HlG̱aagilda | Skidegate
Visitors arriving at GuhlGa Llnagaay Skidegate Landing can drive four minutes north to get to HlGaagilda | Skidegate. The village’s primary Haida name means “Place of Stone”. The modern village stretches across four separate village sites including K’uust’an Xaana to the north, HlGaagilda towards its centre, and Laana Xaajuuwaay and HlGaaxid at its south. Haida history here reaches back to the late glacial maximum when ice sculpted the hills and eskers now hidden beneath thick rainforests.
Explore
Just as in Gaw Tlagee | Old Massett, Haida have filled HlGaagilda with carved cedar monuments, which you will see throughout town. Please admire these living community members respectfully.
Amenities
Explorers can relax at two restaurants or make reservations for a private dinner. You will also find a grocery store, gas station, coffee house and gift shop. From HlGaagilda you can drive two minutes south to Kay Llnagaay. Haida have lived at Kay for millennia. Today it is home to the Haida Heritage Centre | Xaaydas Giinaa.ah Naay and Haida Gwaii Museum | Saahlinda Naay, which safeguard a world-class collection of Haida objects. Another minute drive along the highway will bring you to the BC Ferries terminal at Skidegate Landing | GuhlGa Llnagaay, from which visitors can reach Sandspit | K’il Llnagaay, and Prince Rupert | Kxeen.
Hiking
Visitors are welcome to explore the inlet’s beautiful swimming beaches, but please show respect to this Supernatural Being | SGaana. To explore the woods you can hike Spirit Lake Trail | GuuhlGa Siiwaay K’yuu, right behind HlGaagilda. A carved cedar panel and longhouse shelter mark the trailhead, which will lead you on a two-hour walk through a diversity of forest habitats. Hikers will likely see some of Haida Gwaii’s mammalian, amphibian, avian and myxogastrian inhabitants.
Camping is not allowed within HlG̱aagilda but there are other alternatives, like staying at Jags guesthouse.
Don't Miss
Get Gas and more at Taaw Naay Gaw Station.
Stop in for a delicious hot beverage and food at Jags Beanstalk.
Take a boat tour with the award-winning Haida Style Expeditions.
Check out the incredible clothing and gifts available at the Long House Gift Shop.
See the amazing Haida art, gifts, books and more at Gina DaahlGahl Naay – Trading House at Haida Gwaii Museum.
