On the northern coast of British Columbia lies the Queen Charlotte Islands archipelago. Now officially known as Haida Gwaii, this stunning set of islands offer the intrepid traveler a superb combination of adventure, outstanding natural beauty and native culture. Haida Gwaii tours are a popular way for visitors to take in this relatively unknown destination that is a relatively short flight from Vancouver.
A major attraction for many tour-goers is the history and culture of the indigenous population. It is unclear how people first arrived on the islands, but settlers are known to have been present up to 13,000 years ago. Sustained by the abundance of the land and sea, they developed a rich and distinct culture that has survived to the present day.
This culture is documented in a museum that is part of the Haida Heritage Center. This is one of several excellent museums on the islands and provides a fascinating history of the native peoples. The site includes a performance center, gift shop and cafe, and also hosts regular workshops for visitors.
The Ports Clements museum documents the machinery that was used for domestic and commercial activities over the island's history. Logging and farming equipment, motor boats and other items are displayed over the museum's grounds. Visitors can also peruse extensive photo albums documenting the lives of those who earned their living on the island during its industrial heyday.
The Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum opened in 2001 and focuses on the maritime history of Greater Masset (at the north of the islands). It's housed in what was formerly the Masset hospital (built in 1914) and features exhibits of Masset's shipbuilding industry, fishing fleets and processing plants. The museum also features photos of the people living in these communities as they lived their lives through times of both abundance and great hardship.
For visitors interested in birds, a number of operators offer tour packages to see them in spectacular surroundings. The islands are on the migratory path of many species of birds and present some superb bird-watching opportunities. Many of them can be seen at The Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary which annually plays host to birds such as the Great Blue Heron, the Canada Goose and the Bald Eagle.
Another big attraction for many visitors are the many sports and outdoors-based tours on offer. The excellent hiking is a big draw for many, with plenty of guided excursions to take them through picturesque parts of the islands. All ability levels are catered for, with hikes ranging from the short and easy to the drawn-out and challenging. Hikers also have access to a good number of campsites and other overnight facilities.
Cycling, sailing, kayaking, boating, fishing and hunting are also well served by the islands and a number of tour providers. Many incorporate wildlife spotting and take place in or near some of the island's stunning national parks. Campers too are well catered for with a good number of sites on which to pitch up (many of which can be used free of charge). Overall, visitors will find they have an excellent choice of tour-based ways to explore these beguiling islands.
A major attraction for many tour-goers is the history and culture of the indigenous population. It is unclear how people first arrived on the islands, but settlers are known to have been present up to 13,000 years ago. Sustained by the abundance of the land and sea, they developed a rich and distinct culture that has survived to the present day.
This culture is documented in a museum that is part of the Haida Heritage Center. This is one of several excellent museums on the islands and provides a fascinating history of the native peoples. The site includes a performance center, gift shop and cafe, and also hosts regular workshops for visitors.
The Ports Clements museum documents the machinery that was used for domestic and commercial activities over the island's history. Logging and farming equipment, motor boats and other items are displayed over the museum's grounds. Visitors can also peruse extensive photo albums documenting the lives of those who earned their living on the island during its industrial heyday.
The Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum opened in 2001 and focuses on the maritime history of Greater Masset (at the north of the islands). It's housed in what was formerly the Masset hospital (built in 1914) and features exhibits of Masset's shipbuilding industry, fishing fleets and processing plants. The museum also features photos of the people living in these communities as they lived their lives through times of both abundance and great hardship.
For visitors interested in birds, a number of operators offer tour packages to see them in spectacular surroundings. The islands are on the migratory path of many species of birds and present some superb bird-watching opportunities. Many of them can be seen at The Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary which annually plays host to birds such as the Great Blue Heron, the Canada Goose and the Bald Eagle.
Another big attraction for many visitors are the many sports and outdoors-based tours on offer. The excellent hiking is a big draw for many, with plenty of guided excursions to take them through picturesque parts of the islands. All ability levels are catered for, with hikes ranging from the short and easy to the drawn-out and challenging. Hikers also have access to a good number of campsites and other overnight facilities.
Cycling, sailing, kayaking, boating, fishing and hunting are also well served by the islands and a number of tour providers. Many incorporate wildlife spotting and take place in or near some of the island's stunning national parks. Campers too are well catered for with a good number of sites on which to pitch up (many of which can be used free of charge). Overall, visitors will find they have an excellent choice of tour-based ways to explore these beguiling islands.
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