirit Square (if available).

 

7

Haida Gwaii

 Today’s excursions will take you to the arts community of TLELL.  Have your camera ready for stops at BALANCE ROCK when tides allow, JUNGLE BEACH, and ST. MARY’S SPRING.  After an AGATE INFORMATIONAL TALK, view gemstones and the impressive work of indigenous artists at the CRYSTAL CABIN GALLERY, experience the Ley Line and shop in the gift store.  Drive on to Port Clements for an included PICNIC LUNCH.  Travel a short distance to the GOLDEN SPRUCE TRAIL, where some of the trees are over 500 years old!  Learn fascinating facts about the forest and the history of the GOLDEN SPRUCE.  This evening you will be treated to an authentic HAIDA FEAST prepared with traditional local ingredients.

8

Haida Gwaii to Prince Rupert

This morning we say Háw’aa (thank you) and goodbye to extraordinary Haida Gwaii as we board a BC FERRY and return to the mainland.  Scan the horizon for eagles and whale spouts as you sail back across the Hecate Strait.  Spend your last night near the ocean at the Inn on the Harbour.

 

9

Prince Rupert to Terrace

 After breakfast, discover the acclaimed MUSEUM OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA, which showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural history of the area.  This afternoon drive to Port Edward, located on the Skeena River, to visit the NORTH PACIFIC CANNERY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.  This site is the oldest surviving salmon cannery village along British Columbia’s coast.  Established in 1889, the cannery was typical of those in remote locations in that it provided accommodation through the summer canning season.  Most of the buildings are connected by a wooden boardwalk.  Overnight at the Best Western Terrace Inn.

10

Terrace to Prince George

 Retrace your route back through north-central British Columbia to Prince George for overnight at Hyatt PlaceThis evening join your fellow travellers for a HOSTED FAREWELL DINNER.

11

Prince George to Edmonton

With fond memories of your Haida Gwaii journey, say farewell to your new-found friends on your return to Edmonton.

tour route map for Haida Gwaii

HAIDA GWAII INFORMATION

  • The Haida are a seafaring people well-known for their beautiful artwork and skillfully carved totem poles – one of which is now located at the Edmonton Stollery Children’s hospital.
  • Haida Gwaii is at the end of the road, a wet, wild refuge that has captured the hearts of nature lovers. Often called the Canadian Galapagos due to the flora and fauna only found in this Pacific archipelago, the climate is mild, with summer temperatures similar to those in the rest of northern and central BC.
  • Due to the remote location of this tour, best available accommodations in Daajing Giids are categorized as basic/modest. 

SIGHTSEEING:  Travellers should be able to walk on slopes and rugged or uneven terrain during the tour.

SMALL GROUP TOUR – seats are limited.

This very special program will be limited to 30 passengers per tour due to the nature of interpretive programs on Haida Gwaii.

Included in Your Holiday

  • First class transportation on an air-conditioned, washroom-equipped motorcoach
  • Quality accommodation and tax
  • Services of an experienced Tour Director and Driver
  • Baggage handling, one average piece per person
  • Travel Bag
  • Admission to attractions and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
  • Jasper National Park
  • Mount Robson
  • K’san Historical Village
  • Meet and Greet
  • Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park
  • Lunch
  • Ferries as indicated
  • Coast Islands
  • Hecate Strait
  • Naikoon Provincial Park
  • Agate Beach
  • Tow Hill
  • Hiellen River
  • Blowhole
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Village of Old Massett
  • Mile 0
  • Haida Heritage Centre with a Local Guide
  • Tlell
  • Balance Rock
  • Jungle Beach
  • St. Mary’s Spring
  • Agate Informational Talk
  • Crystal Cabin Gallery
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Golden Spruce Trail
  • Golden Spruce remains
  • Haida Feast
  • Museum of Northern British Columbia
  • North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site
  • Farewell Dinner
  • 11 Meals Include: 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners.

2024 June Pricing

Cost per person | Prices in Canadian Dollars | Prices subject to change

Triple

$2,689.00

GST: $134.45

Twin

$3,019.00

GST: $150.95

Single

$4,049.00

GST: $202.45

Early Booking Discount

twin sharing per person.

$60.00

2024 August Pricing

Cost per person | Prices in Canadian Dollars | Prices subject to change

Triple

$2,729.00

GST: $136.45

Twin

$3,069.00

GST: $153.45

Single

$4,109.00

GST: $205.45

Early Booking Discount

twin sharing per person.

$61.00