Near the North coast of British Columbia lies an archipelago of islands that offer an intriguing destination for curious travelers. Known as Haida Gwaii, they boast areas of stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife and an indigenous people with a rich and fascinating culture. Haida Gwaii tours are an organized, cost-effective way to explore these islands that are just two hour's 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.
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.
Adventure and outdoors activities are another major draw offered by tour operators. Just about every conceivable adventure-style activity is catered for; hiking, caving, camping, climbing, canoeing and zip-lining are just a handful of things for the active traveler to do. Hikers are particularly well catered for, with literally hundreds of potential routes they can take to explore the region's incredible landscapes.
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.
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.
Adventure and outdoors activities are another major draw offered by tour operators. Just about every conceivable adventure-style activity is catered for; hiking, caving, camping, climbing, canoeing and zip-lining are just a handful of things for the active traveler to do. Hikers are particularly well catered for, with literally hundreds of potential routes they can take to explore the region's incredible landscapes.
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.
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