One of the best kept secrets to wind down and relax, and have a bit of adventure too, exists in the northern coast of British Columbia. The place is called Haida Gwaii, and is an archipelago that is just a two hour plane ride away from Vancouver. Due to its near location, many have started to discover and enjoy this hidden travel wonder through many Haida Gwaii adventure tours and travel packages available today.
The islands are the home of the Haida people, who also make parts of Alaska their home. First known as the Queen Charlotte Islands as named by it first surveyor Captain Dixon, it has since been renamed as Haida Gwaii, or islands of the Haida.
Whether one's taste be for relaxation, adventure or plain cultural immersion, one will be quite fulfilled when going there. It should be noted that one needs various forms of transportation when going through an extensive trip of the island, as there will be need for land and water craft on varying occasions. In fact apart from walking, many may need to take either boats, bicycles or even kayaks to get around.
For those that want to visit the island to fully soak up the local Haida culture, one should budget about four days tops. This is about the average amount of time for one to visit each local community and get immersed in the local culture by visiting workshops of bent wood, totem poles and many others. Totem poles, also unique to the area, are actual records of histories of the families in the islands.
Those who want a bit of a water adventure should not miss whale watching, as the islands are in the most strategic spot in the whole world to watch orcas, grey whales and humpback whales up close. March to April are the best times to watch gray whales while May to September are best times to watch killer whales or orcas. Many outfits provide year round tours for whale watching in the area.
Those who are die hard hikers will be spoilt for choice with the divers amount of hiking trails and tours available. Hiking tours are led by local tour guides and there is even a unique land and hiking tour that includes a tree climbing tour! Some would prefer to take mountain bikes to explore the area. In the end however, most like to relax and take a stroll on the expansive beaches around.
For those who would like to do something less physical, there are plenty of places for fishing around the kayaking routes. There are also plenty of places to just chill out and lounge. There is definitely something for anyone regardless of physical prowess or bent.
Thus for those who want something different, this little gem of British Columbia might just be the thing you are looking for. The weather is great all year round with not so cold winters and not so hot summers. Perhaps now is a good time to pack your bags and head on towards Haida Gwaii!
The islands are the home of the Haida people, who also make parts of Alaska their home. First known as the Queen Charlotte Islands as named by it first surveyor Captain Dixon, it has since been renamed as Haida Gwaii, or islands of the Haida.
Whether one's taste be for relaxation, adventure or plain cultural immersion, one will be quite fulfilled when going there. It should be noted that one needs various forms of transportation when going through an extensive trip of the island, as there will be need for land and water craft on varying occasions. In fact apart from walking, many may need to take either boats, bicycles or even kayaks to get around.
For those that want to visit the island to fully soak up the local Haida culture, one should budget about four days tops. This is about the average amount of time for one to visit each local community and get immersed in the local culture by visiting workshops of bent wood, totem poles and many others. Totem poles, also unique to the area, are actual records of histories of the families in the islands.
Those who want a bit of a water adventure should not miss whale watching, as the islands are in the most strategic spot in the whole world to watch orcas, grey whales and humpback whales up close. March to April are the best times to watch gray whales while May to September are best times to watch killer whales or orcas. Many outfits provide year round tours for whale watching in the area.
Those who are die hard hikers will be spoilt for choice with the divers amount of hiking trails and tours available. Hiking tours are led by local tour guides and there is even a unique land and hiking tour that includes a tree climbing tour! Some would prefer to take mountain bikes to explore the area. In the end however, most like to relax and take a stroll on the expansive beaches around.
For those who would like to do something less physical, there are plenty of places for fishing around the kayaking routes. There are also plenty of places to just chill out and lounge. There is definitely something for anyone regardless of physical prowess or bent.
Thus for those who want something different, this little gem of British Columbia might just be the thing you are looking for. The weather is great all year round with not so cold winters and not so hot summers. Perhaps now is a good time to pack your bags and head on towards Haida Gwaii!