The archipelago of Haida Gwaii lies just off the coast of British Columbia but it feels like another world. It has a history and culture unlike any other place and its wildlife have evolved in isolation from the mainland. Haida Gwaii tours will take you to a place of myth and legend to visit a people and their home which is unique in the world.
In 2010 the Queen Charlotte Islands were re-named Haida Gwaii to reflect their indigenous heritage. This was probably one of the first settled places in the Americas and the people have their own way of life and beliefs going back thousands of years. The place feels remote yet is only a two hour flight from Vancouver or a ferry trip from Prince Rupert.
Once on the islands tourists are amazed at the natural beauty. They have been nicknamed the "Galapagos of the North" as they have many endemic species which have evolved in isolation. The seas are also extremely rich with fish, birds and mammals, such as whales and dolphins. Historically fishing and arts and crafts have been the main sources of income.
At the southern tip of the archipelago is the Gwaii Haanas National Park. It is a true wilderness with mile after mile of ancient forest. It also has areas of alpine and sub-alpine tundra, fjords, lakes and wetlands. The brown bears found here are much bigger than their cousins on the mainland and are often seen by hikers. The area is ideal for the adventure enthusiast with miles of trails, kayaking, fishing, climbing and sailing.
Another thing which makes the islands unique is the human culture. The Haida people made it their home thousands of years ago and learned how to live in harmony with the nature they revere. There is a heritage center in Skidegate which provides an introduction to the people and their way of life. There are displays of their houses, canoes and totem poles.
Art was always a way for them to express their appreciation of the natural world and many of the traditional crafts continue today. Many Haida people are expert carvers. They tell the stories of their heritage in the totem poles and carvings which adorn their houses. In recent years many artists have been so inspired by the place they chose to make it their home. The arts enthusiast will find a number of galleries and modern artists to visit.
It is highly recommended that visitors interested in seeing the most remote and mythical parts of the islands take a bout trip. Many abandoned villages, forests and beaches can only be reached from the sea. There are also whale watching tours and many outdoor pursuits in these areas. Climbing, caving, kayaking, fishing, camping and sailing are all popular activities in Haida Gwaii.
Nowhere else on Earth is like Haida Gwaii. It remains relatively unspoiled and evidence of it's unique culture is everywhere. There are many varieties of tour with different focuses for the nature lover or culture vulture. It is also possible to travel independently but there is no transport on the islands so hiring a car or taking one over on the ferry is essential.
In 2010 the Queen Charlotte Islands were re-named Haida Gwaii to reflect their indigenous heritage. This was probably one of the first settled places in the Americas and the people have their own way of life and beliefs going back thousands of years. The place feels remote yet is only a two hour flight from Vancouver or a ferry trip from Prince Rupert.
Once on the islands tourists are amazed at the natural beauty. They have been nicknamed the "Galapagos of the North" as they have many endemic species which have evolved in isolation. The seas are also extremely rich with fish, birds and mammals, such as whales and dolphins. Historically fishing and arts and crafts have been the main sources of income.
At the southern tip of the archipelago is the Gwaii Haanas National Park. It is a true wilderness with mile after mile of ancient forest. It also has areas of alpine and sub-alpine tundra, fjords, lakes and wetlands. The brown bears found here are much bigger than their cousins on the mainland and are often seen by hikers. The area is ideal for the adventure enthusiast with miles of trails, kayaking, fishing, climbing and sailing.
Another thing which makes the islands unique is the human culture. The Haida people made it their home thousands of years ago and learned how to live in harmony with the nature they revere. There is a heritage center in Skidegate which provides an introduction to the people and their way of life. There are displays of their houses, canoes and totem poles.
Art was always a way for them to express their appreciation of the natural world and many of the traditional crafts continue today. Many Haida people are expert carvers. They tell the stories of their heritage in the totem poles and carvings which adorn their houses. In recent years many artists have been so inspired by the place they chose to make it their home. The arts enthusiast will find a number of galleries and modern artists to visit.
It is highly recommended that visitors interested in seeing the most remote and mythical parts of the islands take a bout trip. Many abandoned villages, forests and beaches can only be reached from the sea. There are also whale watching tours and many outdoor pursuits in these areas. Climbing, caving, kayaking, fishing, camping and sailing are all popular activities in Haida Gwaii.
Nowhere else on Earth is like Haida Gwaii. It remains relatively unspoiled and evidence of it's unique culture is everywhere. There are many varieties of tour with different focuses for the nature lover or culture vulture. It is also possible to travel independently but there is no transport on the islands so hiring a car or taking one over on the ferry is essential.
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