We were looking for a place where we could spend a special occasion and found Ocean House. Wow, it exceeded our expectations in all respects! We enjoyed the 4 night package that included plane and helicopter flights, comfortable accommodations and gourmet meals. Daily outings by boat to historic Haida village sites guided by young but very knowledgeable guides were most informative and educational about the history and culture of Haida Gwaii. These are a proud and artistic people who survived many difficulties and are now seeing their people, language and culture revived. The location is very remote and beautiful, while the weather was far better than we expected. The ocean, forests, and misty mountains combine to create a restful atmosphere. This is enhanced by the friendly, helpful and relaxed attitude of the excellent staff. Other highlights included kayaking in the inlet where we viewed bears, eagles and other wildlife,quality spa treatments; and listening to the drum beat and singing of Haida songs on many occasions. This trip is among the very best my wife and I have experienced in our 50 years together. …
This place was beautiful, untouched and so spiritual, an absolute highlight of our Canadian visit. The staff were knowledgable, and most helpful with the excursions each day, and with their attention to amazing food, served with well sourced wines. Our stay was 4 nights, could have done with a couple more, and cannot recommend this destination highly enough.
Several aspects need note: The interpreters in the field on the boating excursions were very knowledgeable in diverse areas, wow. And the sharing of native song was an honour and beautiful. The opportunity to learn of the Haida and their history. The food was a delicious introduction to what I might call "modern Haida fusion": no we did not eat raw shellfish, but the seasonings on the food was distinctly Haida. I am going to harvest sitka pine shoot tips to make some vinaigrette! Seafood pancakes eggs benedict was incredible. There is a spa, in which we did partake (hot stone massages after a day in the field). The commodities include steam and dry sauna. We were two people in a lovely, clean, double room, which was more than adequate. We were never in the room except to sleep! Absolutely everyone there (skippers, interpreters, chefs, and every sort of helper) handled themselves in such a professional, and friendly manner! We were treated to history, narratives, culture and customs; and some of the most beautiful ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. I have a much greater respect for what wonderful stewards of the environment the Haida people are! Thank you - Haaw'a!…
We took our 4 30-somethings to Ocean House for the 4-night package. A bit worried that our Type A's would get bored but it was a spectacular experience for all. Superb staff, delightful accommodations, fascinating guides & trips, outstanding food morning, lunch & dinner, and lots of individual activity in kayaks, paddleboards and even gym. Learned lots about Haida culture and history in spectacular setting. All-inclusive trip from YVR to there & back organized impeccably.
My husband and I spent an entire week in Ocean House in celebration of an important date. We enjoyed every minute of our stay and highly recommend Ocean House to everyone interested in learning about Haida culture and marveling at wondrous nature, all while being attended to by an impeccably professional crew, who are both well informed and friendly, including an extraordinary team of chefs. We set out on three boat excursions to old, abandoned villages where we hiked through the surrounding forest and coast. The professionalism of the captains was much appreciated, especially when the waves were high. The cultural and ecological knowledge of our guide was very impressive and opened up for us an unknown world. She was also a wonderful singer. The artists in residence came along for the trips, complementing the guide with their own experiences and songs. The most precious part of the trip for us was socializing with a group of young people passionately in love with their culture and willing to explain it. All members of the team were joyfully helpful and attentive. Ocean House itself is an elegant environment. The individual rooms are very appealing, while the common areas are spacious and tastefully adorned with Haida motifs. The library has a fine collection of books about the Haida, their history and their art. The views from both sides of the building are magnificent and it is not uncommon to see seals, marine birds, deer, and raccoons engaging in their daily chores right while you are eating one of the exquisite meals. The view from the sauna’s window in the spa is magnificent, and sometimes you can see the resident bear frolicking on the shore. The natural environment of Haida Gwaii is rich and visually rewarding. A fourth boat excursion took us to a seal rookery and to a place where we could film eagles descending to fetch the fish being offered by our guide. On one of our trips we saw whales. On our free day we also took a walk in the nearby forest. Our guide talked about the trees, the plants, the herbs she collects for tea, as well as the fry growing in the brook. On another free day we explored the intertidal zone. Besides kayaking, we watched a beautiful film, based on a Haida legend. Every penny that we spent on this vacation was well worth it. The operation was superbly well coordinated. The people we met inspired us to love and learn more about Haida culture. We would love to return and encourage you to visit Ocean House. N & O…
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