Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a group of islands off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. Growing in popularity with tourists, they are known for their stunning natural beauty, which combines forests, ocean and mountains. The home of the Haida First Nations people, visitors taking Haida Gwaii tours can also gain valuable insight into native cultures and life ways by visiting the islands.
Visitors can take tours of the islands by a variety of means, with there being as much ocean as there is land to explore here. The First Nations people of the islands enjoy reputation for fine art work, with many Native traditional artists living and working here. The total population of the islands is around 5000, with half of those belonging to the local First Nation.
There are still many First Nations cultural sites on the islands, with folk art and totem poles of various types on display at Haida locations. Visitors can also participate in a traditional feast at some venues, as well as attending other festivals and events. The renaming of the islands from Queen Charlotte Islands to their current name took place in 2010, as a way of cementing reconciliation between the local native people and the Canandian government.
As well as the many cultural highlights, though, there is also plenty of scope for outdoors activities. Hikers will love exploring the woodland trails of the islands, while some routes along the coasts are also spectacular. Fishermen can find plenty to test them in the local rivers and oceans, while the islands remain the only place in western Canada where it is possible to surf.
In addition to the opportunities to hike and to surf, visitors can also take kayaks out onto the ocean around the islands, discovering new perspectives on the beauty of the region. Cyclists can also find plenty to challenge and stimulate them here. Visitors can ride a bike up the coastal highway on Graham Island, or use a mountain bike to create a route of their own.
Wildlife watchers can also find much to see and enjoy here, with many species abundant. Some of the islands fall under the protection of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, while there are also other protected areas, some of which include protected First Nations cultural sites too. Species which can be seen include the largest and smallest sub-species of Black Bear, as well as many varieties of bird life.
As well as seeing wildlife on land, it is also possible to take boat trips to see whales and orcas in the seas off the islands. Many tour operators provide a good range of different types of boat tour, from traditional First Nations canoe, to modern power boat. Fishing charter boats are also available, should anglers want to test themselves out on the ocean.
Haida Gwaii tours open a window on an older Canada. While many visitors will love the unspoilt beauty of the land and seas, others will find excitment in adrenaline-fuelled activities. Any trip to these Canadian islands is alive with a possibilities, whatever type of person you are.
Visitors can take tours of the islands by a variety of means, with there being as much ocean as there is land to explore here. The First Nations people of the islands enjoy reputation for fine art work, with many Native traditional artists living and working here. The total population of the islands is around 5000, with half of those belonging to the local First Nation.
There are still many First Nations cultural sites on the islands, with folk art and totem poles of various types on display at Haida locations. Visitors can also participate in a traditional feast at some venues, as well as attending other festivals and events. The renaming of the islands from Queen Charlotte Islands to their current name took place in 2010, as a way of cementing reconciliation between the local native people and the Canandian government.
As well as the many cultural highlights, though, there is also plenty of scope for outdoors activities. Hikers will love exploring the woodland trails of the islands, while some routes along the coasts are also spectacular. Fishermen can find plenty to test them in the local rivers and oceans, while the islands remain the only place in western Canada where it is possible to surf.
In addition to the opportunities to hike and to surf, visitors can also take kayaks out onto the ocean around the islands, discovering new perspectives on the beauty of the region. Cyclists can also find plenty to challenge and stimulate them here. Visitors can ride a bike up the coastal highway on Graham Island, or use a mountain bike to create a route of their own.
Wildlife watchers can also find much to see and enjoy here, with many species abundant. Some of the islands fall under the protection of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, while there are also other protected areas, some of which include protected First Nations cultural sites too. Species which can be seen include the largest and smallest sub-species of Black Bear, as well as many varieties of bird life.
As well as seeing wildlife on land, it is also possible to take boat trips to see whales and orcas in the seas off the islands. Many tour operators provide a good range of different types of boat tour, from traditional First Nations canoe, to modern power boat. Fishing charter boats are also available, should anglers want to test themselves out on the ocean.
Haida Gwaii tours open a window on an older Canada. While many visitors will love the unspoilt beauty of the land and seas, others will find excitment in adrenaline-fuelled activities. Any trip to these Canadian islands is alive with a possibilities, whatever type of person you are.
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