On the water. Between the mountains.
Some call Haida Gwaii Canada’s Galapagos North—and it’s easy to see why. Remote and wild, these islands are home to rich biodiversity, dramatic coastal landscapes, and one of the most vibrant Indigenous cultures in the country. But before we reach the edge of the Pacific, our journey begins inland with a spectacular rail ride across northern British Columbia.
We start in Prince George with a welcome dinner, then board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for a full day of slow travel to Prince Rupert. The scenery is unforgettable—rivers, forests, and mountains unfolding outside our window as we cross into the coastal world.
In Prince Rupert, we’ll explore the Museum of Northern BC and the historic North Pacific Cannery, then venture deep into the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary on a guided boat tour—one of the best places in the world to see grizzlies in the wild.
From there, a 6-hour ferry brings us across Hecate Strait to Graham Island, the northern gateway to Haida Gwaii. Over four days, we’ll explore the Haida Heritage Centre, meet local artists and carvers in Massett, walk forest trails, visit ancient village sites, spend a day on the water, and hear stories from Haida guides that bring the land and culture to life.
This is a journey into one of Canada’s most storied landscapes—where nature, history, and Indigenous knowledge come together in unforgettable ways.
DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: C$6,480
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$1,230
BEGINS PRINCE GEORGE: Sun May 24, 2026
ENDS IN SANDSPIT: Mon June 1, 2026
(Guests will require multi-city flights into Prince George and out of Sandspit.)
TYPE: TravelMavenSafari
HOTELS: Various Hotel Types
GROUP: Max 12 guests (8 Remaining)
DURATION: 9 days (8 hotel nights)
DAILY AGENDA
Each day's info includes meals included (B for Breakfast, L for Lunch, and D for Dinner).
DAY 0 (Sat May 23) Optional Early Arrival
Guests may choose to arrive a day or two early to explore the area surrounding Prince George. One suggestion is a day trip (in a rental car) to Barkerville (think Upper Canada Village in the mountains).
DAY 1 (Sun May 24) Arrive Prince George & Welcome Dinner (D)
Today guests will arrive in Prince George and check into the Hyatt Place Hotel. Later we'll head to CrossRoads Brewing for our group Welcome Dinner.
DAY 2 (Mon May 25) VIA Train to Prince Rupert
Today, we embark on a breathtaking rail adventure — a 12-hour scenic train ride from Prince George to Prince Rupert. Sit back and enjoy the dramatic landscapes of northern British Columbia as we wind past pristine rivers, rugged mountains, and lush forests. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board. Upon arrival on Prince Rupert, we'll check into the Crest Hotel.
Skeena Train View
DAY 3 (Tue May 26) Museum of Northern BC; North Pacific Cannery & Free Time (B,L)
Our day begins with a visit to the Museum of Northern British Columbia, where we’ll see fascinating exhibits showcasing Indigenous art, history, and the region’s deep cultural roots. Next, we’ll head to the North Pacific Cannery — a national historic site — for a guided tour of one of the last remaining salmon canneries on the West Coast. Guests will have a free evening to explore Prince Rupert on their own.
DAY 4 (Wed May 27) Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary (B)
Today, we set out on an unforgettable 7-8 hour Grizzly Bear Adventure into the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary. Aboard a guided boat tour, we’ll venture deep into this protected coastal wilderness — one of the best places in the world to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat. With a bit of luck, we’ll witness these incredible animals up close, roaming freely along the shoreline.
Grizzly Bear Adventure, Prince Rupert
DAY 5 (Thu May 28) BC Ferry to Haida Gwaii (B,D)
After checking out of our hotel this morning, we’ll embark on a breathtaking 6-hour ferry ride from Prince Rupert to Graham Island. This scenic voyage takes us through the stunning Inside Passage, where dramatic coastlines, lush forested islands, and the possibility of spotting whales, eagles, and other wildlife make for an unforgettable journey. Upon arrival on Graham Island, we’ll settle into JAGS Guest Rooms before heading to Haida Home for dinner.
DAY 6 (Fri May 29) Heritage Museum (B)
Today we’ll visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay Llnagaay, a cultural site with a museum, carving shed, performance space, and six traditional longhouses—offering a deep look into Haida history, art, and language.
BC Ferry
DAY 7 (Sat May 30) Massett Tour with Local Guide (B,L,D)
On this day we will head north with a local guide to visit Massett and see how today's Haida community continue the totem pole tradition. We will also visit several spots where we will walk trails and beaches.
DAY 8 (Sun May 31) K'uunaa Day (B, L)
We depart by boat in the morning to visit Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay, where a guided walk takes us through the remains of longhouses and standing poles. After lunch on the beach, we continue to T’aanuu Llnagaay for a second walk among moss-covered house posts and village outlines. Throughout the day, your Haida guide shares songs, stories, and history that offer insight into the land and culture.
DAY 9 (Mon June 1) Morning Activity; Lunch at Golf Course; Fly Home (B, L)
Today we'll do an activity in the morning (it will be determined closer to the departure date), then we will have lunch at a golf course before heading to the airport to catch our 15:30 flight.
Massett Totem Pole & Hall