What To Know Before Going Out To Get Your Haida Gwaii Accommodations

By Marci Nielsen


Many in recent years are starting to visit British Columbia for short jaunts and vacations. Quite a few are discovering and putting into their itinerary the Haida Gwaii archipelago. May would be thinking of looking for hotel in Haida Gwaii, but before you look for Haida Gwaii accommodations, you must know a little bit more about the island chain and what it has to offer.

Since Haida Gwaii is an island system, or rather archipelago, it is logical to expect that activities will involve and revolve around the water. One of the most popular attractions is whale watching and whale watching related activities which is available for the tourist and visitor year round.

Quite a few will say that this area is the best area in the world to go on a whale watching tour. It is a good place to be able to catch a glimpse or even an extended view of killer whales, gray whales and humpbacks. The frequency by which you see these of course will be higher on certain days and months than others. As with any other ecological observation, it will definitely depend on month and season the chances you get of seeing more than one species. Doing your research beforehand and even talking to locals about best times will increase your chances of having more views per hour.

Just because you are on the islands does not mean you cannot have some great land activities as well. Many hiking and camping spots exist for your enjoyment hand in hand with fishing and kayaking as well. Most visitors will hike and bike in the morning hours and later on in the afternoon laze around the many beaches until evening.

Those who want to add a bit of cultural learning and exposure to their visit may do so to their heart's content. The Haida, or what the local populace are called, are a proud and friendly people who will be more than willing to share their culture with you. To avoid embarrassing questions and situations however, do read up beforehand anything important about their history and such.

As one travels from one island to another, one cannot help but notice the large number of totem poles erected around the area. There are the recorded histories of each of the families on the islands, and thus sacred and important. One would be quite correct in saying that they look like Alaskan totems, since the Haida also occupy large portions of the Alaskan state.

It will take you the better part of four days, more or less, to be fully immersed in local culture and learn all about the local history. During this four day jaunt you can visit a lot of communities which have their own museums and displays of arts and crafts. Here you will learn about the bent wood techniques that are used by almost all North American Indian tribes to make their furniture and implements.

The island chain is also very accessible and takes only about two hours flight via plane originating from Toronto. Most describe it as close enough to get to, but far enough away to get away from it all. You can also access the islands by boat or ferry as well. However going there by ferry or boat may take you up to eight hours and also it is very dependent on the weather. Most that have taken the boat say it is a very scenic way to do so.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment