18 Places to Stay in Haida Gwaii
Korri and I just returned from a long weekend trip up north to Canada! I’ve been to Canada a handful of times (British Columbia and Alberta), but this was my first time visiting Haida Gwaii, an archipelago located northwest of Vancouver Island. (Haida Gwaii is pronounced HAI-dah GWHY.)
Most people I talk to aren’t familiar with Haida Gwaii, and I wasn’t, either (until I met Korri!); they used to be known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, but the islands were renamed in 2010 following an agreement between the Canadian government and Haida Nation (a First Nations tribe and the original inhabitants of Haida Gwaii).
Haida Gwaii is an absolutely beautiful collection of islands full of flora and fauna and very few people. The towns that are inhabited are quite small, so it really feels very remote and like you truly are at “the edge of the world”. The scenery is beautiful, and I’m not sure I’ve smelled fresher air anywhere else in the world! It was an idyllic experience.
If you’re planning your own visit, I shared a full review of our Haida Gwaii accommodation in Sandspit (spoiler alert: Korri’s great-great-grandpa built it!) along with a roundup of 17 other places you can stay in Haida Gwaii.
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18 Places to Stay in Haida Gwaii
If you’re interested in visiting Haida Gwaii and wondering where to stay, this post is for you! I shared where Haida Gwaii is located (and how to get there), why you should visit, a review of our Haida Gwaii accommodation, and a list of 17 other places to stay in Haida Gwaii. They’re listed in approximate geographical order from south (Sandspit) to north (Masset).
Where is Haida Gwaii?
Haida Gwaii is an archipelago (comprising hundreds of islands) located to the northwest of Vancouver Island. Most of the islands are extremely remote and difficult to get to; the most accessible islands are Moresby Island and Graham Island. Haida Gwaii is close in proximity to Alaska to the north (and you can even see Alaska from the north shore on a clear day!).
To get to Haida Gwaii, you can either fly to Sandspit (on the northeast corner of Moresby Island) or fly to Masset (on the northern shore of Graham Island). Air Canada runs daily flights to Sandspit from Vancouver. Pacific Coastal Airlines offers direct flights to Masset from Vancouver, Victoria, Comox, Williams Lake, and Kelowna.
Coming from the United States, it was easiest (and least expensive) to book Air Canada tickets to Sandspit from Vancouver and then book tickets to Vancouver from the U.S. separately. It is not cheap to travel to Haida Gwaii; Korri’s and my tickets cost about $1,000 (in USD) each round trip total from Boise to Sandspit, and our Boise to Vancouver leg was booked with Alaska Airlines miles (12,500 each).
From Boise, we had to take three flights each way, but they were all short. Boise to Seattle is about 1 hour or so in the air, Seattle to Vancouver is about 30 minutes (we waited on the tarmac for longer!), and Vancouver to Sandspit is about 1 hour 30 minutes (sometimes up to 2 hours).
Don’t want to fly? BC Ferries offers a seasonal ferry service from Prince Rupert to Skidegate (southeast side of Graham Island). This service does not run daily; check the website for the most up-to-date sailing information. Make reservations well in advance because they sell out. Plan for the ferry to take around 6.5 to 8 hours.
Why Visit Haida Gwaii?
If you enjoy seeing every shade of green, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, unplugging, dressing in layers, listening to and watching the ocean waves, spotting a variety of wildlife, and smelling the freshest air ever, you’ll LOVE Haida Gwaii! They’re often called the Canadian Galapagos.
It’s not the easiest place to get to and travel around (you should plan on spending a good chunk money on flights and a rental car), and the hours of operation for everyday conveniences (like grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants) might be unreliable or nonexistent, but it’s worth it for the natural beauty and exploring these beautiful islands.
Having been to the Cook Islands, I found Haida Gwaii to feel similar because of the lack of chain restaurants and hotels. With more land on Haida Gwaii, it feels more remote as the locals are more spread out. Wifi and cell coverage is more widely available on Haida Gwaii, though.
Where to Stay in Haida Gwaii
There are only a handful of towns on Haida Gwaii with accommodations, and every accommodation you’ll find on Haida Gwaii is locally owned and operated. There are no chain hotels. Most places do not have online reservation systems (and some don’t even have an online presence), so you’ll need to call or email to check availability and book your stay.
