Queen Charlotte Islands

QCI is an international tourism destination. There is plenty to do and see in the QCI. Let us show you that this is the perfect place for your next vacation!

When you’re surrounded by this much natural beauty and breathtaking scenery, it’s hard not to care deeply about it. Balancing an ever growing population with the preservation of open spaces has taken effort, but the Queen Charlotte Islands succeed amazingly well. Experience the outdoor magic at the edge of Yakoun Lake.

Experience the outdoor magic at the edge of Yakoun Lake. You can take a boat out to one of the many surrounding islands and camp where sea lions outnumber campers a thousand to one. Stand in the Yakoun Lake and hope that a world-record steelhead strikes your hand-tied fly. Prefer the ocean? Cast a line from a pier or a beach, or from sport-fishing boats churning out of every harbor. Queen Charlotte Islands waters host huge chrome Chinook salmon, bright silver Coho and lingcod swirling beneath your line.

Queen Charlotte Islands land is protected, and plenty of it is available for a vast range of camping options. Choose the convenient route and park the RV, and your family, at the edge of Yakoun Lake. Queen Charlotte Islands offers just about any kind of hiking terrain you can imagine with empty beaches, tidal estuaries with world-class bird-watching. But as many know, while the Queen Charlotte Island beaches are generally wide open and laid back, the QCI coast is wild and dramatic. The waters are colder, the cliffs steeper and the natural wonders perhaps even more spectacular. Find adventures both above and below the water, as the Queen Charlotte is haven for sea wildlife (sea lions, whales, seals) and water sports, such as scuba diving and surfing.

Take some time to browse through our web site and absorb a small bit of the spirit of the Islands. You’ll discover that the amazing inventory of things to do and see in the QCI that can make for a very special vacation. When you’re ready to start planning your visit, you’ll find great information on the region’s attractions, accommodations and communities.

• Fishing Charters – Beginner to advanced anglers will find a Mecca for both fresh water fishing and salt water fishing. All of the charters listed on our site are guided by seasoned fisherman, with a wealth of experience fishing the Queen Charlotte Islands.
• Hiking / Eco and Kayaking Tours – Weather you are looking for and easy going or extreme trail your final destination will always be a breathtaking view. Guided tours through pristine coastline along side some of the world’s most beautiful wildlife, your QCI Tour will leave you with memories that will last a life time.
• Camping / Cottages or luxury Hotels and Resorts – No matter where or how you lay your head down, the tranquility of the Island will give you the relaxation you came for. The QCI is well known as one of B.C’s premier and wide ranged accommodation destinations.

A little about the islands

The Queen Charlotte Islands consisting of two main islands, Moresby Island in the south and Graham Island in the North. The islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including the largest subspecies of black bear. The southern part of Moresby Island is Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve/Haida Heritage Site. The area, unique because of its spectacular west coast scenery, rich ecology and Haida culture is cooperatively managed by Parks Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation.

According to the BCGNIS, the northern boundary of Queen Charlotte Sound is defined as a line running from the southernmost point of Price Island to Cape St James on Kunghit Island, the southernmost point of the Queen Charlotte Islands. The western boundary is a line from Cape St James to Cape Scott at the north end of Vancouver Island. The southern boundary runs along the coast of Vancouver Island from Cape Scott to Cape Sutil, then to Cape Caution on the mainland. An older definition placed the northern boundary as a line from the southernmost point of Aristazabal Island to Cape St James.

Queen Charlotte Sound was named for Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. There is some uncertainty over who gave the name. It might have been the British fur trader James Strange, or according to George Vancouver, Mr. S. Wedgeborough, commander of the Experiment in 1786. Vancouver adopted the name in his maps and journals. For some time Queen Charlotte Strait was also called Queen Charlotte Sound, until 1920 when the BCGNIS and Hydrographic Service distinguished between Queen Charlotte Sound and Queen Charlotte Strait.