Top Things to do in Queen Charlotte City
The 10 Best Things to Do in Queen Charlotte City, Canada
Discover the best top things to do in Queen Charlotte City, Canada including Gwaii Haanas National Park, All About U Arts, Queen Charlotte Visitor Centre, Green Coast, Balance Rock, Sleeping Beauty Trail, Spirit Lake Trail, Inland Air Charters Ltd., Kitgoro Kayaking, Haida Fishing Charters.
Restaurants in Queen Charlotte City
1. Gwaii Haanas National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By GlobalPilgrimMax - Vancouver, Canada
While it may take a little extra preparation to visit Gwaii Haanas, the rewards are truly spectacular. To witness the history and beautiful cultural renaissance of the Haida Nation is a great honour and a reaffirmation of the human capacity for resilience. The landscape is timeless and magical. We travelled with local outfitters on two day-trips - once with a Zodiac, which was much more comfortable then I had anticipated, and the second with a covered boat. The local outfitters were Morsby Explorers and Haida Style Expeditions. Both are recommended. Prior to departure, attending the introductory presentation at the Parks Canada offices in Skidegate is a must, as is the outstanding, world class Haida Cultural Centre and museum next door.
2. All About U Arts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By GlasseventsYYC - Calgary
This gallery is breathtaking! While we left our visit with only some art cards, we noticed that the price point in the gallery would suit many budgets. If you are looking for some of the best of contemporary Haida art, this is the place to go!
3. Queen Charlotte Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
The Queen Charlotte Visitor Center is located on the waterfront with gorgeous ocean views. Open year round, we are the best local source of information on visiting Haida Gwaii. Inside the longhouse inspired building you will find engaging, resourceful staff, artisan galleries, an extensive gift shop as well as useful interpretive materials including a touch tank saltwater aquarium. Head outside to our interpretive garden and picnic area to relax and take in the fresh air. We also have a large parking area for RVs and clean indoor public restrooms.
Reviewed By Steven S - Naples, Florida
what a delight, didn't know you could find agates on the island and when I scanned the book and went to beach to look for found out they are mostly near the north end of the island 1 1/2 hours away. so since I was...MoreGlad we could help you find some agates and take home treasures from your visit.
4. Green Coast
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By pjcVancouver - Vancouver
When my friend suggested that we sign up for the Kunghit trip I didn't hesitate. Gwaii Haanas is one of my favourite places. Although this was my third time kayaking in the area it was my first without the support of a mothership. Any Reservations that I might have had on that point were quickly put to rest. Green Coast's new owner, Bryce Klee, is on a Mission to ensure that his guests have an amazing trip, and I did. He and guide Amy Benskin are both highly skilled, also sensitive to the needs and moods of the group. 'Tired? No problem. Hop in the double.' 'Want to push yourself a bit? Go for it. We're keeping an eye on you'. I used my rain gear and needed every layer of merino wool that I brought -- read the packing list on the website carefully -- but I also swam and definitely needed sunscreen. I'd go back in a flash.
5. Balance Rock
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
Balance Rock is an interesting (free) attraction located just outside the community of Skidegate. The “rock” itself is a glacial erratic left behind from the glacial retreat of ice age. In that regard, the “balance rock” isn’t necessarily unique because there are literally thousands of these things that dot the North American landscape, but yet it has still managed to captivate peoples’ attention and wonder for many a decade. Why? Because it appears to “balance” on yet another rock, hence its name. In this way, Balance Rock provides for a beautiful sunset photo op not to be missed.
You can spend as much or as little time as you want here, depending on your need. I mean, you could, if you so decided, to get out of your car, walk the short gravel path down to the beach, take some pictures and then leave. That may take all of ten minutes. Or, you can take your time and explore the many tidal pools in the area and fully appreciate this place that the Haida have referred to as a “center of spirituality.” And indeed it is: one can easily get lost in their own thoughts while marveling at this natural wonder.
6. Sleeping Beauty Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By dorinser - Bucharest, Romania
this is a very demanding 2h+ trail consisting in steep wet slopes in a dark forest. quite vertical, slippery, often tricky. however it can be done by an average person with lots of ambition. descending is almost as difficult as the climbing. the views at the top in a clear day are breathtaking. good hiking shoes are a must
7. Spirit Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By GVancouver - Vancouver, Canada
Spirit Lake Trail is manageable by anyone with moderate levels of fitness. It is not technically challenging. The trail is developed the entire route. There are however some pretty steep portions.
We took an hour to do the lake loop, the largest of the marked routes. About half the route is through rainforest. The other half skirts the edge of an alpine lake. That portion is very scenic with deadfall and vegetation in and around the lake.
We saw little wildlife.
There are a few picnic tables on the trail but no other services.
The trailhead is immediately beside the highway across from the George Brown Rec Centre in Skidegate. Hard to miss.
8. Inland Air Charters Ltd.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
Inland Air has been serving Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii for the better part of three decades. Originally established to meet the needs of the logging and fishing industries, the airline now provides passenger service to remote locations, charters and flightseeing tours. I’ve had the privilege of flying on this airline a handful of times over the last couple of years, both around the Prince Rupert area and Haida Gwaii. The company has an excellent safety record and highly competent, experienced staff – so you know you’re in good hands.
As noted, Inland Air flies to a number of remote locations: Haida Gwaii (including Gwaii Haanas), Kitkatla, Hartley Bay, Lax kwa’ laams, and Alaska (charters). So, the aircraft you fly on are rugged and well-suited to the area and terrain: the incomparable DH-2 Beaver, itself a Canadian “bush pilot” icon. When you fly with Inland Air – be it a flightseeing tour around Haida Gwaii, the Prince Rupert area, or a regular pax flight – you’re provided with a wonderful narrative of natural landmarks, sights and history along the way. Indeed, the birds-eye view you get of some locations is unparalleled and without equal.
Just one word of caution: a lot of the terrain is mountainous, so there is quite a bit of turbulence to be had. Personally, this doesn’t bother me, but if you’ve got a weak stomach, you may want an air sickness bag just in case ;)
9. Kitgoro Kayaking
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Beerboy - Calgary, Canada
Our party of 7 enjoyed this trip of a lifetime. Have a new appreciation for Haidi Gwaii after this trip. Our multi day trip had everything taken care of by our 2 spectacular guides.
Guides: super attitudes and very accommodating. Very knowledgeable. Total Pros.
Gear: top notch equipment. Everything in good repair. Tents were great even in the rain.
Food: great food. Fresh and well balanced. Healthy and lots to eat. Impressed. Always set to get a fire going and have hot drinks ready ASAP.
Itinerary: perfect amount of kayak time and shore time. Saw some beautiful areas and wildlife.
Safety: in good hands. Trained Wilderness first responders. One guide was even a nurse. All precautions taken. Felt extremely safe.
Cultural: great resource of history and interpretive information. Particularly enjoyed the village sites.
Great value and truly a unique experience. Would recommend this experience to everyone. Would definitely go back for another adventure again.
10. Haida Fishing Charters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Brianna Q
Thank you Randy & Haida Fishing Charters! We had a blast! I cannot thank you enough for all your help and thorough instructions throughout the day. I was in a car accident 9 months ago and I am recovering from dislocated hips, a fractured pelvis...MoreBrianna, Your story is inspiring and it was a honour and pleasure to have you with us. Haawa/thank you for choosing Haida Fishing Charters, we are happy to hear you had a great time on the Haida Venture. We look forward to seeing you again.
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