Haida Gwaii Islands (Queen Charlotte Islands Canada)

Haida Gwaii Islands (fka "Queen Charlotte Islands" and "Charlottes) is a Canadian archipelago located on British Columbia's northern coast. Haida Gwaii have total area approx 10180 km2 (3930 mi2) and population around 5,000 (~1/2 native Haida people).

Haida Gwaii are separated from British Columbia's mainland by Hecate Strait to the east. Vancouver Island is located to the south, across Queen Charlotte Sound, and the USA's Alaska is to the north, across the disputed Dixon Entrance. The archipelago consists of two major islands - Moresby (in the south) and Graham (in the north), plus around 150 smaller isles. Among the other larger islands are Anthony, Burnaby, Kunghit, Langara, Louise, Lyell.

Along with the name "Queen Charlotte Islands", the name "Washington's Isles" was used by fur traders, who in the days frequented the archipelago. On June 3, 2010, the "Haida Gwaii Reconciliation Act" officially renamed the isles "Haida Gwaii" as part of the reconciliation protocol between the native people and the state of British Columbia.

Haida Gwaii boast an abundance of wildlife, such as the largest subspecies of black bear, as well as the smallest subspecies (Ursus americanus carlottae). Raccoons and black-tailed deer are introduced species which became abundant.

Some Haida Gwaii Islands are protected under Canada's federal legislation as "Haida Heritage Site". Among those are Moresby Island, Gwaii Haanas, and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, plus their adjoining islets and isles. Also protected (under the Canadian provincial legislation) are several provincial parks, the biggest of which is Naikoon Provincial Park (Graham Island's northeastern part).

Haida Gwaii Islands cruise terminal