The Queen Charlotte islands are an archipelago on the north coast of British Columbia, Canada. More commonly known as Haida Gwaii, they offer the adventurous traveler an intriguing mix of natural beauty, culture and adventure. Haida Gwaii tours are an ideal way for travelers to experience this world class destination that is a mere two hours flying time from Vancouver.
A major attraction for many tour-goers is the history and culture of the indigenous population. It is unclear how people first arrived on the islands, but settlers are known to have been present up to 13,000 years ago. Sustained by the abundance of the land and sea, they developed a rich and distinct culture that has survived to the present day.
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.
Documenting the lives of the island's European settlers, the Port Clements museum features exhibits from the area's industrial heyday. Spread out over its grounds are motor boats, huge pieces of logging equipment and miscellaneous farming machinery. It also houses an extensive collection of photographs that vividly bring to life the everyday experience of the islanders who toiled during those times.
In a similar vein, the Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum documents the maritime history of the area at the north end of the islands known as Greater Masset. Housed in what was the original Masset hospital building, its exhibits cover the area's fishing, seafood processing, whaling and shipbuilding industries. It also has an impressive collection of articles and photographs of the ships that moved freight and passengers to and from the islands for many years.
For visitors interested in birds, a number of operators offer tour packages to see them in spectacular surroundings. The islands are on the migratory path of many species of birds and present some superb bird-watching opportunities. Many of them can be seen at The Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary which annually plays host to birds such as the Great Blue Heron, the Canada Goose and the Bald Eagle.
Sports and outdoors activities are another big attraction offered by tour operators. Hikers in particular have an abundance of options. These range from easy walks centered around villages and nature trails, to more challenging excursions where having a guide really comes into its own. Hikers can also enjoy extended treks over several days that include overnight stays at some spectacular sites.
Cycling, sailing, kayaking, boating, fishing and hunting are also well served by the islands and a number of tour providers. Many incorporate wildlife spotting and take place in or near some of the island's stunning national parks. Campers too are well catered for with a good number of sites on which to pitch up (many of which can be used free of charge). Overall, visitors will find they have an excellent choice of tour-based ways to explore these beguiling islands.
A major attraction for many tour-goers is the history and culture of the indigenous population. It is unclear how people first arrived on the islands, but settlers are known to have been present up to 13,000 years ago. Sustained by the abundance of the land and sea, they developed a rich and distinct culture that has survived to the present day.
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.
Documenting the lives of the island's European settlers, the Port Clements museum features exhibits from the area's industrial heyday. Spread out over its grounds are motor boats, huge pieces of logging equipment and miscellaneous farming machinery. It also houses an extensive collection of photographs that vividly bring to life the everyday experience of the islanders who toiled during those times.
In a similar vein, the Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum documents the maritime history of the area at the north end of the islands known as Greater Masset. Housed in what was the original Masset hospital building, its exhibits cover the area's fishing, seafood processing, whaling and shipbuilding industries. It also has an impressive collection of articles and photographs of the ships that moved freight and passengers to and from the islands for many years.
For visitors interested in birds, a number of operators offer tour packages to see them in spectacular surroundings. The islands are on the migratory path of many species of birds and present some superb bird-watching opportunities. Many of them can be seen at The Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary which annually plays host to birds such as the Great Blue Heron, the Canada Goose and the Bald Eagle.
Sports and outdoors activities are another big attraction offered by tour operators. Hikers in particular have an abundance of options. These range from easy walks centered around villages and nature trails, to more challenging excursions where having a guide really comes into its own. Hikers can also enjoy extended treks over several days that include overnight stays at some spectacular sites.
Cycling, sailing, kayaking, boating, fishing and hunting are also well served by the islands and a number of tour providers. Many incorporate wildlife spotting and take place in or near some of the island's stunning national parks. Campers too are well catered for with a good number of sites on which to pitch up (many of which can be used free of charge). Overall, visitors will find they have an excellent choice of tour-based ways to explore these beguiling islands.
About the Author:
Read more about Haida Gwaii Tours Offer Many Ways To Experience This Intriguing Series Of Islands.
No comments:
Post a Comment