We present evidence for a narrow, poleward flowing surface current over the continental slope of northwestern British Columbia and southwest Alaska. Named for a prominent native Indian tribe of the region, the Haida Current occurs predominantly between October and April. Maximal flow takes place in midwinter from November through February. Characteristic features of the current include a minimal extent of 200--300 km, a width of 20--30 km, a depth scale of 500 m, and near-surface temperature signatures of up to +1¿C within the core of the current, as well as large-amplitude O(10 km) mesoscale waves and eddies along its flank. The wind stress and alongshore sea surface slope are shown to be the primary driving mechanisms for the current. |