Canoeing, Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada.
British Columbia. (Queen Charlotte Islands)

Canoeing the Queen Charlotte Islands offers all who paddle the islands many rewards. It offers an opportunity to enjoy peaceful wilderness surroundings exploring large secluded, forested lakes. Exploring miles of wandering rivers, creeks and streams emptying into numerous large pristine lakes sounds like fun to us.

There are many various launching points for a canoe on the rivers and on the lakes of the region. Larger rivers like the Tlell and Sangan Rivers have been known to transport the odd canoe or two.

Some canoe launching areas are accessed by paved roads, others by active gravel logging roads. Some of the communities on the islands also act as a departure point for a canoe trip. This is convenient especially when in some cases you can walk from your accommodation to your launch point.

Canoeing in the Charlottes is a great way to see some of the local wildlife and old growth forests. The lakes offer a rugged glimpse of virgin forests, rarely touched by human hands.

The lakes that draw the most attention for a canoe expedition are Mayer Lake, Pure Lake and Yakoun Lake on Graham Island. On Moresby Island, Skidegate Lake is a canoeist destination. Some lakes are located near campgrounds.

There are no canoe rentals on the island. But, there are Haida First Nation canoe tours available which include an interpretive guide. The canoe used for these tours are cedar carved Haida canoes. A beautiful work of art.