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Haida Gwaii Safaris

British Columbia Fishing

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Touring

Celebrations at Haida Gwaii Safaris

July 15, 2025

celebrations

There’s something special about that first tug on the line—the surge of excitement, the focused stillness, and then the exhilaration of the catch. At Haida Gwaii Safaris, we believe those unforgettable firsts should be celebrated, whether it’s your first salmon, halibut, or lingcod, or something even bigger: a birthday, anniversary, or once-in-a-lifetime gathering with friends and family.

We’re more than just a fishing destination—we’re a place where milestones are marked, stories are shared, and moments become memories.

Your First Catch, Commemorated

First-time anglers and seasoned pros alike know that each new species comes with its own thrill. At Haida Gwaii Safaris, we mark those special moments with our custom First Catch Pins—earned when you land your first:

  • Salmon – Fresh from the famed Salmon Super Highway, vibrant and ocean-strong. 
  • Halibut – Pulled from the deep, calm waters surrounding the Haida Gwaii shelf. 
  • Lingcod – A fierce and ancient predator, always a surprise and a delight. 

Each pin represents more than a fish—it’s your personal milestone in one of the most remote and pristine fisheries in the world. It’s these shared, joyful rituals that make our guests feel like part of something special—because you are.

Celebrating Life’s Big (and Small) Moments

Beyond the fishing, our oceanfront lodge is the perfect setting for celebrations of all kinds:

  • 🎂 Birthday trips with friends and family 
  • 💍 Anniversaries marked with ocean sunsets and shared adventure 
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Multi-generational gatherings where everyone—from kids to grandparents—can experience the joy of the wild together 
  • 🍾 Personal achievements or retirement getaways 
  • 🎉 And yes, your first fish, too 

Whether you’re here to reel in your first salmon or toast to 30 years of marriage, we help make it unforgettable—with warm hospitality, thoughtful touches, and a few surprises along the way.

Who’s It For?

Everyone. Seriously.

  • First-time anglers catching their first salmon 
  • Young kids landing a halibut with help from a parent or guide 
  • Seasoned fishermen catching their first lingcod 
  • Couples celebrating an anniversary adventure 
  • Groups reuniting after years apart 

Every guest at Haida Gwaii Safaris has a reason to celebrate—and we’re here to make sure you do.

The Haida Gwaii Safaris Experience

  • All-inclusive: We take care of everything—from gear to gourmet meals to fish processing 
  • Wild location: Set in the heart of one of the richest marine ecosystems on the West Coast 
  • Warm service: Our lodge team goes the extra mile to make you feel at home—and celebrated! 

From the Guests

“My husband and I came for our anniversary and both caught our first halibut. The pins were such a cool touch—and the lodge had champagne waiting when we got back. Can’t wait to come back next year.”
— Sophie & Mark, Calgary

“Our group of buddies made this a 40th birthday trip. Great fishing, killer meals, and laughs for days. The pins made it feel even more personal.”
— Ben T., Seattle

Book Your Celebrations

Whether it’s your first fish or your fiftieth birthday, Haida Gwaii Safaris is the kind of place where every occasion feels a little more meaningful—and a lot more fun.

Ready to celebrate your next big moment on the water?
We’re here for it—and we’ll have your pin (and maybe a glass of bubbly) ready. Book your trip today!

Filed Under: Touring, Uncategorized

A Day in the Life at Haida Gwaii Safaris

June 26, 2025

  On deck

Morning — Arrival & Lodge Welcome

Your day begins the moment you step off the plane in Sandspit. Once you have landed in Sandspit, we will pick you up in our exclusive shuttle and whisk you to the lodge. You will enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, our friendly staff and their attention to detail. Enjoy a modern facility with comfortable rooms, private baths, and hearty chef-prepared meals included.

Pre-dawn Prep & Boarding

From 5:00-6:00am, you’re greeted with a hearty breakfast—preparing you for your day on the water. At around 6:30 am, you board a heated, covered fishing boat fully equipped with GPS, sounders, premium reels, tackle, bait, and Helly Hansen all-weather gear—all part of your all-inclusive trip.

Out on the Water

Your guide takes you to nutrient-rich grounds—prime habitat for Chinook salmon, halibut, and more… Chinooks arrive to Haida Gwaii Islands early, with continuous runs all season. Later, Coho appear averaging 6–13lb. Bottom fishing yields halibut, rockfish, and lingcod through September.

testimonials

Midday Break & On-Boat Meal

After reeling in your catch, enjoy a lunch break—right on the water, with fresh custom-made lunches and snacks prepared for the fishing adventure. The comfortable pace ensures you spend more time fishing and less time waiting.

