Haida Heritage Centre — Attraction in Area D (Graham Island)

We allowed two hours to visit the museum as we awaited our ferry, but decided (after we were onboard) that another hour or two would have been very worthwhile. The exhibits are a good balance between historical, cultural, and contemporary art, and a particularly poignant wall illustrates the many artifacts and cultural objects that are held elsewhere in the world (and that the Museum is working either to repatriate or to support in place). We also were fascinated by one of the exhibitions: Sister Sister by Kathy Pick, where the artist created works that highlighted found objects. Although visiting the museum before exploring Gwaii Haanas is a good choice, exploring it after gaining some context from a trip to the park really makes it come alive. There is a reasonably well stocked cafeteria, a comprehensive gift shop, and there are benches out front where one could enjoy a picnic. Note that no photography is allowed...

I could’ve spent the entire day here and would have if I had time. An excellent museum which blends both the culture and heritage of the Haida people and the geology of Haida Gwaii. I loved how they gave information both on geological and human history. I’ve been to some other indigenous museums around the Pacific Northwest and this one is definitely the best. My only disappointment was in the gift shop, which mainly sold Native Northwest products - which are beautiful and designed by indigenous artists - but few are Haida and all goods are made in China, and all of which can be bought online. There are gorgeous prints but unfortunately are difficult to transport for...

This centre offers a definite "must-visit" experience for ANYONE coming to Haida Gwaii, preferably early in their stay, so they have a deeper sense of the unique and precious opportunities here. The Centre displays traditional, historical, natural and contemporary aspects of life on Haida Gwaii in spacious exhibit halls are conducive to self guided wandering or follow along with the knowledgeable tour guides. A significant contribution to the renaissance of Haida life and art. My family reports excellent eats at the Bistro too. (Too bad, I didn't make it out of the museum before...