There is nowhere else like Haida Gwaii. It is an archipelago near the west coast of Canada with a unique people and unique natural history. To explore the islands visitors an take a range of different Haida Gwaii tours or drive themselves around to see their extraordinary beauty and experience a unique people.
Taking just a two hour flight from Vancouver can transport you to this distinct place. Some organised tours take place mainly on land and some are aboard yachts and cruisers. This depends on your preferences and whether you want to see more of the culture or more of the wildlife.
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.
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.
Many tours include a boat trip but they can also be arranged individually. This is surely one of the best ways to experience the archipelago. Many of the wild beaches, abandoned villages and forests can only be accessed from the sea. These are truly remote and special places to see.
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.
Taking just a two hour flight from Vancouver can transport you to this distinct place. Some organised tours take place mainly on land and some are aboard yachts and cruisers. This depends on your preferences and whether you want to see more of the culture or more of the wildlife.
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.
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.
Many tours include a boat trip but they can also be arranged individually. This is surely one of the best ways to experience the archipelago. Many of the wild beaches, abandoned villages and forests can only be accessed from the sea. These are truly remote and special places to see.
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.
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