Sandspit is the only town on Moresby Island with places to stay, and on Graham Island, you can stay in Daajing Giids (pronounced DAW-jing GEEDS), Skidegate (pronounced SKID-uh-geht), Tlell (pronounced tuh-LELL), Port Clements (pronounced cleh-MENTS), and Masset.
Below, read my full review of the place we stayed for five nights in Sandspit along with a list of 17 other great options across all of those communities.
Hekate’s Retreat
Address: 342 School Rd, Sandspit
The Homestead House at Hekate’s Retreat is where we called home for our time on Haida Gwaii. As I mentioned earlier, Korri’s great-great-grandpa built and lived in the Homestead House in the early 1900s! It has since changed ownership a couple of times, and the new owners fortunately kept the old building intact and turned it into a lovely place to stay.
The house itself features four bedrooms, all with a king-sized bed and fluffy comforter. Two bedrooms are downstairs, and two are up the original set of wooden stairs, so they are creaky (but that’s part of the charm!). There is one full bathroom (with a tub and shower) on the main level along with a bedroom suite on the main level with its own bathroom (shower only).
The Homestead House has a full kitchen with everything you need except for groceries (which can be purchased at Super Valu, the one grocery store in town; it’s open limited hours). There’s a nice living space with a couch, long wooden table and chairs, TV, and wood stove. Wifi is also available and works great! (There is a cell tower nearby, so cell service is also excellent.)
Along with the two bedrooms upstairs is a lovely solarium/sun room that overlooks a deck and the 9-hole Willows Golf Course. The sun room was added on later and wasn’t part of the original house. That was my favorite room in the house! I loved reading in there and staring at the stars at night.
Off of the living space and main bedroom downstairs is another deck with a grill and places to sit and enjoy the sunrise with a cup of coffee. There is also a fire pit with benches near the house. It’s also surrounded by lovely foliage and beautiful flowers in the spring!
Towels are provided, but be sure to bring your own toiletries and hair dryer, etc., as there are none stocked in the bathrooms. There are a sauna and cold plunge tubs a short walk away that you can enjoy during your stay. Korri and I did the sauna one evening! Laundry is also available in the house.
In addition to the Homestead House, Hekate’s Retreat also offers the two-person Fairway Cabins as well as RVs for more of a camping experience. The onsite restaurant, The Clubhouse, is open seasonally, and everything we ate was SO delicious. We ate two dinners and Sunday brunch there. Check their FB page for up-to-date hours.
There is a covered pickleball court being built; it wasn’t quite ready during our stay, but it was coming together! You are also sure to run into the resident grey and white barn cat, Dixon, on the property. He loves to make himself comfy in laps when he’s not out hunting.
Read reviews or learn more and book. (Tell Brenna I sent you!)
Sunrise Loft and Sunrise Cabin
Address: 466 Copper Bay Mainline, Sandspit
Located on the other side of Willows Golf Course from Hekate’s Retreat are two cabins that both feature two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, and laundry. Book Sunrise Loft via Tripadvisor, Booking.com, or Airbnb. Book Sunrise Cabin via Tripadvisor, Booking.com, or Airbnb.
Seaport Bed and Breakfast
Address: 371 Beach Rd, Sandspit
This Sandspit bed and breakfast features eight guest rooms (all with queen beds and an extra twin bed) and offers hot breakfasts. It’s along the waterfront with beautiful sunset views and within walking distance to the grocery store. Read reviews or learn more and book.
Bayview Garden
Address: 401 Beach Rd, Sandspit
Located just down the road is another quaint place to stay along the waterfront in Sandspit. With limited transportation options, this place is not too far of a walk from the airport. Luggage and vehicle storage is available if you head out on a tour. Read reviews or learn more and book.
Northern Shores Lodge
Address: 455 Beach Rd, Sandspit
Northern Shores Lodge has more of a traditional motel feel along the main road in Sandspit. It’s about equidistant between the Sandspit Airport and the Alliford Bay ferry to Skidegate. There’s a common area where you can prep meals. Read reviews or learn more and check rates.
