Visitors at SGang Gwaay Llnagaay © Parks Canada / Neil Osborne
Visitors can explore the century-old cedar poles, longhouse remains and other cultural sites in Gwaii Haanas.
A longhouse beam at T'aanu Llnagaay © Parks Canada / Jody Bissett
Monumental Poles
Poles carved with crests of the Eagle and Raven clans of the Haida are found at SGang Gwaay Llnagaay (formerly known as Ninstints), a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Anthony Island, and at the Haida Heritage Site of K’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans).
Haida Longhouses
Longhouses, the remnants of which can be seen at T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu), K’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans), and SGang Gwaay, were constructed in an uniquely Haida way. With amazingly large posts and beams defining the enormous tiered house pits, longhouse remains offer a window into the historic Haida way of life.
Other cultural sites
Haida Gwaii Watchmen cabins, hotsprings, culturally modified trees and more can be seen in Gwaii Haanas. Cultural sites are also found in rivers, on beaches, in the intertidal zone and in the forest. It’s important to treat every area with respect as it could be a potential cultural site.