Haida Gwaii Earthquake
Canada’s largest earthquake since 1700 occurred seventy-five years ago on August 22, 1949, along the Queen Charlotte Fault off the coast of British Columbia. It was felt as far north as Yukon and as far south as Oregon. The earth shook so much that cows on Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands) were reportedly knocked off their feet. In Terrace, B.C., on the adjacent mainland, cars bounced around, while standing on the street was described as “like being on the heaving deck of a ship at sea.”
8.1
Magnitude of the Haida Gwaii earthquake on the moment magnitude scale.
9
The estimated magnitude of Canada’s largest recorded earthquake, the Cascadia earthquake of January 26, 1700, which took place off the West Coast.
0
Number of fatalities caused by the Haida Gwaii earthquake.
490
Length in kilometres of the rupture in the Queen Charlotte Fault that was caused by the 1949 earthquake.
4,000
Estimated number of quakes that take place in Canada each year. Most are too small for people to feel.
Sign up for any of our newsletters and be eligible to win one of many book prizes available.
We hope you will help us continue to share fascinating stories about Canada’s past.
We highlight our nation’s diverse past by telling stories that illuminate the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians, and by making those stories accessible to everyone through our free online content.
Canada’s History is a registered charity that depends on contributions from readers like you to share inspiring and informative stories with students and citizens of all ages — award-winning stories written by Canada’s top historians, authors, journalists, and history enthusiasts.
Any amount helps, or better yet, start a monthly donation today. Your support makes all the difference. Thank you!
Themes associated with this article
Advertisement
Save as much as 52% off the cover price! 6 issues per year as low as $29.95. Available in print and digital.