Afternoon Push & Wildlife Encounters

The afternoon brings continued chances for quality salmon and halibut. Guides expertly read the tides and rips, maximizing hook-ups. Along the way, keep an eye out for bald eagles, marine life, puffins, and whales—nature comes alive around every bend.

Evening — Catch Care & Culinary Delights

Back at the lodge by late afternoon, your catch is expertly cared for. While our professional processing team manages the day’s catch, unwind with a daily special soup with homemade bread, and drink of preference. Dinner time is always a highlight for our guests after an exciting day of fishing.  We proudly serve many dishes indigenous to the islands prepared by our seasoned chef.  Our chef-prepared dinner—often seafood-focused, showcasing your own catch alongside gourmet sides. After dinner step outside onto our spacious, relaxing deck and watch the eagles soar above you. Evenings might include storytelling or guide-led bonfire chats under the stars.

Why It’s Exceptional

  • All-inclusive comfort: lodging, meals, gear, and guided transport via our private shuttle come standard.
  • Prime fishing spots: nutrient-rich kelp beds yield bountiful Chinook, Coho, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish.
  • Top-tier guides: expert-led days on the water – ensure both safety and success.
  • Uncrowded & pristine: limited, seasonal (May–Sept) bookings keep waters peaceful and exclusive.

Best Time to Book

  • Prime Chinook action starts May–September, averaging 19-35lbs.
  • Coho peaks July–September, averaging 6–13 lb and often hitting surface spots
  • Bottom-fishing for halibut and lingcod remains excellent through all season!

Booking Tips: Trips are limited to maintain exclusivity—book early for best dates and guide options .

Ready for your own day on deck?

Let Haida Gwaii Safaris guide you through an unforgettable fishing adventure in Haida Gwaii—book now to secure your spot for 2025 or even 2026!

Filed Under: Other Fish, Salmon Fishing, Touring, Uncategorized

Opening Season at Haida Gwaii Safaris

June 17, 2025

Quality Fish, Fresh Air, and Unforgettable Moments of Opening Season

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The wait is over! Haida Gwaii Safaris has officially kicked off the 2025 fishing season, and what a start it has been. The air is crisp, the water is clear, and the fish are biting with enthusiasm that has our guides grinning ear to ear.

Opening Season Highlights:

Guests arrived to perfect conditions for an unforgettable start to the season. Our lodge team welcomed returning guests and first-time adventurers alike with warm hospitality, home-cooked meals, and the unbeatable charm of the wild.

Fishing Report – June 2025:

Chinook salmon have made a strong early appearance, with multiple catches in the 19-26 lb range already recorded. Herring and anchovy rigs are performing well, with early morning tides producing the most consistent action.

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Lodge Life:

Beyond the rods and reels, the Haida Gwaii Safaris experience is all about connection—to nature, to each other, and to the moment. Evenings are spent swapping stories around the fire pit, sampling wines, and taking in the stunning ocean views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Join Us This Season:

Whether you’re chasing bountiful salmon or just looking for a break from the ordinary, there’s no better time to experience Haida Gwaii. With strong fish numbers and pristine scenery, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of our best yet! Contact Us Today!

Tight lines, and we hope to see you at the lodge soon!

Another Thrilled Guest:

“I had lots of fun this past week visiting and fishing with you and your staff.  I especially enjoyed meeting your other guests.  Aubrey was a terrific tour guide and the short walk was filled with beautiful scenery.  Thanks for being so organized, I really had a great time!” – Bruce Collins

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Filed Under: Other Fish, Salmon Fishing, Touring

Discover Haida Gwaii: A Premier Fishing Destination – As Featured in Pacific Coast Sportfishing

April 23, 2025

Pacific Coast Sportfishing Magazine

Haida Gwaii Safaris is Proudly Featured in Pacific Coast Sportfishing

Discover Haida Gwaii as featured in the November/December 2024 issue of Pacific Coast Sportfishing. The article highlights our lodge, incredible fishing, and the wild beauty of Haida Gwaii. It confirms what our guests already know—this is one of the best fishing destinations on Earth.

Why Anglers Love Haida Gwaii

Writer Bill DePriest highlights the unmatched fishing in Haida Gwaii. The action kicks off with the first cast. Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) salmon rule these waters, delivering hard-fighting, high-energy battles. And it doesn’t stop there—halibut, lingcod, and rockfish keep rods bending throughout the day. Anglers often reel in multiple catches, making every outing packed with excitement.

