Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

Step 2: Orientation

All Gwaii Haanas visitors must attend an orientation . Please allow 1 to 1.5 hours. The orientation is a legal requirement for all visitors. It provides current safety information and traveler protocols and it is an excellent introduction to the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Attendance at the orientation is optional for repeat visitors who have attended a session within the past 3 years.

Plan to spend some time at the Haida Heritage Centre after your orientation before visiting the old village sites in Gwaii Haanas. Daily tours of the poles, Haida canoes and museum offer a rare opportunity to delve deeper into the Haida culture, past and present.

Orientation Session Schedule 2012

• Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate
  • Oct - May
    • Monday to Friday - By appointment, 48 hours notice
      
  • June
    • Monday to Friday - 9:00am
      
  • July 1 to August 18
    • Monday to Saturday - 9:00am
      
  • August 19 to September 7
    • Monday to Friday - 9:00am

It is not necessary to reserve space in scheduled orientations.

Orientations in French:
Orientations are usually presented in English. If you would like an orientation delivered in French, please call 1-877-559-8818 to arrange.

Special Orientations:
In special circumstances or for large groups, orientations may be delivered outside the regular schedule, in Sandspit or in other locations,  based on staff availability. Boaters concerned about attending an orientation in person, should call 1 877-559-8818 early in your planning process. Sessions delivered outside of normal working hours cost $78.50. Payment needs to be received in advance.

Orientation Location:
Orientations are presented in the Haida Heritage Centre. Visitors should follow the signs indicating the Orientation location from the parking lot to the entrance of the Centre. The Haida Heritage Centre is located on the main highway 2.9 km north of the Village of Queen Charlotte, or .8 km north of the Skidegate Landing ferry terminal. If you are coming from the Sandspit or Queen Charlotte Harbour and do not have a vehicle you will need to arrange transportation. The Sandspit Harbour is 10 km from the Alliford Bay ferry terminal, then 4.6 km on the Skidegate- Alliford Bay ferry. The Skidegate Landing ferry terminal is a 5 minute walk to the Haida Heritage Centre. The Queen Charlotte Harbour is 5.8 km from the Heritage Centre.

Orientations and Tour Operators:
If you travel with a licensed operator, the guide will deliver the orientation during the trip. If you hire transportation to a specific location in Gwaii Haanas then travel independently, you must attend an orientation session for independent visitors prior to beginning your trip. title=register Step 3: Register