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 2012 may obtain their subsequent 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, 2012, 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
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.
Step 3: Register
Registration is Required:
Unless travelling on a guided tour with a licensed tour operator, all visitors must register before entering Gwaii Haanas or visiting any Haida Gwaii Watchmen site at any time during the year. You will be given a visitor permit during the orientation session to show you have registered. If you have attended an orientation session within the past 3 years, registration may be completed by phone 250-559-8818 or 1-877-559-8818, fax 250-559-8366, or in person at the Gwaii Haanas office in Skidegate.
The registration process provides Gwaii Haanas with information required in emergency situations and for visitor use onitoring. This information includes the type, registration number, and the name of your boat, the colour of your camping equipment, and your emergency contact information.
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.