What You Can Expect From Queens Charlotte Islands Accommodations

By Kenya Campos


If you are looking for a warm and friendly welcome when you visit Queen Charlotte Island you will not be disappointed. The natives are friendly and the region is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. The islands are steeped in history and culture with many custom still evident in todays island lifestyle. Anyone who chooses to visit and takes advantage of Queens Charlotte Islands accommodations will find something that fits well within their budget.


The 1800 plus islands in the archipelago provide visitors with a range of terrains from snow-capped mountain peaks, sandy beaches and forests floors rich with unusual flora and fauna. The islands which have been renamed Haida Gwaii is known to be one of the most active earthquake areas in Canada. Landslides are not an uncommon occurrence in mountainous areas of Haida Gwaii.

The two main community islands are Graham and Moresby, both of which offer visitor accommodation. Graham Island is the largest and has several villages within its boundaries. Skidegate is the site of the main ferry terminal that links the island with the mainland. Visitors can opt for bed and breakfast, a motel room or they can rent one of the holiday homes.

On Graham Island the village of Masset which sits at the north tip is a center for fishing. The commercial fishing industry has declined in recent years, but that has been offset by the rise in fishing activities related to tourism. Visitors interested in getting up close to the wildlife and bird watchers will find plenty to enthral them on a visit to the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary or the Naikon Provincial Park.

Art lovers and historians will find a visit to the Old Masset Village a real treat. Visitors can observe the islanders at work in the front yard carving out the totem poles which tell the history of the islanders, their culture and their beliefs. The canoes that are used for fishing are also carved by hand. Many examples of the pieces produced by local people are available for viewing in the villages art gallery.

Tiell is the smallest village or community on Graham Island, but boast the best beaches for finding driftwood and seashells. Apart from a coffee shop and a general store there are no other buildings in the village. However, Tiell does boast a camp site for anyone wanting to sample the lifestyle.

The smaller Moresby Island has its community centred around the village of Sandspit. Logging has historically been and still is the main industry on the island. Sandspit is home to the airport which connects the islands with the mainland. The accommodation types available in Sandspit include bed and breakfast, holiday home rentals and motel rooms.

Accommodation opportunities in Haida Gwaii can seem to be fairly restricted. Visitors to the archipelago regions need to accept that they will not find the type of five star luxuries they might expect. Although the accommodations that are available may be fairly basic, the rooms are clean, comfortable and reflect the lifestyle and culture of the people. The friendly service and wide variety of activities available help to ensure that visitors have a unique and memorable experience.




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