Thursday, August 8, 2013

Visitors To Canada Should Enjoy Haida Gwaii Tours

By Andrea Davidson


Haida Gwaii tours are becoming increasingly popular, and for very good reasons. This group of islands off Canada's British Columbian coast used to be known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, and are the home of the Haida First Nation. Blessed with stunning natural beauty, as well as retaining their deep First Nations cultural ties, the islands of the Haida Gwaii are a magnet for travellers of all kinds.

With as much sea as land to explore here, visitors can enjoy taking tours of the area by a variety of means of transport. The Haida enjoy a deserved reputation for their high quality art work, and a large number of artists continue to work locally. Some 5000 people in total live on the islands, with around half of those being First Nations people.

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 rich cultural life of the islands, though, outdoors enthusiasts can find plenty to keep them busy in this part of the world. Woodland and coastal trails are ideal for hikers to explore, and there are spectacular views to soak up. These islands are the only place in western Canada where it is possible to surf, too, while there is plenty of opportunity for anglers to fish too.

There is a massive range of other outdoors activities on offer in addition to hiking or surfing, though. Some visitors may want to explore the ocean by kayak, while cyclists can find plenty to see on the land. Some cyclists will prefer the road route of Graham Island's coastal highway, while mountain bikers can find plenty in the woods to challenge them.

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 birds and mammals which can be seen on land, there are also whales and orca to be seen in the seas off the coast. A range of different types of boat tour is available here, ranging from First Nations canoes to hugely powerful motor boats. Fishermen can also find charter boats if they fancy some sea angling.

Anyone wanting a perspective on an older version of Canada should sign up for Haida Gwaii tours. The breathtaking beauty of the land and ocean is enough for many visitors, though others will want to participate in more adventurous activities than enjoying the view. This is a place where anyone can really feel alive.




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