Haida Gwaii tours offer an unforgettable visit to these remote islands off the coast of northern British Columbia, Canada. Those who enjoy adventure tourism will be delighted by the temperate rain forests, unspoiled beaches and the wide variety of water sports that are available here. The islands offer a remote vacation retreat for those who are looking for a quick getaway. Their convenient geographic location means they can easily be reached with a two hour flight from Vancouver.
They were first named the Queen Charlotte Islands but the Canadian government made a name change in 2009. The new name means Islands of the Haida People. The name change was part of a reconciliation treaty with the original indigenous population. Graham and Moresby Islands are best known and are the largest two islands.
Before the arrival of Western influence, the indigenous people had a stable and prosperous culture built on sea trade. They carried on trade with native people on the mainland as well as elsewhere. In all, there were more than 100 villages scattered throughout the islands and a population of about 10,000.
After gold was discovered in 1851, both Americans and Canadians arrived to seek their fortunes. Shortly thereafter, the British annexed the islands as a colony and named them in honor of Queen Charlotte. The white settlers brought smallpox, measles and typhoid which decimated the native population. Close to 90 per cent died and by the 1900's, less than 400 had remained.
Today, the islands are protected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and national park reserve. Efforts are also being made to revive the First Nations culture and traditions which almost disappeared entirely. One of the main visual art forms is the hand-carved cedar totem poles. These totem poles can be as high as a modern two story building. Handmade silver and gold jewelery is also very popular among tourists.
About 4,000 people presently inhabit the islands, mostly native population. Main income sources include fishing and logging, although tourism is become more and more prominent. The islands are enjoying a boom as more people are discovering the fishing and boating tours along with adventure tourism that is possible.
Visitors can enjoy many water sports such as fishing, kayaking and diving. It is one of the few places in British Columbia where surfing is possible. Other popular outdoor activities include camping and hiking. The islands offer unique temperate rain forests. There are also sporting events and theater productions held annually. Plus museums and parks that operate all year round.
The most convenient way to get there is via the airports that operate out of Vancouver. A flight only takes two hours and these operate regularly to the two main islands. Those with more time might enjoy a leisurely ferry ride on the BC Ferries. In addition, a leg of Highway 16 on the mainland offers a land route connection to Graham Island.
Haida Gwaii tours can help make your visit memorable and exciting. They can help you plan your itinerary and select activities that perfectly match your interests. Take advantage of their expertise in the travel business to get the best deals in transport and accommodations.
They were first named the Queen Charlotte Islands but the Canadian government made a name change in 2009. The new name means Islands of the Haida People. The name change was part of a reconciliation treaty with the original indigenous population. Graham and Moresby Islands are best known and are the largest two islands.
Before the arrival of Western influence, the indigenous people had a stable and prosperous culture built on sea trade. They carried on trade with native people on the mainland as well as elsewhere. In all, there were more than 100 villages scattered throughout the islands and a population of about 10,000.
After gold was discovered in 1851, both Americans and Canadians arrived to seek their fortunes. Shortly thereafter, the British annexed the islands as a colony and named them in honor of Queen Charlotte. The white settlers brought smallpox, measles and typhoid which decimated the native population. Close to 90 per cent died and by the 1900's, less than 400 had remained.
Today, the islands are protected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and national park reserve. Efforts are also being made to revive the First Nations culture and traditions which almost disappeared entirely. One of the main visual art forms is the hand-carved cedar totem poles. These totem poles can be as high as a modern two story building. Handmade silver and gold jewelery is also very popular among tourists.
About 4,000 people presently inhabit the islands, mostly native population. Main income sources include fishing and logging, although tourism is become more and more prominent. The islands are enjoying a boom as more people are discovering the fishing and boating tours along with adventure tourism that is possible.
Visitors can enjoy many water sports such as fishing, kayaking and diving. It is one of the few places in British Columbia where surfing is possible. Other popular outdoor activities include camping and hiking. The islands offer unique temperate rain forests. There are also sporting events and theater productions held annually. Plus museums and parks that operate all year round.
The most convenient way to get there is via the airports that operate out of Vancouver. A flight only takes two hours and these operate regularly to the two main islands. Those with more time might enjoy a leisurely ferry ride on the BC Ferries. In addition, a leg of Highway 16 on the mainland offers a land route connection to Graham Island.
Haida Gwaii tours can help make your visit memorable and exciting. They can help you plan your itinerary and select activities that perfectly match your interests. Take advantage of their expertise in the travel business to get the best deals in transport and accommodations.
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