Sunday, November 10, 2013

Diversity Prevails Among Haida Gwaii Accommodations Available

By Katrina Wheeler


There are plenty of Haida Gwaii accommodations to choose from. Prospective vacationers will find an extensive variety on offer. The most popular season stretches from May to September. During this period, it is advisable to reserve guided tours and lodging in advance.

Tourism information is easy to find online. A majority of lodging options are either situated along the main artery linking Moresby and Graham or in the settlements. Highway 16 is a familiar route for travelers.

The natural beauty of this area, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, and its untouched quality is a lure for nature loving visitors. The remote 150 island archipelago tops many must-do travel lists. This remote area attracts sports enthusiasts and nature lovers who want a break from the noise of civilization on the mainland. This is the only place in Northern British Columbia for surfing. The main activities visitors indulge in are surfing, fishing, hiking and camping in the protected parks and nature reserves.

This Canadian territory is 100 km wide and 300 km long. It has a triangular form that tapers to a point at Cape St. James on its southernmost edge. The territory is 120 km west of the northern coastline of British Columbia. It lies below the Alaska panhandle. It is located 75 km from the American border. The main land masses of the archipelago are Graham Island in the north and Moresby Island in the south. In the southern part of Moresby Island lies a National Park Reserve and a Heritage Site. A short ferry ride of about 20 minutes connects the two and their Indigenous residents. The settled communities have a distinctive culture that reflects the Haida way of life.

The Indigenous people have lived in this setting for many centuries. Archaeologists have identified more than five hundred historic locations. The finest mortuary poles are said to be located in the village of SGang Gwaay. In 1981, Nan Sdins Illnagaay was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Travelers can pick whichever transportation method suits them better. Every day a ferry serviced by BC Ferries runs to Moresby Island from Prince Rupert and. This scenic journey takes almost 7 hours and motor vehicle owners may bring their automobiles along. They will need their own transportation to travel from one place to another. Bus service is no offered here and taxis are only accessible in the more populous areas. Each day flights travel to Sandspit and Masset from Vancouver. The Masset flight is only available daily during the busy season. Otherwise it flies three times in the week. Tourists can fly into QC, Masset and Sandspit from Prince Rupert as well. Boaters can dock in these three communities which also provide harbor services. Bus service and rail links also exist.

The assortment of lodging options include camping grounds, lodges, a hostel, motels, hotels, bed and breakfast purveyors, huts on the beach and rustic cabins, luxurious cottage and guest housing facilities. Some of these may be inaccessible during the winter. RVs and Campers can get into most camping sites.

Some areas will offer a bigger selection of accommodation venues. Certainly Masset, Tow Hill and QC fall into this category. Guest preferences will determine which Haida Gwaii accommodations are more preferable.




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