Beyond the Rod: Wild Beauty and Wildlife

Fishing is just part of the experience. Haida Gwaii’s scenery and wildlife make every trip special. While on the water, guests often spot black bears, deer, and bald eagles. On land, hiking trails and cultural sites offer more ways to explore this remote paradise.

Comfort and Care at the Lodge

After a full day on the water, guests return to our cozy lodge. Bill DePriest called it the perfect place to relax. Spacious rooms, warm service, and modern comforts make it easy to unwind. With private boats, expert guides, and premium gear, we focus on giving you the best possible experience.

A Proud Moment: Halle on the Cover

We’re thrilled to share a deeply personal and meaningful moment from this edition of the magazine. Halle, the youngest daughter of our owner, Valerie Hoperich, graces the cover—a young woman many of our longtime guests remember as the bright-eyed girl running along the docks or helping out in the lodge with a beaming smile.

Over the years, Halle embraced the rhythms of life at Haida Gwaii Safaris. She grew up surrounded by wilderness, ocean, and a close-knit community of adventurers who became like extended family. Her upbringing at the lodge shaped her into the capable, compassionate, and talented person she is today.

This May, Halle will graduate from high school—a major milestone not just for her, but for all of us who’ve watched her grow and thrive in this unique and beautiful place. We’ve seen her bait hooks, lend a hand wherever needed, and grow into a young woman who’s become an essential part of our story.

We proudly celebrate this special chapter and share it with our guests and followers—many of whom helped shape her journey. Seeing her confidently on the magazine cover reminds us of the deep bonds created here and the memories still to come.

As Halle prepares to begin her next adventure at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), we feel an overwhelming sense of pride, gratitude, and excitement for all that lies ahead.

Plan Your Haida Gwaii Fishing Trip

We’re honored to be featured in Pacific Coast Sportfishing and invite you to experience it for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, Haida Gwaii Safaris offers the fishing adventure of a lifetime.

Book your trip now or call (866) 601-6646.

Boat

Filed Under: Other Fish, Salmon Fishing, Touring

The Beauty of the Sleeping Beauty Trail

March 18, 2022

Sleeping Beauty Hiking Trail in Haida Gwaii, Canada

 

Here at Haida Gwaii Safaris, we aren’t just known for our great fishing. But we’re also known for our touring! One of the fun and beautiful touring opportunities is to hike the Trail. This is another name for the Tarundl Trail and is a two-part trail. The first part that is more commonly known and hiked takes you to the top of Mt. Raymond near Queen Charlotte City. The second part of this trail takes you along the ridge walk from Mt. Raymond to Mt. Slatechuk [1]. The trail from the trailhead to the summit of Mt. Raymond and back is about 3 miles (5 km) and has a 2,100 ft (640 meters) elevation gain [2].

Sleeping Beauty Trail

Mt. Raymond and the surrounding mountains create the shape of a woman lying down, which coined the common name of the trail, Sleeping Beauty. The Sleeping Beauty Trail forms the nose and Mt. Raymond is the tip of her nose [3]. This trail is part of a rainforest climate zone and is filled with luscious green trees and unique greenery. But the hike isn’t just a pretty face! Filled with bridges, wooden steps, and many large roots to climb over. It is impossible to get bored hiking this fun trail [4]. You will enjoy the entire hike from trail head to summit with stunning views throughout.

 

Although we love to recommend this trail to anyone staying at Queen Charlotte Safaris, this trail is not for everyone. The trail is fairly steep for the majority of the hike. It can be difficult on your knees and ankles when coming back down due to loose rocks and dirt [5]. This is the trail for regular hikers looking for a little extra challenge and fun on their trip!

 

 

[1] “An Awakening Hike Up Sleeping Beauty.” GoHaidaGwaii (blog). May 10, 2021, https://gohaidagwaii.ca/an-awakening-hike/.

[2] “Sleeping Beauty – Tarundl Mountain.” AllTrails.com. accessed February 21, 2022, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/sleeping-beauty-trails-tarundl-mountain.

[3] “An Awakening Hike Up Sleeping Beauty.”

[4] “Sleeping Beauty Hiking Trail.” eh Canada Travel, accessed February 21, 2022, https://www.ehcanadatravel.com/british-columbia/haidagwaii/parks-trails/4722-sleeping-beauty-hiking-trail.html.

[6] “Mount Tarundl Overlooking Haida Gwaii .” Mon Amie (blog). accessed March 17, 2022, https://www.monamie.ca/adventures/mount-tarundl-haida-gwaii.

Filed Under: Touring

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