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

Totem pole in Masset.

Masset is located on Masset Sound on the northern coast of Graham Island, the largest island in Haida Gwaii, and is approximately 50 km (31 mi) west of mainland British Columbia.

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

Airlines at main airport

Seaplanes

  • 🌍 Masset Water Aerodrome. (updated Jun 2020)
    • Inland Air Charters. Provides charter float plane service between Masset and Prince Rupert. (updated Mar 2023)

Get around

Western 'Mile 0' of the Yellowhead Hwy.

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

See

  • 🌍 Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary, 1860 Trumpeter Drive, ☏ +1 250-626-5015, . 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. (updated Jun 2020)
  • 🌍 Dixon Entrance Museum, 2183 Collison Avenue, ☏ +1 250-626-6066, . 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. (updated Jun 2020)

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), ☏ +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. (updated Jun 2020)
  • Fishing along the Hiellen River, Sangan River or Chown River.

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Stay safe

The Greater Masset area lies in a seismically active area and can be vulnerable to tsunamis. 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.

Cope

Connect

Go next

Explore Naikoon Provincial Park. You're also at Mile 0 of the Yellowhead Highway, head east for 2,660 km (1,650 mi) and go to Winnipeg.

Routes through Masset
END ←  W  E  → Daajing Giids-Skidegate → Prince Rupert


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