Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

Gwaii Haanas is located on the southern portion of the Haida Gwaii archipelago off the northern coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is a uniquely protected area that encompasses both terrestrial landscapes and the surrounding marine environment. The park is only accessible by boat or floatplane, making it one of the most remote parks in North America.

Gwaii Haanas is famously co-managed by Parks Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation. This was established via the Gwaii Haanas Agreement, making it the first park in the world to be managed from mountaintop to seafloor by a government and an Indigenous group. The Haida Nation has lived on these islands for thousands of years, and the park protects their ancient village sites.

The park reserve was officially established in 1988 following a massive, successful protest by the Haida Nation to stop extensive clear-cut logging on the archipelago. This political action ultimately led to the protection of the southern two-thirds of Haida Gwaii. It remains a landmark achievement in Canadian conservation and Indigenous land rights.

Visitors to Gwaii Haanas typically go for multi-day sea kayaking expeditions to explore the rugged coastline and abundant wildlife, including whales and sea lions. A major highlight is visiting the SGang Gwaay UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features incredibly preserved Haida totem poles and longhouses. There are no roads or established campgrounds, requiring visitors to be entirely self-sufficient.