Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a group of islands off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. Growing in popularity with tourists, they are known for their stunning natural beauty, which combines forests, ocean and mountains. The home of the Haida First Nations people, visitors taking Haida Gwaii tours can also gain valuable insight into native cultures and life ways by visiting the islands.
Visitors can take tours of the islands by a variety of means, with there being as much ocean as there is land to explore here. The First Nations people of the islands enjoy reputation for fine art work, with many Native traditional artists living and working here. The total population of the islands is around 5000, with half of those belonging to the local First Nation.
The presence of so many First Nations cultural sites in the archipelago is a testament to the persistence of local life ways, and visitors can see many traditional items such as totem poles on display here. Traditional feasts and other events are also often open to visitors. The islands were renamed as a way of helping the process of reconciliation between the Haida and the Canadian authorities.
As well as the rich cultural life of the islands, though, outdoors enthusiasts can find plenty to keep them busy in this part of the world. Woodland and coastal trails are ideal for hikers to explore, and there are spectacular views to soak up. These islands are the only place in western Canada where it is possible to surf, too, while there is plenty of opportunity for anglers to fish too.
There is a massive range of other outdoors activities on offer in addition to hiking or surfing, though. Some visitors may want to explore the ocean by kayak, while cyclists can find plenty to see on the land. Some cyclists will prefer the road route of Graham Island's coastal highway, while mountain bikers can find plenty in the woods to challenge them.
Wildlife watchers can also find much to see and enjoy here, with many species abundant. Some of the islands fall under the protection of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, while there are also other protected areas, some of which include protected First Nations cultural sites too. Species which can be seen include the largest and smallest sub-species of Black Bear, as well as many varieties of bird life.
As well as seeing wildlife on land, it is also possible to take boat trips to see whales and orcas in the seas off the islands. Many tour operators provide a good range of different types of boat tour, from traditional First Nations canoe, to modern power boat. Fishing charter boats are also available, should anglers want to test themselves out on the ocean.
Haida Gwaii tours open a window on an older Canada. While many visitors will love the unspoilt beauty of the land and seas, others will find excitment in adrenaline-fuelled activities. Any trip to these Canadian islands is alive with a possibilities, whatever type of person you are.
Visitors can take tours of the islands by a variety of means, with there being as much ocean as there is land to explore here. The First Nations people of the islands enjoy reputation for fine art work, with many Native traditional artists living and working here. The total population of the islands is around 5000, with half of those belonging to the local First Nation.
The presence of so many First Nations cultural sites in the archipelago is a testament to the persistence of local life ways, and visitors can see many traditional items such as totem poles on display here. Traditional feasts and other events are also often open to visitors. The islands were renamed as a way of helping the process of reconciliation between the Haida and the Canadian authorities.
As well as the rich cultural life of the islands, though, outdoors enthusiasts can find plenty to keep them busy in this part of the world. Woodland and coastal trails are ideal for hikers to explore, and there are spectacular views to soak up. These islands are the only place in western Canada where it is possible to surf, too, while there is plenty of opportunity for anglers to fish too.
There is a massive range of other outdoors activities on offer in addition to hiking or surfing, though. Some visitors may want to explore the ocean by kayak, while cyclists can find plenty to see on the land. Some cyclists will prefer the road route of Graham Island's coastal highway, while mountain bikers can find plenty in the woods to challenge them.
Wildlife watchers can also find much to see and enjoy here, with many species abundant. Some of the islands fall under the protection of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, while there are also other protected areas, some of which include protected First Nations cultural sites too. Species which can be seen include the largest and smallest sub-species of Black Bear, as well as many varieties of bird life.
As well as seeing wildlife on land, it is also possible to take boat trips to see whales and orcas in the seas off the islands. Many tour operators provide a good range of different types of boat tour, from traditional First Nations canoe, to modern power boat. Fishing charter boats are also available, should anglers want to test themselves out on the ocean.
Haida Gwaii tours open a window on an older Canada. While many visitors will love the unspoilt beauty of the land and seas, others will find excitment in adrenaline-fuelled activities. Any trip to these Canadian islands is alive with a possibilities, whatever type of person you are.
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