A Love Letter to Haida Gwaii: A Cinematic Tribute to Canada’s Untouched Wilderness

If you haven’t heard of Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, let me introduce you to one of Canada’s most remote and breathtaking treasures. This chain of islands, located just north of Vancouver Island, has been a staple of my summers since I was a kid. Over the years, these islands have become more than just a vacation destination—they’re a second home. A second home deeply rooted in both natural beauty and cultural significance.

In recent years, I’ve been trying to capture the essence of Haida Gwaii through film and photography. After numerous attempts to shoot an adventure-style documentary we decided to shift gears and focus on a more cinematic approach. The result? This video—a tribute to the incredible scenery and untamed wilderness of Haida Gwaii.

Capturing the Spirit of Haida Gwaii

For me, this project isn’t just about pretty footage; it’s about sharing a place that’s shaped my summers for years. It’s a love note to the islands. Each frame in this video represents a piece of Haida Gwaii’s story—the misty forests, towering cedars, ancient totem poles, and endless ocean horizons.

The footage you’ll see was shot over several trips using a combination of a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone and a Sony A7RII 4K video camera. Our primary focus was capturing the landscapes and wildlife that define the islands, but there was something else we wanted to convey too—the raw, untouched feeling you get when you’re out there. It’s like stepping into a different world, a place where time slows down, and nature is in full control.

Challenges and Respect for the Land

One of the most exciting parts of this project was working closely with Parks Canada to ensure we were filming responsibly, especially in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, an area with immense cultural and ecological importance. Parks Canada graciously allowed us to film under strict conditions to protect the land, wildlife, and waters of the park.

One of the conditions was that our drone could only take off from water, which added an extra layer of challenge to our shoots. We also had to maintain a significant distance from wildlife, particularly sea life like whales and sea lions. These restrictions may have limited some of our shots, but they pushed us creatively to work with the environment in a respectful way, something we felt was important when filming in such a sacred place.

To meet these guidelines, we modified the drone’s camera, which allowed for some generous cropping and upscaling from 4K footage. This gave us the flexibility to capture sweeping, cinematic shots while adhering to Parks Canada’s strict guidelines, ensuring the safety of the environment and its inhabitants.

A Journey of Discovery

What makes Haida Gwaii so special, and what I hope comes across in this video, is its isolation. These islands feel almost untouched by time, with sprawling rainforests, mist-covered mountains, and ancient Haida villages that whisper stories of a people connected to the land for millennia. It’s a place where you can stand on a rocky beach and feel as though you’re the only person on earth.

This isolation is a big part of what has kept Haida Gwaii so pristine, and I believe it’s also why it has such a powerful impact on those who visit. Every trip out there feels like a new adventure, a rediscovery of a place that always offers something new. Whether it’s hiking through the dense moss-covered forests, kayaking alongside seals, or standing in awe of a towering totem pole, there’s always something magical waiting around the corner.

Looking Ahead

This video is just the beginning. After seeing what we were able to achieve with our drone and 4K camera setup, we’re already planning next year’s trip, where we’ll focus even more on the cultural aspects of Haida Gwaii, particularly the deep connection between the Haida people and their land.

I can’t wait to return to the islands and continue exploring this untouched paradise. Haida Gwaii has given me so much over the years, and this video is just a small way of giving back, sharing a glimpse of its beauty with the world.

If you’re interested in seeing the full video, check it out above, and I hope it inspires you to discover the wonders of Haida Gwaii for yourself.