Sunrise, lake, British Columbia, Haida Gwaii

Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go | Haida Gwaii

Whether you're preparing for your upcoming sailing voyage to the “Galapagos of the North" or just want to learn more about the coast, culture and conservation of Haida Gwaii, we've got you covered. We've rounded up an array of helpful resources, from a wildlife guide and packing tips to a reading list and thrilling travel stories to fuel your excitement.

Wildlife Guide

From Haida Gwaii black bears and bald eagles to sea otters and Sitka black-tailed deer, this wildlife-rich archipelago is a haven for numerous mammals, birds and marine life.

Places We Visit

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site showcase the interconnectedness of the Land, Sea and People. We also explore Sandspit, Skidegate Landing and more.

Natural History

The Haida Gwaii archipelago has been called the “Galapagos of the North,” because its isolation from the mainland for thousands of years allowed a unique assemblage of animals to develop here.

WWF Fast Facts

Boost your brain with World Wildlife Fund’s fast facts about humpback whales and ocean habitats.

Reading List

Learn about British Columbia’s forests, the creation of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and the Haida struggle for sovereignty over Haida Gwaii. Our reading recommendations will fuel your excitement!

Weather & Climate

Find out the typical weather conditions in British Columbia in this month-by-month breakdown of average temperatures and rainfall.

Adventure Details

Our travel advice will leave you feeling prepared for a trip to Haida Gwaii, with tips on currency, electricity and more.

Expedition Dining

Nat Hab’s dining experiences on this sailing voyage include fresh-caught fish and traditional foods that highlight the seasonal abundance of Haida Gwaii.

Packing List

We’ve made a comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you’ll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for your Haida Gwaii adventure.

Gwaii Haanas: A Conservation Story in Canada’s Galapagos

—By Nat Hab Expedition Leader Edward Savage
The Misty Isles, Islands at the Edge, Canada’s Galapagos, the Queen Charlotte Islands (briefly) or what is properly known as Haida Gwaii (meaning Islands of the People in the Haida language), is an archipelago...

Wildlife of Haida Gwaii: Canada’s Galapagos

—By Samantha Miller
Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of more than 200 islands off Canada’s northern Pacific coast. Haida Gwaii consists of two main islands, Graham Island (Kiis Gwaay) in the north and Moresby Island in the south...

Sailing Haida Gwaii: First Impressions

—By Nat Hab Expedition Leader Edward Savage
Growing up in Canada, I always dreamed of venturing to Haida Gwaii. This enticing nature destination was at the forefront of my mind, as I often heard stories of the political, cultural and environmental...

An Indigenous History of Climate Change in Canada

—By Megan Brief
Sailing along the mossy shores of Haida Gwaii, we are indebted to the Indigenous stewards who graciously share their ancestral lands and waters with us. Culturally sensitive and sustainable tourism...