Gwaii Haanas National Park

Birds

Gwaii Haanas is also a haven for bird species, attracting both seabirds and forest-dwelling birds that thrive in the diverse island habitats. The combination of old-growth forests and rugged coastlines provides ideal nesting and feeding grounds for numerous bird species.

Tufted Puffin
Tufted puffins nest in the rocky cliffs of Gwaii Haanas, where they dig burrows for their eggs. These striking seabirds have large, orange beaks and distinctive yellow tufts on their heads.

Ancient Murrelet
Gwaii Haanas is a critical breeding site for the ancient murrelet, a small seabird that nests in burrows on the forest floor. Remarkably, murrelet chicks leave the nest and head to the ocean within just a few days of hatching.

Rhinoceros Auklet
This relative of the puffin is named for the small horn-like projection on its beak. Rhinoceros auklets are excellent divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in search of fish.

Bald Eagle
Bald eagles are a common sight in Haida Gwaii, where they build massive nests in old-growth trees. These powerful raptors hunt fish and seabirds along the coastline.

Marbled Murrelet
Unlike most seabirds, marbled murrelets nest in the mossy branches of ancient trees. This species is threatened due to habitat loss but still finds refuge in the protected forests of Gwaii Haanas.

Pelagic Cormorant
Pelagic cormorants are often seen perched on rocky outcrops, drying their wings in the sun. They are excellent divers, using their hooked beaks to catch fish beneath the surface.

Black Oystercatcher
With its striking black plumage and bright red beak, the black oystercatcher is a shoreline specialist that feeds on mussels and other shellfish. It can often be seen probing the intertidal zone with its powerful beak.

Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Haida Gwaii subspecies)
A unique subspecies of the northern saw-whet owl resides in the dense forests of Haida Gwaii. This small owl has adapted to island life and preys primarily on rodents and small birds.

Western Sandpiper
Western sandpipers are migratory shorebirds that stop in Haida Gwaii during their long journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. They forage along mudflats, searching for small invertebrates.

Common Murre
Common murres gather in large colonies on rocky cliffs, where they lay their eggs directly on narrow ledges. These black-and-white seabirds resemble penguins when standing upright on rocks.

Gwaii Haanas National Park is a remarkable and biodiverse place where the land, sea, and sky are interconnected. Its wildlife, including both resident and migratory species, makes it one of Canada’s most unique and treasured protected areas.

Popular

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, located in the Haida Gwaii archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, is a stunning and ecologically rich area known for its rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, and diverse wildlife. This remote and protected region is home to a variety of marine and terrestrial species, many of which are unique to the islands due to their isolation.

Haida Gwaii Black Bear
The Haida Gwaii black bear is a subspecies of the American black bear that has evolved to be larger than its mainland relatives. It has a broader skull and stronger jaws, adaptations that help it feed on the abundant intertidal life, such as crabs and shellfish.

Sitka Black-Tailed Deer
Introduced to the islands in the early 20th century, the Sitka black-tailed deer has thrived in the dense rainforests of Haida Gwaii. However, its presence has significantly impacted native plant species and altered the ecosystem.

Steller Sea Lion
This large marine mammal is commonly found in the waters surrounding Gwaii Haanas, where it congregates on rocky outcrops. Steller sea lions are known for their impressive size, with males weighing over 1,000 kg, and their loud, barking calls.

Humpback Whale
Humpback whales migrate through the waters of Gwaii Haanas, feeding on krill and small fish. These massive cetaceans are famous for their acrobatic breaches and complex songs, which can be heard underwater over great distances.

Killer Whale (Orca)
Both resident and transient orcas are found in the waters of Haida Gwaii. Resident pods primarily feed on salmon, while transient orcas hunt seals, sea lions, and even other whales.

Sea Otter
Once extinct in Haida Gwaii due to the fur trade, sea otters have recently been reintroduced and are slowly making a comeback. These playful marine mammals are vital to maintaining healthy kelp forests by keeping sea urchin populations in check.

Harbor Seal
Harbor seals are a common sight along the coast of Gwaii Haanas, where they haul out on rocky shores to rest. They are known for their spotted coats and large, expressive eyes.

Dall’s Porpoise
Dall’s porpoises are fast-swimming, black-and-white marine mammals that are often mistaken for orcas. They are frequently seen riding the bow waves of boats and leaping energetically through the water.

Northern Elephant Seal
These massive seals, known for their distinctive trunk-like noses, occasionally visit the beaches of Haida Gwaii. Males can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh over 2,000 kg.

Coastal Gray Wolf
A distinct population of gray wolves roams the islands of Haida Gwaii. These wolves rely heavily on marine resources, such as fish and seals, and are known for their excellent swimming abilities.

Birds

Gwaii Haanas is also a haven for bird species, attracting both seabirds and forest-dwelling birds that thrive in the diverse island habitats. The combination of old-growth forests and rugged coastlines provides ideal nesting and feeding grounds for numerous bird species.

Tufted Puffin
Tufted puffins nest in the rocky cliffs of Gwaii Haanas, where they dig burrows for their eggs. These striking seabirds have large, orange beaks and distinctive yellow tufts on their heads.

Ancient Murrelet
Gwaii Haanas is a critical breeding site for the ancient murrelet, a small seabird that nests in burrows on the forest floor. Remarkably, murrelet chicks leave the nest and head to the ocean within just a few days of hatching.

Rhinoceros Auklet
This relative of the puffin is named for the small horn-like projection on its beak. Rhinoceros auklets are excellent divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in search of fish.

Bald Eagle
Bald eagles are a common sight in Haida Gwaii, where they build massive nests in old-growth trees. These powerful raptors hunt fish and seabirds along the coastline.

Marbled Murrelet
Unlike most seabirds, marbled murrelets nest in the mossy branches of ancient trees. This species is threatened due to habitat loss but still finds refuge in the protected forests of Gwaii Haanas.

Pelagic Cormorant
Pelagic cormorants are often seen perched on rocky outcrops, drying their wings in the sun. They are excellent divers, using their hooked beaks to catch fish beneath the surface.

Black Oystercatcher
With its striking black plumage and bright red beak, the black oystercatcher is a shoreline specialist that feeds on mussels and other shellfish. It can often be seen probing the intertidal zone with its powerful beak.

Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Haida Gwaii subspecies)
A unique subspecies of the northern saw-whet owl resides in the dense forests of Haida Gwaii. This small owl has adapted to island life and preys primarily on rodents and small birds.

Western Sandpiper
Western sandpipers are migratory shorebirds that stop in Haida Gwaii during their long journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. They forage along mudflats, searching for small invertebrates.

Common Murre
Common murres gather in large colonies on rocky cliffs, where they lay their eggs directly on narrow ledges. These black-and-white seabirds resemble penguins when standing upright on rocks.

Gwaii Haanas National Park is a remarkable and biodiverse place where the land, sea, and sky are interconnected. Its wildlife, including both resident and migratory species, makes it one of Canada’s most unique and treasured protected areas.