It gets harder and harder to get off the beaten track these days and really experience some wilderness and unfamiliar culture. However, Haida Gwaii tours can offer these and much more. The islands which make up the area are remote and naturally beautiful with ancient cultures and modern art all coming peacefully together.
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.
The islands have been nicknamed the "Galapagos of the North" due to their isolation. They have evolved separately from the mainland and have their own species of plants and animals. Like their southern counterparts they also have incredibly rich marine life due to an underwater shelf which brings up nutrients from the deep. Whale watching is popular here with hundreds of humpbacks to see.
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.
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.
One of their most iconic creations are their totem poles which were used to tell the stories of their families and were displayed outside the houses. The houses are also interesting, covered in carvings telling the history of the people. In addition to the many indigenous artists there are now many other creators living on the islands. Art enthusiasts will find a number of excellent galleries and workshops to visit.
One of the most magical and mythical parts of the islands can only be reached from the sea. A boat trip is a highlight of a visit. The marine life in the area is abundant with several species of whale, seals, sea lions, and plenty of bird life. A cruise will pass close by abandoned villages and ancient forest, there is no other place like it.
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.
The islands have been nicknamed the "Galapagos of the North" due to their isolation. They have evolved separately from the mainland and have their own species of plants and animals. Like their southern counterparts they also have incredibly rich marine life due to an underwater shelf which brings up nutrients from the deep. Whale watching is popular here with hundreds of humpbacks to see.
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.
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.
One of their most iconic creations are their totem poles which were used to tell the stories of their families and were displayed outside the houses. The houses are also interesting, covered in carvings telling the history of the people. In addition to the many indigenous artists there are now many other creators living on the islands. Art enthusiasts will find a number of excellent galleries and workshops to visit.
One of the most magical and mythical parts of the islands can only be reached from the sea. A boat trip is a highlight of a visit. The marine life in the area is abundant with several species of whale, seals, sea lions, and plenty of bird life. A cruise will pass close by abandoned villages and ancient forest, there is no other place like it.
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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