Damage appears to be minimal after a powerful 7.7 earthquake rocked British Columbia's north-central coast last night.

It was centred near Haida Gwaii, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Geoff Ray, a resident of Queen Charlotte City, says it's the biggest quake he's felt in the 37 years he's lived on the island.

Residents of the island report things falling off shelves, a 90-minute power failure, and a small tsunami of only 60-centimetres.

B-C Justice Minister Shirley Bond says she's grateful there doesn't appear to be much damage.