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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are a number of companies offering package tours on the islands. There are general ones which include a bit of everything or specialist ones for adventure seekers, natural history and art and culture. Most companies can also offer bespoke tours for small groups and families. Independent travel is possible but there is no public transport on the islands.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are a number of companies offering package tours on the islands. There are general ones which include a bit of everything or specialist ones for adventure seekers, natural history and art and culture. Most companies can also offer bespoke tours for small groups and families. Independent travel is possible but there is no public transport on the islands.