Gwaii Haanas: the hidden gem of British Columbia

Gwaii Haanas is a national park reserve and a national marine reserve. It is also the Haida heritage site. Gwaii Haanas is of great cultural, historical and environmental significance due to its location and ancestral settlement.

Gwaii Haanas in brief

Gwaii Haanas is located in the Haida Gwaii archipelago on the west coast of British Columbia. This region is formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands and is sometimes called the Canadian Galapagos. It is made up of around 200 islands, covering 1500 km² of land and 1700 km of coastline.

Since 1993, this territory has been recognized as a national park reserve and Haida heritage site, its ancestral people, one of the first Aboriginal Nations of Canada. These people have occupied the archipelago for centuries. He deeply respects the land and the sea and feels responsible for this territory. It is its mission to ensure that this heritage is preserved, protected and passed on to future generations. Gwaii Haanas is a unique place where one can still see how indigenous culture and nature coexist harmoniously. Gwaii Haanas also means “Island of the People”.

The Haida people manage and protect the site, jointly with the government through Parks Canada. This collaborative management is a unique partnership, the Gwaii Haanas Agreement. It reflects the authorities' commitment to environmental protection and commitment to Aboriginal rights.

The region has a rich and diverse environment, with unique marine ecosystems, miles of beach and lush forests. A large part of the archipelago lies within a marine national park. On the land, biodiversity is also very rich, both in animal and plant species. There are American eagles, black bears and many species of salmon in its waters.

The History of Gwaii Haanas and the Haida People

According to the story passed down orally, the kuuniisii - ancestors of the Haida - came out of the ocean to settle in the archipelago, where they built villages. By governing Gwaii Haanas through clans, they maintained good relations between the land, sea and people. Until today, the culture of this people remains deeply based on the relationships between men, nature and the supernatural.

The abundance and wealth of the territory has allowed these people, their clans and their communities to live for thousands of years until today.

The first contacts with Europeans took place in the last quarter of the 18th century. They set up trading posts there during the fur trade. Their arrival brought rapid economic, social and cultural changes to the region. During the 19th century, industrial exploitation began in Gwaii Haanas: whaling, mining, forestry and fishing. Their negative cultural and ecological impact attracted international attention, but the region did not become a protected and cooperatively managed area until the end of the 20th century. It was at the same time that the authorities recognized the archaeological importance of the region. Ancient abandoned Haida villages and ancient totem poles are discovered there following excavations.

Gwaii Haanas: protected site

Since its recognition as a national park reserve, Gwaii Haanas has been managed by Parks Canada and the Gwaii Haanas Management Board. In total, there are more than 5,000 km² of protected areas between land and sea. Gwaii Haanas is protected because of its environmental, cultural and historical particularities.

Cultural and historical protection

The Gwaii Haanas Territory is the ancestral territory of the Haida people. SGang Gwaay (Wailing Island) and its village have been recognized as a world heritage site and a national historic site since 1981. Its cultural importance is recognized internationally. It shows the ancestral and enduring relationship between the people, the land and the sea. It is illustrated through the use of different terrains, architecture and the work of materials, such as its totem poles.

Environmental conservation

Many efforts are made to guarantee the ecological integrity of the reserve. Monitoring programs for certain ecosystems have been put in place, with measurements taken. They include forests, alpine tundra areas, swamps, fresh waters, coasts and marine waters.

The reserve works with universities, non-governmental organizations and research cells for the environmental management of the site and also for the restoration of its cultural heritage. In 2010, the Gwaii Haanas Marine Area became a Marine Conservation Reserve Area - it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Part of Gwaii Haanas has become a national marine conservation area. Moreover, since the implementation of all these programs, Gwaii Haanas has seen the return of sea otters to its territory. They rebuilt their historic habitat there. They had in fact almost disappeared since the fur trade before colonization. Their return bodes very well for Gwaii Haanas, as this species plays a crucial role in its environment. They have a profound impact on kelp forests, the latter being the food source for many invertebrates, fish and other marine living beings. These kelp forests also protect coastlines from erosion and filter carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is one of the most productive ecosystems on earth.

A destination for responsible tourism

Gwaii Haanas is an extraordinary tourist destination. Being very protected, visits are subject to many rules.

Cultural visits

The cultural richness of Gwaii Haanas is evident in its archaeological and cultural sites across the island. Visitors will see weather-worn totem poles, as well as old cannery and mining sites. Tourists are guided by resident supervisors who will share traditional stories of Gwaii Haanas. Passing through the ancient villages and museums of the island will satisfy the curiosity of visitors.

Wildlife observation

From a distance, visitors to Gwaii Haanas can spot orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. Its shallow waters are home to several species of giant starfish and brightly colored anemones. Black bears, sea otters, mammals and seabirds can also be seen on this site.

Tourists can bring their own boat or rent a kayak on site. You will need to pay attention to currents and follow directions to stay safe. Guided boat tours are also organized from Moresby Camp.

Outdoor activities

During sunny days, you can indulge in various activities such as canoeing, kayaking, diving or fishing.

Hiking fans will enjoy several marked trails, such as Mount Moresby or Windy Bay Lake. K'angGuu Gwaay.yaay on Kunga Island has small areas protected by a barrier near the forest. To access it, you must follow the yellow markers indicating the path. The first enclosures were built 30 years ago to study the impact of deer grazing on the development of flora. Today, they also show the impact of species introduced by humans.

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