.

Travellers Can Take Haida Gwaii Tours To See An Older Canada

By Andrea Davidson


Taking Haida Gwaii tours is a holiday activity which is becoming increasingly popular with visitors to the Canadian province of British Columbia. The Haida Gwaii archipelago used to be called the Queen Charlotte Islands, and lie off Canada's western coast. They possess stunning natural beauty, as well as being the home of the Haida First Nations people.

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.

The presence of so many First Nations cultural sites in the archipelago is a testament to the persistence of local life ways, and visitors can see many traditional items such as totem poles on display here. Traditional feasts and other events are also often open to visitors. The islands were renamed as a way of helping the process of reconciliation between the Haida and the Canadian authorities.

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.

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.

There is also an abundance of wildlife on the islands, with much of the area protected by the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. Other protected areas exist too, many of which contain First Nations cultural sites as well as wildlife. The largest and smallest sub species of Black Bear dwell on the islands, as well as hundreds of different species of birds.

The seas around the islands are also rich in wildlife, with whales and orca frequenting the waters off the islands' shores. Visitors have a range of options when it comes to exploring the oceans here, being able to take Native canoes as well as modern power boats, along with just about everything in between. Fishing charter boats are also plentiful, should anglers want to try out the rich waters.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment