Haida Gwaii Tours Offer A Unique Experience

By Olivia Cross


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.

Once on the islands tourists are amazed at the natural beauty. They have been nicknamed the "Galapagos of the North" as they have many endemic species which have evolved in isolation. The seas are also extremely rich with fish, birds and mammals, such as whales and dolphins. Historically fishing and arts and crafts have been the main sources of income.

This means that whether on a boat or on land there is lots for the wildlife lover to see. National Geographic voted the largest National Park on the islands as the best in north America. It has ancient forests, alpine tundra, fjords, mountains and lakes. The forests are particularly interesting as there is not much temperate rainforest left in the world. They are very green with thick layers of moss and trees which are over a thousand years old.

The Haida culture is a fascinating and unique one. A good place to start getting to know it is the Haida Heritage Center in Skidegate. They have examples of the local canoe construction, oral story telling, displays of the many local crafts and, of course totem poles.

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.

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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