skidegate

The Haida Gwaii Heritage museum is in Skidagate.Allow yourself lots of time.There is so much to experience and there is also an awesome Bistro.

The Haida Gwaii Museum is a gem. It's in a handsome building in a beautiful location, looking out directly on the channel between the two major islands of Haida Gwaii. The collection of Haida artifacts - masks, baskets, tools, clothing, argillite carvings, totem poles, and lots of good photographs - is extensive, well organized and attractively displayed. The large windows provide good lighting and great views of the surroundings. We took a guided tour of the collection of totem poles mounted outside the museum, with a lively and well-informed young Haida woman, and I was given an informal tour later by our guide's little brother, also very well-informed and engaging, of the display of trees and weaving. And the cafe is fantastic - delicious and interesting offerings by a talented chef.

Ferry from Prince Rupert arrives at approximately 7:00am so the Centre was closed. However, this was a great opportunity to take pictures of the totem poles and canoes outside without having to worry about bumping into people. On our way back from Masset we stopped for the full afternoon to enjoy the interior . Amazing amount of artifacts on display and well worth the time. We did not have lunch but have been told that it is awesome. I'm very impressed with the culture and art of this area and would visit again.

Enjoyed my time up in Haida Gwaii. met some of the locals who were very friendly and willing to share their culture. Look forward togoing back

Loved this quiet town, and so glad we checked out the Haida Heritage Centre. Here's the tip, come hungry, the cook in the cafe is amazing. We had a seafood chowder with clams, halibut, salmon, kelp, fish oil, and herring roe on kelp that was to die for...not to mention the homemade bread that came with it... we seriously never had bread that good before, on par with the famous Boudin Bakery in San Francisco.

Not much there but ferry. Quick trip to Queen Charlotte; cute town. Fun restaurants. Prettiest when tide is in. Apparently requently visited by whales, orca, etc. We missed them though. Super nice people. Good jumping point for other destinations and adventures.

I visited this event in July 2011. It was wonderful weekends with lots of fun. It is an annual event, where you and members of your family can participate in different activities. I personally was competing in Haida War Canoe races. There were plenty booths were you could try salmon burger and sweet bread - a specialty from the Queen Charlotte islands. The volunteers were entertaining the kinds painting their faces. The event was pretty big for such a small place as Skidigate and I was surprised how many local people were participating. It was definitely not “touristic” thing. The Ministry of Fishiry had its booth presenting a part of the diverse ocean life around the islands. Parks Canada was spreading the leaflets and beautiful stickers about the Gwaii Haanas National Park. I loved watching the salmon cutting races. Afterwards the pieces of salmon were used for a lunch BBQ, what was really lovely. At the end of the day I enjoyed the dances with some locals and tourist. Lots of fun :) once you are there in July - check the dates of this event. If I am not mistaken the festival lasted for 3 days. Some tourists even volunteered during the event! I missed some of the events: baseball tournament and bingo. Hope next time I am on the islands - I will visit it!

An amazing museum with interesting workshops given in Haida culture, songs, weaving ect.. A great way to spend a rainy day. The view is amazing as well.