NinstintsAbout Ninstints
Ninstints, known in Haida as SGang Gwaay Llnaagay, is the remains of a Haida village on Anthony Island in the southern part of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, noted for its standing totem poles and longhouse ruins.
Visitors and researchers encounter groups of monumental cedar totem poles, carved house fronts and archaeological deposits such as shell middens that document centuries of Haida occupation and art. The site is an important example of Northwest Coast indigenous monumental art and village organization.
SGang Gwaay is protected within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and is recognized internationally for its cultural and historical importance; access is managed to protect the features and the broader cultural landscape.
The site lies off the southern coast of Haida Gwaii in British Columbia and is managed in cooperation with Haida Nation authorities and Parks Canada.
- Haida name and features: Known in Haida as SGang Gwaay Llnaagay, the site contains a remarkable concentration of monumental cedar totem poles and longhouse remains.
- Protection status: Protected as part of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural and historical significance.
What to See#
- Totem pole groups: Groups of standing totem poles and carved house fronts that remain in situ and are among the best-preserved examples of Haida monumental art.
- Longhouse ruins and middens: Longhouse remains and archaeological features including shell middens that document village occupation and daily life.
- Coastal features and sea stacks: The sea stacks and coastal setting adjacent to the village are part of the cultural landscape protected within the park reserve.
Nearby Attractions to Ninstints
Best Time to Visit Ninstints
Best visited in summer when sea conditions are most favorable for boat trips to the Haida village site.
Weather & Climate near Ninstints
Ninstints's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C. Heavy rainfall (2276 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 7° | 0° | 273 mm | overcast | 85% | 8.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 7° | 1° | 205 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| March | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 209 mm | overcast | 81% | 7.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 172 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Poor | 6° - 11° | 6° | 123 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 9° - 13° | 11° | 83 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 11° - 15° | 13° | 77 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 12° - 17° | 14° | 94 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Acceptable | 11° - 16° | 13° | 163 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 276 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 10° | 3° | 335 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 266 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
How to Get to Ninstints
Ninstints (SGang Gwaay) is on Anthony Island in Haida Gwaii (Gwaii Haanas) off the coast of British Columbia and has no road access. Visitors reach the site by boat or floatplane from population centers on Graham Island such as Sandspit or Skidegate; most trips are organized as guided tours or as part of Gwaii Haanas visits, with embarkation from Sandspit or Skidegate.
Visits are typically day trips or multi‑day excursions by licensed operators; check park/tour operator schedules and permit requirements before planning travel.
Tips for Visiting Ninstints
- Travel to SGang Gwaay (Ninstints) via licensed eco-tour operators out of Skidegate or Sandspit during the summer season when sea conditions are most reliable; independent landings are not appropriate because it's a protected Haida heritage site.
- Plan morning or late-afternoon landings for the best light on the totem poles and to avoid the busiest times of permitted visits; operators will time landings to respect tides and bird activity.
- Respect all site rules: stay on designated paths, do not touch or climb the remains and follow direction from Haida guardians and park staff - the cultural values and legal protections here are the primary reasons for controlled access.