With the grand opening of the Ocean House at Tlaga G̲áwtlaas, located in the north end of X̱aadáa Gwáay | X̱aada Gwaay.yaay* Haida Gwaii, on June 1, Haida Tourism celebrated a major milestone in its shift towards ecotourism and cultural tourism. Haida Tourism is one of three businesses operated by Haida Enterprise Corporation (HaiCo).

Ocean House is creating jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs, and keeping economic benefits within the community. HaiCo estimates that Ocean House will generate, directly and indirectly, more than 40 full-time equivalent positions.

Tourism is a significant and growing industry on X̱aadáa Gwáay | X̱aadaG̱waay.yaay with visitors coming from the mainland and beyond to experience the islands’ rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural traditions.

In decades past, sport fishing lodges dominated the local tourism market, flying guests and supplies in from Vancouver and contributing little to the local economy. Many of these lodges have been operated by non-Indigenous owners, who may have minimal connection to the communities and territories they do business in.

HaiCo previously operated a sportfishing company with multiple lodges. Over time, the HaiCo board scaled back operations and, in 2017, commissioned Haida designer Gina Mae Shubert to create the luxury lodge that was renamed Ocean House.

In 2018 and 2019, Westcoast resorts operated Ocean House, as an ecocultural lodge located at Stad K’uns G̲awG̲a Peel Inlet. At the end of the 2019 season, with motions of support from the Council of the Haida Nation, the Secretariat of the Haida Nation, and the Hereditary Chief’s Council, HaiCo exited the sport fishing industry. Most assets were sold, except for Ocean House, which was retained, and a new vision for the lodge was born.

A New Vision for Eco-cultural Tourism

Working in partnership with Old Massett Village Council, moved the floating lodge to the shoreline of G̱aw K̲áahlii Massett Inlet in Tlaga G̲áwtlaas New Town, just outside G̱aw Tlagée Old Massett in 2020.

Moving Ocean House to a permanent home on the shore was a complex undertaking, requiring new infrastructure, building modifications, and careful site preparation to protect the surrounding environment.

This transformation required a multi-year investment in shoreline infrastructure and building upgrades– an effort spanning five years, two of which coincided with pandemic-related closure on X̱aadáa Gwáay | X̱aadaG̱waay.yaay.

“Ocean House at Tlaga G̲áwtlaas stands as a symbol of our community’s vision for a sustainable and self-determined future,” says Kuund koyas Laara Yaghujaanas, HaiCo Board Chair. “Moving away from extractive tourism and toward a model that honours Haida values and culture has been critical—not just for our environment, but for our people.”

“With the generous support of Coast Funds and the Council of the Haida Nation, we have reimagined Ocean House into a place that offers meaningful employment, strengthens our local economy, and tells our story on our terms,” says Kuund koyas. “This is a legacy of resilience and purpose we are proud to carry forward.”

Now open for visitors, Ocean House at Tlaga G̲áwtlaas is helping turn the tide on tourism on X̱aadáa Gwáay | X̱aadaG̱waay.yaay. Nestled in lush forests and surrounded by active harbour life, the lodge is at the heart of a Haida-led tourism model that supports community well-being and respects the land and waters.

Ocean House is part of the strategic, phased expansion of Haida Tourism, building on the success of Haida House at Tllaal Tlell, known for its peaceful location and warm Haida hospitality.

Since acquiring its first 10-room lodge, Haida Tourism has grown to include 12 new oceanside cabins and lodge accommodations for up to 20 guests in 10 rooms, along with tour packages delivered with local partners. This careful growth supports a tourism economy that’s sustainable, locally-driven, and aligned with Haida values.

Welcoming Visitors to Ocean House

Ocean House at Tlaga G̲áwtlaas offers a unique, immersive experience. The boutique hotel features 20 rooms with private ensuites and access to amenities, including a spa, dry and wet sauna, dining room, and meeting space.

“The transformation of Ocean House at Tlaga Gawtlaas from a remote sportfishing operation to a land-based cultural tourism experience marks a meaningful shift for HaiCo,” says Leticia Hill, HaiCo CEO.

“This transition reflects our commitment to sustainable economic development. Ocean House at Tlaga G̲áwtlaas now provides local employment opportunities and will contribute significantly to the economy of northern Haida Gwaii. We are proud of this evolution and deeply grateful for the partnerships that made it possible.”

Coast Economic Development Society approved funding of $1,200,000 to the Council of the Haida Nation for the transition of Ocean House from a floating lodge to a land-based ecotourism and cultural lodge in G̱aw Tlagée.

*The following phrase is in X̱aad Kil, the northern Haida dialect, followed by its equivalent in X̱aayda Kil, the southern Haida dialect. All other Haida language used is in X̱aad Kil.