If you love the outdoors and active travel, you probably also love destinations that are a little off the beaten track. After all, you can't really enjoy nature in all its glory when you find yourself on an overcrowded beach backed by high-rise tourist hotels. The perfect alternative for you would be to consider Haida Gwaii adventure tours and travel.
The archipelago known as Haida Gwaii lies off the northern coast of British Columbia in Canada. It's to the south of Alaska and to the north of Vancouver Island. There are about 150 islands in the group, with Moresby and Graham Islands the two largest ones.
You may have heard of the island group under its old name, the Queen Charlotte Islands. The new name became official in 2010 and is in recognition of the original inhabitants, whose ancient villages can still be seen. The Haida still make up nearly half of the local population and their totem poles and villages are found throughout the area. To help you gain understanding of who they are and what they believe in, a visit to the Haida Heritage Centre in the town of Kaay Ilnygaay is a must.
Naturally water-based activities are popular in the archipelago. You can go fishing along the coast or in the inland rivers. Whales frequent the area and will make any boat trip unforgettable. Active travelers may also try kayaking or surfing.
Much of the island group consists of national parks and conservation areas. This means that wildlife abounds and you may be able to see native species such as black bears and otters, as well as beavers, raccoons and other animals. Bird-watching is good too and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and camping throughout the islands.
A great time to visit is in summer, when the weather's cool and it's pleasant outside. This doesn't mean though that there's nothing to do in winter. This is the time to go steelhead fishing and it's so mild that you won't mind being outside. Fall is not the best time for outdoor activities, however, since this is when the rain comes down hard and heavy. Find refuge in one of the great little pubs, restaurants or coffee shops or visit a local art gallery, of which there are plenty too. Museums include the Haida Gwaii Museum as well as the Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum and the little Port Clements Museum.
There are two main ways to get to the islands. One is to fly in, with regular flights from Vancouver, especially during summer. Another option is to travel to Prince Rupert and then take a seaplane from there. Ferries sail from Prince Rupert throughout the year too. There are excellent taxi and shuttle services once you're here.
There are several tour operators that offer a variety of packages, from hiking or kayaking trips to bear-watching or whale-watching tours. Accommodation options are plentiful as well and range from campsites to hotels, cabins and guest houses. Find these establishments online and remember to book well in advance, especially if you're planning to visit during the busy summer season.
The archipelago known as Haida Gwaii lies off the northern coast of British Columbia in Canada. It's to the south of Alaska and to the north of Vancouver Island. There are about 150 islands in the group, with Moresby and Graham Islands the two largest ones.
You may have heard of the island group under its old name, the Queen Charlotte Islands. The new name became official in 2010 and is in recognition of the original inhabitants, whose ancient villages can still be seen. The Haida still make up nearly half of the local population and their totem poles and villages are found throughout the area. To help you gain understanding of who they are and what they believe in, a visit to the Haida Heritage Centre in the town of Kaay Ilnygaay is a must.
Naturally water-based activities are popular in the archipelago. You can go fishing along the coast or in the inland rivers. Whales frequent the area and will make any boat trip unforgettable. Active travelers may also try kayaking or surfing.
Much of the island group consists of national parks and conservation areas. This means that wildlife abounds and you may be able to see native species such as black bears and otters, as well as beavers, raccoons and other animals. Bird-watching is good too and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and camping throughout the islands.
A great time to visit is in summer, when the weather's cool and it's pleasant outside. This doesn't mean though that there's nothing to do in winter. This is the time to go steelhead fishing and it's so mild that you won't mind being outside. Fall is not the best time for outdoor activities, however, since this is when the rain comes down hard and heavy. Find refuge in one of the great little pubs, restaurants or coffee shops or visit a local art gallery, of which there are plenty too. Museums include the Haida Gwaii Museum as well as the Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum and the little Port Clements Museum.
There are two main ways to get to the islands. One is to fly in, with regular flights from Vancouver, especially during summer. Another option is to travel to Prince Rupert and then take a seaplane from there. Ferries sail from Prince Rupert throughout the year too. There are excellent taxi and shuttle services once you're here.
There are several tour operators that offer a variety of packages, from hiking or kayaking trips to bear-watching or whale-watching tours. Accommodation options are plentiful as well and range from campsites to hotels, cabins and guest houses. Find these establishments online and remember to book well in advance, especially if you're planning to visit during the busy summer season.
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