Welcome

Unique in many ways

And they are unique in many ways. The flora and fauna are markedly different from the mainland; different species or sub-species, evolving here slightly differently than elsewhere. The world’s largest black bear, for example. Or Senecio newcombei, a lovely yellow-flowering perennial daisy, which grows here and nowhere else. The Charlottes have an international reputation as a showcase of evolution.

Sea birds nest here in large numbers; fully one-quarter of Canada’s Pacific coast populations breed on the islands. Storm petrels, auklets, tufted puffins, ancient murrelets, peregrine falcons, all are found hundred upon hundred.

Please respect the land

The land and sea have shaped the people who live here too, making them in some respects unique. Many practise the ancient art of food-gathering, living off the land, on clams and crab, nettles and kelp, mushrooms and berries, salmon and deer. Many are here because they believe the Charlottes are unequalled and they ask that you help preserve that uniqueness by practising no-trace camping and by treading lightly upon the forest floor and intertidal zone alike so that we may pass on to our children’s children the experiences that we are having today.

A few facts

There are about 150 islands, the tops of a submerged ridge, between 50 and 130 kilometres from the mainland. To the west, the continental shelf drops abruptly; to the east, the shallow Hecate Strait is notorious for its winds and famous for its fish. There are two main islands, Graham to the north, Moresby to the south. The paved highway runs from Sandspit on Moresby to Masset and Old Massett at the northern end of Graham. It passes through Queen Charlotte City, Skidegate, Tlell and Port Clements as well. It’s only an hour and a half drive the length of highway from north to south Graham island. Moresby Island has 35 minutes of paved road! Over 5,000 people live here, many making their living in the logging, fishing and tourism industries. Masset is the northermost community - the location of the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary and "Gateway to Naikoon Park" with an airport; Queen Charlotte is the administrative centre with many restaurants; Sandspit has the original airport and a golf course. Tlell’s fishing and beaches are legend. Port Clements is noted for its pioneer museum and the fledgling Golden Spruce. Skidegate and Old Massett, the two Haida villages located at either end of Graham Island are remarkable for their strong, living Haida culture. These villages hold roughly a third of the population of the islands.

Enjoy your visit and come back again to see us.