Travellers Can Take Haida Gwaii Tours To See An Older Canada

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.

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.

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.

There is also plenty of wildlife for visitors to spot and enjoy. Much of the islands is protected by the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, and there are also other protected areas. Many protected areas also have First Nations cultural sites present too. On the islands, the largest and the smallest species of North American Black Bear can be found, while hundreds of bird species call the region home.

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.

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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