Daajing Giids Seawalk Features:
• Urban hike
• Early & Contemporary history
ABOUT
On its surface, the Daajing Giids Seawalk is an inspiring urban hike or stroll along the village’s bustling waterfront. At a deeper level, though, this one-kilometre walk takes you deep into the historic heart of Daajing Giids, highlighting key milestones that helped in its own coming-of-age story. That, for us, is the real beauty of the Seawalk and makes it a “must-do” for anyone visiting Haida Gwaii.
The Daajing Giids Seawalk begins at the Visitor Center, near the humpback sculpture by Lon Sharp. It is here, near the strategically placed picnic tables, that you’ll come across the first nugget of historical wisdom on this hike: A short information write-up explaining what brought settlers to what is now Daajing Giids. The Visitor Center also distributes copies of “Village of Queen Charlotte Heritage Walking Tour” written by Heather Ramsay at a reasonable cost. This booklet is rich with the early history of Daajing Giids previously known as Queen Charlotte.
There are a total of 8 such write-ups found throughout the community, all but three of which are found directly along the Seawalk route (the three stragglers can be found across from J&T Restaurant, beside Premier Creek and near the old hospital).
Once you’ve finished admiring the views at the Visitor Centre and Skidegate Inlet, follow the brick-coloured paving stones – which mark the early and late parts of the route – as they wind through Spirit Square. Completed in 2011, this small plaza area has become a cornerstone of the community for public events. The annual Christmas tree light-up is done here and live music is often played on the impressive bandstand. In many ways, Spirit Square could represent just how far Daajing Giids has come in its progressive journey: A communal space welcoming to everyone.
Moving past Spirit Square, the pathway takes you down to the nearby docks. You’ll have to cross the road to continue along the Daajing Giids Seawalk, which is again signified by the brick-coloured paving stones. At this point in your hike, you can observe the Fisherman’s Memorial and the bustling harbour down below.
Another historic write-up, appropriately detailing the importance of the fishing industry, can also be found here. Curiously, from here, the Seawalk is unmarked for about two-hundred meters or so: Walk up the road, past Northern Savings and Charlisle Clothiers, until you hit Wharf Street. Turn LEFT and follow Wharf Street for approximately 150 meters until you hit Oceanview Drive (the main road in town).
Once on Oceanview Drive, the Daajing Giids Seawalk formal markings return; however, the pathway is no longer denoted by paving stones for this stretch of the journey. Instead, the route is marked by a yellow “walking” figure painted on the side of the road.
While this section might prove to be “too urban” for some (since you’re literally walking alongside vehicle traffic), it nevertheless provides epic views of the inlet, harbour and seaplane docks. On the opposite side of the road, you’ll also spy the historic Premier Creek Lodge. Take a brief detour and cross the highway if you’d like to read a bit more history!
After hiking alongside the highway for just over 200 meters, you’ll spy the return of the brick-coloured paving stones at the landscaped garden adjoining the local ballfield. The route will take you around the ballfield, past the Community Hall and children’s park before concluding near the Vancouver Island Regional Library.
At the terminus point of your urban hike, you’ll spy the remnants of Daajing Giids’ old sawmill, which operated between 1909 and 1926. Stroll down the stairs onto the rocky beach for a closer look at the village’s early economy! A nearby write-up helps to provide more context.
Of note, just beyond the library, you’ll see a narrow roadway (Bay Street). This area was once
considered the heart of downtown as it was lined with many a business back in the day. Some classic structures still remain, hinting at days long gone by.
Indeed, the Daajing Giids Seawalk is an urban hike. There are plenty of beautiful photo-ops but, just as important, this immersive walk encourages us to learn along the way. Take your time here – you’ll be all the richer for it.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TOTAL DISTANCE: 1 kilometer
TIME: 30 minutes
TYPE: Point-to-Point
ELEVATION GAIN: None