Queen Charlotte

Queen Charlotte sits on Haida Gwaii like a well-kept secret that’s getting harder to keep. This community of just under 1,000 people has cracked the code on something most places struggle with—how to transition from boom-bust resource dependency to steady, sustainable growth.

The numbers tell a story that mortgage professionals should pay attention to. With unemployment at just 3.7% and a median household income of $65,000, Queen Charlotte has quietly built an economy around healthcare, education, and tourism rather than the traditional logging and fishing that once dominated. That’s the kind of economic diversification that makes lenders sleep better at night.

What really sets Queen Charlotte apart is its appeal to lifestyle buyers and retirees who’ve discovered that Plant Hardiness Zone 8a means you can grow things here that would never survive on the mainland. The climate has actually improved over the past 30 years, making this one of the few places where “things are getting better” isn’t just optimistic thinking.

The housing market reflects this shift toward lifestyle-focused residents. With 76.5% single-detached homes and a median age of 44.8 years, you’re looking at established homeowners who chose this place deliberately, not people who ended up here by accident. The 9% population growth since 2016 suggests word is getting out, but slowly enough that the community isn’t losing what made it attractive in the first place.

For mortgage brokers working with clients who value outdoor access over urban convenience, Queen Charlotte presents opportunities that larger centers can’t match. The combination of ocean and mountain access, plus a growing reputation as a retirement destination, creates the kind of lasting appeal that supports property values even in challenging times.

Tekamar offers our full range of mortgage products in Queen Charlotte with a maximum LTV of 55%. That conservative approach reflects both the remote location and our respect for what makes this community special—it’s not going anywhere, and neither should the equity cushion that protects everyone involved.