Friday, March 22, 2013

Haida Gwaii Adventure Tours And Travel Open Up A Magical Canadian Wonderland

By Kay William


If you are considering somewhere different and exciting to visit for your holidays, then it might well be a good idea to consider Haida Gwaii adventure tours and travel. Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of islands off the west coast of Canada, which were formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. The name translates in the language of the local first nation people, the Haida, as 'Islands of the People'.

While a glance at the map may make the islands seem somewhat remote, Vancouver is actually only a two-hour flight away, which means reaching the archipelago is a lot more straightforward than many people might expect. The Haida people have also lived here for many generations, and welcome visitors who want to explore their culture and history. The Haida Heritage Centre has won awards for its presentations and exhibitions.

As well as the local culture and people though, there is also plenty to do in the way of adventurous activities. For starters, the islands are the only place in British Columbia where visitors can enjoy surfing. There is a host of other water related activities to enjoy too, such as kayaking, canoeing and fishing, as well as swimming.

There are many campsites across the islands, for those visitors who enjoy staying in the open air. Quite a high degree of woodlands expertise is expected at many sites though, which anticipate a degree of self-contained sufficiency by campers who use the more remote facilities. Camping out is one of the best ways to fully explore the great hiking trails that the islands also offer, though some routes can be quite testing.

Of course, if you prefer something more contemplative and cerebral, then simply walking through the woods can be a deeply peaceful experience. The landscape is an inspiration for local artists, and the islands remain a great getaway for anyone who wants to escape from the pressures of modern life for a while. An art route tour which operates on the islands should provide any art-inclined visitor plenty of inspiration.

Wildlife remains one of the archipelago's main attractions for visitors too. Something like 140 species of birds can be seen at various times of year in the region, while orca can be seen in the seas from time to time. The archipelago lies on the migration routes of many bird species, and the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful facility where many of them can be viewed.

Fishermen also love to visit this archipelago, and there is a variety of boats for hire or charter in the region. Salmon and halibut are the main species which are hunted here, though every visitor should make a point of going after plentiful smaller prey too, like the local crabs. Baiting some traps and waiting for the tide to bring the tasty crabs in is a real treat.

So if you are seeking a different place for your next vacation, it is well worth considering Haida Gwaii adventure tours and travel. Whether you want to surf or swim, or paint and read, there is somewhere here for you. With wonderful woods and wild oceans, this is a northern Pacific paradise.




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