Skyfall Cottage Haida Gwaii

07/03/2024

The morning view from the office. Tough to beat!

07/03/2024

Magical and awe inspiring to visit

06/30/2024

Values to be strived for and lived by all people.

Today, we celebrate the rich and beautiful cultures of all Indigenous peoples. In honour of today, here are the X̱aayda | X̱aad | Haida Values recognized on the islands and provided by the Council of the Haida Nation.

“Yahguudang | Yahgudáng | Respect. We take only what we need, we give thanks, and we acknowledge those who behave accordingly. 

‘Laa guu ga kanhllns | Responsibility. We accept the responsibility passed on by our ancestors to manage and care for our sea and land. We will ensure that our heritage is passed on to future generations.

Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagiida | Interconnectedness. Everything depends on everything else. The principle of interconnectedness is fundamental to integrated planning and management.

Giid tll’juus | Balance. Balance is needed in our interactions with the natural world. If we aren’t careful in everything we do, we can easily reach a point of no return. Our practices and those of others must be sustainable.

Gina k’aadang.nga gii uu tl’ k’anguudang | Seeking Wise Counsel. Our elders teach us about traditional ways and how to work in harmony. Together we consider new ideas and information in keeping with our culture, values and laws.

Isda ad diigii isda | Giving and Receiving. Reciprocity is a respected practice in our culture, essential in our interactions with each other and the natural world. We continually give thanks to the natural world for the gifts that we receive.”

📷 Photo of the Gidansda Percy Williams Memorial Pole by Mary Helmer. Haawa | Hàw’aa

06/30/2024

Heaven on earth and peace for the soul.

06/30/2024

06/10/2024

It soothes the soul…..

What does it feel like to live on an island so far away from the mainland?

Some find it daunting, knowing the ferry and planes don't always come due to harsh weather. In winter, there can be many storms and power outages, and many store milk in their freezers because they aren't sure when the next ferry will arrive.

Some find it exhilarating, knowing everything they really need is on the islands: community, harvesting, their gardens, family, and friends.

Some find it peaceful and serene, without the rush of traffic and chain stores. Others find it frustrating, knowing they have to wait in line to catch a 6-8-hour ferry ride to Prince Rupert to stock up on cheaper groceries or for a medical trip or appointment.

Some find it small and isolating, and others find it expansive and freeing. Graham Island (one of the main islands here on Haida Gwaii) made the list as one of the 100 largest islands in the world, but many argue it can feel very small.

I would say most people enjoy it here, though. Being surrounded by a body of water can bring a sense of serenity that is hard to describe. Many find the simplicity and slowness of island living incomparable. The nature, community, and cultures here are incredible. There is a feeling of peacefulness.

Yes, we may miss out on movie theatres, recreation centres, shopping malls, big concerts, cheaper groceries, and the luxuries and conveniences of the mainland, but what we get in return for giving those things up is immense. Whether you live on Haida Gwaii or plan to visit, I hope you feel the peace many experience here.

Photo: Benson Hilgemann

05/20/2024

Daphne has an interesting kelp lasagne ‘noodle’…. to try if you are a foodie!

05/13/2024

A beautiful place - then and now!

Skidegate First Nations Village of the Haida Nations in the Queen Charlotte Islands, July 1878.

George Mercer Dawson, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa.

05/13/2024

Incredible photos Carley!

05/11/2024

And the National Geographic Seabird cruises past our window…

05/04/2024

Grateful this beautiful magazine is still being lovingly designed and published!

04/16/2024

“Haida Gwaii is well-known for its wild coastal storms and exhilarating surf and beach scenes. But this archipelago is just as rich with the calm and sheltered waters of easily accessible lakes and rivers that are an absolute dream for stand-up paddleboarders.

Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are becoming increasingly popular with water lovers for adventures as big or as mellow as you choose. If you can stand, you can SUP!”

- Dave Quinn, writer, featured in the Ḵaats’ii Hla | Ḵáats’a Hla | This Is Haida Gwaii 2024 Trip Planner.

Stay tuned for more amazing local articles like this in the 2024 planner - coming out soon.

📷 Dave Quinn

04/15/2024

Ḵuu Sea otters have naturally begun to return to the waters of Haida Gwaii after a 150-year absence due to the maritime fur trade. Check out this Canadian Geographic article to learn about how Council of the Haida Nation, Parks Canada and various partners are working together to study the impacts and benefits of their return, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem and incorporating traditional knowledge into contemporary practices. https://bit.ly/43UC9Ye

04/10/2024

The Kwahtsiisda | Blow Hole at Taaw Tldáaw is a natural marvel on Haida Gwaii. Salty spray erupts from the black rocks below and a spout of water explodes into the air like a whale breaching.

It’s hard to not giggle in surprise when you kneel close to the edge in anticipation of the next wave to blow over the surface.

Sometimes you’ll be completely soaked. Other days, you can arrive at Taaw Tldáaw and there will be no spray. The ocean will be at a lower tide and the Kwahtsiisda will be silent. It’s exciting to wander along the smooth rocks with one eye on your next step and the other on the area of rock that sometimes erupts with water.

A portion of the boardwalk that leads to this beach is also wheelchair accessible so all can view it. This incredible place is a go-to for many travellers. To learn more about this incredible place, and how to visit responsibly please visit www.gohaidagwaii.com 🐋

📷 Benson Hilgemann

02/24/2024

If you are going to the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show..,,,,

📢We’re taking Haida Gwaii to the Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show - Vancouver with Misty Isles Economic Development Society and Go Haida Gwaii! Join us on March 2 and 3 to get ready for an intimate experience with land and sea 🌊 🏔️ 🐋 https://outdooradventureshow.ca/vancouver-visitor

02/16/2024

And wishing for more love and compassion in the world in 2024

Happy Valentines from Haida Gwaii ❤️

📷 Mary Helmer

01/19/2024

Exploring North Beach any time of the year is exhilarating. Taaw Tldáaw stands out on the horizon, and the low tide’s sand creates the most stunning patterns. The roar of the ocean is constant, and the skies are vast. It really does feel like we’re on the edge of the world up here. 🌊

📷 Melody Morrison

11/08/2023

Coastal fall magic!

The first dusting of snow has landed on our coastal mountaintops!

📷: Nyla Burnside