Free interpretive programs

Beach walk

Explore along the seashore and meet the strange and beautiful animals and seaweeds that live in the world between the tides.

Location: Beach in front of the Haida Heritage Centre in HlG̲aagilda, Skidegate.
Duration: 1.5 hours. 
Activity Level: Moderate, walking distance is 1 km on moist, packed mud. 
Group Size: Maximum 25 participants. 
Special Notes: Rubber boots or other water-proof footwear highly recommended. No boots? A limited number are available for loan on a first-come, first-serve basis.

May

• Wed May 8 - 8:30am

• Thurs May 9 - 9:15am

• Fri May 10 - 10:00am

• Thurs June 6 - 8:30am

• Fri June 7 - 9:00am

• Sat June 8 - 9:45am

• Mon June 24 - 10:15am

• Tue June 25 - 11:00am

• Mon July 22 - 9:00am

• Tue July 23 - 9:45am

• Wed July 24 - 10:30am

• Tue Aug 20 - 8:45am

• Wed Aug 21 - 9:30am

• Thurs Aug 22 - 10:15am

Spirit Lake hike

Come and explore the sights, sounds and smells of a temperate rainforest with a Gwaii Haanas Interpreter. Discover how the Haida harvested plants and trees to obtain chewing gum, sun block, baby diapers and so much more!

Location: Spirit Lake trailhead across the highway from the George Brown Recreation Centre in HlG̲aagilda, Skidegate.
Scheduled: Fridays at 2pm, between June 7 and August 23. 
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Activity Level: Moderate, with two steep sections, easy pace with many stops along the way - 4.3 km loop.
Group Size: Maximum 25 participants.
Special Note: Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking.

Note - Schedule may be subject to change without notice. Look for posters at the Haida Heritage Centre in HlG̲aagilda, Skidegate and the Daajing Giids Visitor Information Centre for programming updates and the most up-to-date schedule.

Did you know?

Haida name: Sgan sgwan
Scientific name: Lysichiton americanus
English name: Skunk cabbage 
Traditional use: to preserve food – much like wax paper. 
Fact:  Skunk cabbage is found in wet areas, and along streams and in swamps. Although there are no skunks on Haida Gwaii, you may catch is skunky ‘whiff’ which can be attributed to the Skunk Cabbage flower.

 

Haida name: Ts’uu
Scientific name: Thuja plicata
English name: red cedar
Traditional use: Diapers, clothing, longhouses, monumental poles, dance regalia, etc. 
Fact:  Red cedar, often referred to as the Tree of Live, is used for a wide array of important items. From monumental poles, canoes, and cedar bark weaving, and much more. 

 

Haida name: Sḵ’awG̱an
Scientific name: Rubus spectabilis
English name: Salmon berry
Traditional use: food, paint 
Fact: In addition to being an important food source, these berries would be crushed into a paste, and used to paint monumental poles.