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.
There are many reason to visit these islands, but many visitors are undoubtedly lured by the sights and sounds of the indigenous culture. It is unknown exactly how long the native peoples have been on the islands, but humans are known to have been present for many thousands of years. With a ready supply of food from the land and ocean, these people developed a way of life that incorporates a deep reverence for the environment.
The Haida Heritage center documents this culture in a museum that forms part of a multi-building complex. It is one of several museums in the region and gives visitors a fascinating overview of an impressively hardy and creative people. The museum conducts regular workshops to demonstrate aspects of the native culture, and the center also includes a performance theater, a cafe and shop.
There's another side to the island's culture that came with its European settlers, and their exploitation of its natural resources. The Ports Clements museum features some of the machinery that was used for fishing, logging, mining and transportation. It also houses extensive photographic records of the hardy settlers who endured the pioneer life.
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.
In addition to its human inhabitants, the region is renowned for its wildlife. For keen bird-watchers, tour operators offer many exciting opportunities to see a variety of birds in a spectacular setting. The islands are part of the migratory route taken by an abundance of fascinating birds, and many can be seen at the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary. Birds such as the Bald Eagle, the Canada Goose and the Great Blue Heron arrive annually and are a visual delight for patient wildlife lovers.
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.
Hikers can also stay overnight at some of the many camp sites. Camping is popular on the islands between May and September when visitors can enjoy peaceful, out-of-the-way spots or designated sites with every modern amenity. What's more, many sites can be used free of charge and make convenient starting points for taking excursions into some of the islands most beautiful areas.
There are many reason to visit these islands, but many visitors are undoubtedly lured by the sights and sounds of the indigenous culture. It is unknown exactly how long the native peoples have been on the islands, but humans are known to have been present for many thousands of years. With a ready supply of food from the land and ocean, these people developed a way of life that incorporates a deep reverence for the environment.
The Haida Heritage center documents this culture in a museum that forms part of a multi-building complex. It is one of several museums in the region and gives visitors a fascinating overview of an impressively hardy and creative people. The museum conducts regular workshops to demonstrate aspects of the native culture, and the center also includes a performance theater, a cafe and shop.
There's another side to the island's culture that came with its European settlers, and their exploitation of its natural resources. The Ports Clements museum features some of the machinery that was used for fishing, logging, mining and transportation. It also houses extensive photographic records of the hardy settlers who endured the pioneer life.
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.
In addition to its human inhabitants, the region is renowned for its wildlife. For keen bird-watchers, tour operators offer many exciting opportunities to see a variety of birds in a spectacular setting. The islands are part of the migratory route taken by an abundance of fascinating birds, and many can be seen at the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary. Birds such as the Bald Eagle, the Canada Goose and the Great Blue Heron arrive annually and are a visual delight for patient wildlife lovers.
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.
Hikers can also stay overnight at some of the many camp sites. Camping is popular on the islands between May and September when visitors can enjoy peaceful, out-of-the-way spots or designated sites with every modern amenity. What's more, many sites can be used free of charge and make convenient starting points for taking excursions into some of the islands most beautiful areas.
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