One Of North America's Least Visited National Parks Is A Remote Gem For Outdoor Recreation

North America's national parks are the gold standard when it comes to a vacation filled with natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Spots like Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Great Smoky Mountains in the U.S. and Banff, Jasper, and the Pacific Rim in Canada offer some of the most spectacular landscapes and rugged, adventurous experiences on the continent, from wild camping and mountain hikes to glacier trekking, lake kayaking, and dark-sky stargazing.

But while the biggest names offer the chance to roam in extraordinary wildernesses and see remarkable sights like Old Faithful, El Capitan, and the bright turquoise waters of Lake Louise, sometimes the best experiences can be found at places that are a little further off the beaten track. The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve in British Columbia, Canada, is one of North America's least-visited national parks, but is an exquisite destination for outdoor recreation and gorgeous views.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is spread across the southern end of Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, which separate the Pacific Ocean from the Hecate Strait, just off the coast of northern British Columbia. There are no bridges that cross over from the mainland, so the park is only accessible by a ferry from Prince Rupert or a flight to K'il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay Airport, located in Sandspit, on Moresby Island.

A trip to Gwaii Haanas offers a unique combination of natural wonder and fascinating Indigenous history and culture. The islands are a lush, protected ecological treasure, covered in stunning rainforests, perfect for exploring on foot. While there are no established hiking trails in the reserve, wandering along the rocky coastline is a great way to start, while the impressive peak of Mount Yatza is a tempting proposition for experienced hikers. A trek to the summit requires serious orientation gear, but the journey from temperate rainforest to alpine vegetation is spectacular.

Another brilliant way to immerse yourself in the exquisite beauty of this unique paradise is by boat. Renting a kayak and paddling around the coast lets you enjoy the wonderful shoreline from the water, while dolphins, humpback whales, sea lions, and even orcas appear from the waves. Just make sure you understand the risks and dangers of ocean kayaking before you set off. Boat tours take you to even more remote coves, where you'll get the chance to see puffins, sea eagles, shearwaters, and albatrosses in the skies, and remarkable sea stars and anemones glowing brightly under the water.

But the biggest highlight of a trip to Gwaii Haanas has to be the chance to explore the fascinating, mysterious, almost supernatural Haida culture of the islands. Whether by boat or on foot, visitors will encounter carved poles with mystical creatures peering out from between cedar and spruce trees overlooking the beach at the SGang Gwaay UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another must-see is the century-old ruins of traditional log longhouses at various spots on the islands, including T'aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu), Ḵ'uuna Llnagaay (Skedans), and G̱andll K'in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island). Overseen by local guides known as Watchmen, these magnificent sites are a remarkable window into a culture that goes back more than 12,000 years.

Gwaii Haanas is a remote, protected reserve, teeming with rare wildlife, at-risk flora, and fragile cultural remains. As such, there are plenty of things you need to know before you visit. First and foremost, it is important to know that all visitors are required to complete a self-guided orientation process before arriving, which includes all relevant information on how to visit the area appropriately, carefully, and respectfully. The process includes a final quiz, and visitors will only be granted access if they achieve a passing grade of 80%!

Fees apply to visitors planning to camp and anyone wishing to take photographs. Anyone arriving by boat may drop anchor where it is safe to do so, and mooring buoys are available for visitors at Ḵ'uuna, Taanuu, Hlk'yah G̱awG̱a, SG̱ang Gwaay, and G̱andll K'in Gwaay.yaay. Facilities on the islands are extremely limited, so bring plenty of water or be prepared to purify your own.

Camping on Gwaii Haanas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the perfect way to immerse yourself in the peace and serenity of this extraordinary place. Camping is permitted throughout the preserve, with no designated sites, but it is vital to treat the area respectfully, bearing in mind that much of Gwaii Haanas is sacred land. If you prefer a little more luxury, Ocean House and Haida House are Haida-run guesthouses offering comfortable beds and gorgeous surroundings, as well as hot tubs, sea views, and exceptional dining.