Queen Charlotte City got its start in 1891 when a crown Grant of 703 acres of choice waterfront property was deeded to James Shield, Thomas Gore and  James MacKenzie. The town site was registered on July 22, 1908. The same year  a sawmill was built which helped the development of the community.

Many of the town's heritage buildings have been preserved. The Old school  building has seen very little change since it was built in 1909. The Premier Hotel was built in 1910 and has seen changes, but the look of the outside  is a reminder of Queen Charlotte's past.

Near here is Slatechuck Mountain, home to the only known source of argillite  (a soft, black slate that is reserved for the exclusive use of the Haida people). Sleeping Beauty Mountain provides a beautiful backdrop to this seaside community located on Bearskin Bay.

Queen Charlotte City is the administrative center for the islands. There are several government offices, including the Canadian Parks Service. Today's  economy is sustained by logging, fishing and tourism.

There are campgrounds, bike, kayak and vehicle rentals. The fishing is excellent  for all species of fish caught locally.