Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
From May 1 to Sept 30 everyone visiting Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site independently, i.e. without a tour guide licensed by Gwaii Haanas, must make a reservation and pay an all inclusive excursion/camping fee. At any time of year, all independent visitors must register for each trip. All visitors are required to attend an orientation at least once in 3 years. Visitor trip permits are given at the orientation. Repeat visitors who have already attended the orientation and have their trip permit for 2011 may obtain theirsubsequent trip permit numbers by phone.
Step 1: Reserve
Make your reservation by calling Gwaii Haanas toll free at 1-877-559-8818. Our reservation service is available starting April 1, 2011, Mon. to Fri. from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Be prepared with your planned entry and departure dates. Keep in mind that July up to mid-August is the busiest so if you plan to come during this time, verify the availability of your Gwaii Haanas dates before confirming your final travel plans. Step 2: Orientation:
If planning to travel with a guide, reserve directly with the tour operator.
Visitor Numbers Limited
Gwaii Haanas balances recreation with the protection of the natural and cultural features that attract people. With this in mind, the number of visitors entering Gwaii Haanas each day is limited. Available space is distributed between guided and independent travellers.
To preserve your visitor experience and to minimize the impacts on the natural and cultural features of Gwaii Haanas, group size on shore is limited to twelve people or less, within sight and sound of each other.
Season Passes
The daily fee is charged to a maximum of 6 days. If you are visiting more than 6 days you will be given a season pass. A Season Pass covers Gwaii Haanas entry fees for an unlimited number of trips in a calendar year. Please note that visitors with season passes must still reserve trip dates and register with Gwaii Haanas for each trip.
Why Fees?
Entry and service fees are charged at Canada’s National Parks and Historic Sites, where revenues are kept to support visitor services and facilities. This means that every time you visit a park or site you are investing in its future—and in a legacy for future generations. Gwaii Haanas fees support the Haida Gwaii Watchman program, public safety, the orientation, interpretation and monitoring programs, fresh water hoses and boardwalks at village sites. No fees are charged between October 1 and April 30, but visitors during this period must register with Gwaii Haanas and attend an orientation session.
Cancellation Policy
A refund of excursion/camping fees will be given upon request, up to 21 days prior to your trip start date. Please call Gwaii Haanas at 1-877- 559-8818.
Pets
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times when onshore in Gwaii Haanas. At the request of the Watchmen, pets are not allowed at any staffed haida cultural sites.
Closures
At times, it is necessary to close areas of Gwaii Haanas to visitors. Protection of bird colonies, Haida heritage places, and problem bear encounters are some of the reasons for closures.
The following sensitive areas are closed to all access:
• Kerouard Islands
• Rankine, Jeffery, Slug, and Copper Islands
• Bowles Point
• House Islet and ‘Ataana (House Island)
• SGang Gwaay islets
• Bolkus Island
Check with Gwaii Haanas staff for current information prior to departing on your trip.