Spruce Point Lodge
Address: 609 6th Ave, Daajing Giids
If you want to be located in Daajing Giids AND right on the water, Spruce Point Lodge is the accommodation for you! Every room in the lodge has a private bathroom, TV, wifi, and its own door out to the deck overlooking the beach. Read reviews or learn more and book.
Premier Creek Lodging
Address: 3101 3rd Ave, Daajing Giids
This is the oldest hotel in Haida Gwaii; it was built in 1910. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of the marina and a few restaurants in Daajing Giids. Some of the rooms have views of the ocean, and all rooms have their own private bathrooms. Read reviews or learn more and book.
Echo Bay Lodge
Address: 223 2nd Ave, Daajing Giids
At this lodge, two suites are available: one is a two-bedroom apartment, of which you can book only one of the rooms or book the whole apartment. The other suite has its own entrance and bedroom. Both the apartment and private suite have full kitchens. Read reviews or learn more and book.
JAGS
Address: 100 Highway 16, Skidegate
Located just north of the ferry terminal, JAGS is one of the only places to stay in Skidegate. There are 12 guest rooms over two houses, and some rooms offer ocean views. Enjoy coffee and breakfast or lunch at the on-site Jags Beanstalk 6 days a week. Read reviews or learn more and book.
Haida Gwaii Glamping Co.
Address: 40175 Highway 16, Tlell
Enjoy one of 10 luxurious glamping tents that overlook the beach or are nestled in the rain forest. Each feature a private en suite bathroom and are pet-friendly. Amenities include a sauna, hot tub, and water toys. Read reviews or learn more and book direct or via Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Cacilia’s Bed and Breakfast
Address: 40293 Highway 16, Tlell
Stay within walking distance of lots of things to do in Tlell at this bed and breakfast that’s also steps from the beach. There are eight guest rooms, some with shared bathrooms. Cacilia herself preps breakfast and gives guests updates on local events. Read reviews or learn more and check rates.
Serenity Now! Bed and Breakfast
Address: 40623 Highway 16, Tlell
Enjoy a peaceful retreat at this bed and breakfast that features two bedrooms on the second floor of the main building and a separate, private cabin with a bed, bathroom, living room, and kitchenette. This property is 10 acres adjacent to the ocean. Read reviews or learn more and book.
Haida House at Tllaal
Address: 2087 Beitush Rd, Tlell
Learn more about the Haida culture and traditions with a stay at the Haida House at Tllaal. There is a traditional lodge along the Tlell River and new 2-bedroom cedar cabins overlooking the ocean. 4- and 7-night packages are an option. Read reviews or learn more and book direct or via Hotels.com.
Smillie’s Bed and Breakfast
Address: 97 Bayview Dr, Port Clements
Located along the waterfront in Port Clements, this bed and breakfast is within walking distance to restaurants, including The Axe and Anchor Pub, which we ate at—it was delicious! You’re also within walking distance of the Golden Spruce Trail. Read reviews.
Copper Beech House
Address: 1590 Delkatla Rd, Masset
Stay off the beaten path at this quaint guest house that overlooks the harbor in Masset. Choose from one of five guest rooms (two of them are dog-friendly) with private bathrooms. Enjoy the beautiful gardens on the property and sunsets over the water. Read reviews or learn more and book.
April’s White Raven House
Address: 50 Raven Ave, Masset
If you’re looking for a unique stay on Haida Gwaii, there’s nothing better than staying in the home of a Haida artist! April’s home is located in Old Masset with views of the inlet and sunsets. There are eight bedrooms with private bathrooms on the property. Read reviews or learn more and book.
All The Beach You Can Eat
Address: 15831 Tow Hill Rd, Masset
If you truly want to unplug, stay at one of the four cabins located along the north shore in between Masset and Tow Hill. These beach cabins are solar powered and use rain water. Showers and outhouses are provided, and one cabin has a composting toilet. Read reviews or learn more and book.
Hiellen Village Longhouses
Address: Tow Hill - Naikoon Provincial Park, Masset
Just past Tow Hill and the Hiellen River are the Hiellen Village Longhouses, which are located on traditional Haida land. These small and large longhouses are within walking distance of Agate Beach, Tow Hill, and North Beach. Some are pet-friendly. Read reviews or learn more and book.
