Masset - village in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Masset, formerly Massett, is a village in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. It is located on Masset Sound on the northern coast of Graham Island. The village of Old Masset (also known as Haida) is located 2 km from Masset, and is the site of three ancient Haida villages.

Understand

Masset is located on Masset Sound on the northern coast of Graham Island, the largest island in Haida Gwaii, and is approximately 50 km west of mainland British Columbia.

• Masset Information Centre, Mile 0, Yellowhead Hwy, 54.007097°, -132.137142°, +1 250-626-3982. 2020-06-27

History

The name Masset was a gift from the captain of a Spanish vessel that was repaired with the assistance of the Haida citizens of Atewaas, Kayung and Jaaguhl. These three villages accepted the gift and adopted the name Masset to commemorate what might be the first ever contact between Europeans and the Haida. The name Masset is now used by the Village of Masset and the Village of Old Massett, the original recipient of the name and a village under the Constitution of the Haida Nation. Masset's name in the local dialect of the Haida language is Uttewas, "white slope", probably referring to a small hill south of the village.

Get in

By car

Masset is located at the western terminus of the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16). The nearest ferry terminal with connections to Prince Rupert and mainland British Columbia are an hour away in Skidegate.

By plane

Main airport

• Masset Municipal Airport (IATA: ZMT). 2020-06-27

Airlines at main airport

• Pacific Coastal Airlines, +1-604-273-8666, reserve@pacificcoastal.com. Operates flights primarily in the south coast area of British Columbia with its hub in Vancouver. 2022-04-25 Operates flights to Masset from Vancouver (2.25 hours).

Seaplanes

• Masset Water Aerodrome. 2020-06-27
  • Inland Air Charters. Provides charter float plane service between Masset and Prince Rupert. 2023-03-11

Get around

Masset is small and walkable. Masset and Old Masset are connected by road and by sidewalk.

• Mile Zero Taxi, +1 250-626-7971. 2020-06-28

See

• Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary, 1860 Trumpeter Drive, 54.013456°, -132.138141°, +1 250-626-5015, hecatebird@gmail.com. A 290-hectare intertidal wetland that is a critical migratory stopover for birds during spring and fall migration, an important wintering waterfowl area and home to many summer nesting species, with over 150 species of birds. 2020-06-28
• Dixon Entrance Museum, 2183 Collison Avenue, 54.013173°, -132.152002°, +1 250-626-6066, demms@mhtv.ca. Housed in a restored heritage building, the Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum offers a look back at the early settlement and maritime history of the Greater Massett area. 2020-06-28

Do

• Beachcombing along North Beach, search for treasures while hiking along the beach. Top treasures include Japanese glass fishing floats, sperm whale teeth, shells, sand dollars, and agate gemstones.
• Dixon Entrance Golf & Country Club, Tow Hill Road (5 km east of Masset), 54.028328°, -132.071629°, +1 250-626-7872. Apr 1-Oct 15: Daily 8AM-8PM. A 9-hole course with 18 different tee boxes. The course is run entirely by golf club volunteers. The clubhouse is not staffed but is accessible from April 1 to October 15. 2020-06-28
• Fishing along the Hiellen River, Sangan River or Chown River.

Buy

• Gin K̲uyaas Haida Art Studio & Gifts, 55 Raven Ave, Old Massett, 54.026913°, -132.166446°, +1 250-626-5530. M-Sa 11AM-5PM. Offers a diverse selection of authentic Haida artwork, clothing, and gift items. 2020-06-28
• Sarah's Haida Arts & Jewellery, 387 Eagle Avenue, Old Massett, 54.041815°, -132.189705°, +1 250-626-5560, sarah@mhtv.ca. Showcases traditional Haida carvers, painters, and weavers. 2020-06-28

Eat

• Island Sunrise Cafe, 1645 Main Street, 54.011894°, -132.146891°, +1 250-626-9344. 2020-06-28
• Daddy Cool’s Public House at Mile Zero, 1993 Collison Avenue, 54.011567°, -132.146355°, +1 250-626-3210. Daily 9AM-2PM. 2020-06-28
• Moon Over Naikoon, Tow Hill Rd, 54.02002°, -132.11347°, +1 250-626-7737. Bakery cafe in an old school bus that has been gussied up as a cafe. Good soup. 2020-07-21
• Sushi Yokohama, 1675 Main Street, 54.0131°, -132.1463°, +1 250-626-3684. Daily 11:30AM-3PM, 4:30AM-8:30PM. A 1950s diner turned into a surprisingly good sushi restaurant. 2020-07-21

Drink

• The Ground Gallery & Coffee House, 1599 Main Street, 54.011409°, -132.147337°, +1 250-626-5251, thegroundcoffee@gmail.com. Coffee, baked goods, sandwiches. 2020-06-28

Sleep

• Chinook Lodge, 2042 Maple Crescent, 54.013096°, -132.148687°, +1 778-773-4242, info@chinooklodge.bc.ca. $120-195 per night 2020-06-28
• Haida Gwaii Beach Cabins, 16039 Tow Hill Road, 54.032385°, -131.959644°, +1 250-626-9784, lotsafun@beachcabins.com. 2020-06-28
• Hidden Island RV & Campground, 1790 Tow Hill Road, 54.014203°, -132.128756°, +1 250-626-5286, info@hidden-island-resort.ca. 2020-06-28

Stay safe

The Greater Masset area lies in a seismically active area and can be vulnerable to tsunami. Familiarize yourself with the local emergency plan and map.

If you experience a strong earthquake that lasts more than a minute, do not wait for an evacuation order. Gather your emergency kit and leave immediately along the designated route.

Connect

Go next

Explore Naikoon Provincial Park. You're also at Mile 0 of the Yellowhead Highway, head east for 2660 km and go to Winnipeg.