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.
The Islands formerly known as Queen Charlotte Islands lie just of the western coast of Canada. They are a short two hour flight from Vancouver so are easily accessible from the mainland. There is also a regular ferry service from Prince Rupert if you prefer to arrive like the locals do. Once on the islands there is no public transport.
One of the principle attractions of the islands is their natural beauty. They have evolved in isolation (much like the Galapagos) and are home to many unique species. Those who love forests will not fail to be impressed by the pristine temperate rainforests. There is lots of wildlife to see including bears, various species of deer, birds, and marine life. Bear watching and whale watching trips are especially popular.
Gwaii Haanas National Park was nominated by National Geographic as the best national park in North America. It contains and incredible range of eco-systems, ancient forests with trees over a thousand year old cover ninety percent of the area. Then there are alpine tundra, lakes, fjords and wetlands. It is a paradise for adventure lovers with unparalleled hiking, kayaking, caving and fishing opportunities.
The Haida people have a unique culture and evidence of it is dotted all over the land. There is an excellent heritage center in Skidegate which has exhibitions of many of their ways of life. They have a very structured society and were thought to be fearsome warriors. Nowadays they are more known for their arts and crafts which are highly skilled, especially in carving.
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.
Tours to Haida Gwaii can be arranged in groups or individually and can be tailored to individual preferences. Most include some sort of cruise but that could be the main part of the trip with companies which have larger yachts for hire. Others are based on a focus of culture or nature with national park visits making up the bulk of the trip. It is also possible to arrange self-drive tours with guides and excursions arranged by a tour company.
The Islands formerly known as Queen Charlotte Islands lie just of the western coast of Canada. They are a short two hour flight from Vancouver so are easily accessible from the mainland. There is also a regular ferry service from Prince Rupert if you prefer to arrive like the locals do. Once on the islands there is no public transport.
One of the principle attractions of the islands is their natural beauty. They have evolved in isolation (much like the Galapagos) and are home to many unique species. Those who love forests will not fail to be impressed by the pristine temperate rainforests. There is lots of wildlife to see including bears, various species of deer, birds, and marine life. Bear watching and whale watching trips are especially popular.
Gwaii Haanas National Park was nominated by National Geographic as the best national park in North America. It contains and incredible range of eco-systems, ancient forests with trees over a thousand year old cover ninety percent of the area. Then there are alpine tundra, lakes, fjords and wetlands. It is a paradise for adventure lovers with unparalleled hiking, kayaking, caving and fishing opportunities.
The Haida people have a unique culture and evidence of it is dotted all over the land. There is an excellent heritage center in Skidegate which has exhibitions of many of their ways of life. They have a very structured society and were thought to be fearsome warriors. Nowadays they are more known for their arts and crafts which are highly skilled, especially in carving.
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.
Tours to Haida Gwaii can be arranged in groups or individually and can be tailored to individual preferences. Most include some sort of cruise but that could be the main part of the trip with companies which have larger yachts for hire. Others are based on a focus of culture or nature with national park visits making up the bulk of the trip. It is also possible to arrange self-drive tours with guides and excursions arranged by a tour company.