| The Queen
Charlotte Islands, also referred to as Haida
Gwaii (which translates as ‘place of wonder’),
is a remote and rugged paradise comprised of a 150 or
so mystic islands separated by Hecate Strait from the mainland
coast of northern British Columbia, Canada by 55 to 130 km. The
archipelago islands is the westernmost point of Canada sitting
on the ledge of a 2800 metre continental shelf.
The Queen Charlottes is rich in
Haida First Nation art and tradition. The archipelago region is
also fortunate to have majestic forests, roaming wildlife like
Black Bears and Sitka Deer, tall looming mountains, massive sandy
beaches and raging clean rivers feeding fresh water lakes.
The islands cover 250 km (156 miles) north to south
and, at its thickest, is less than 100 km (52 miles) east to west.
The two main islands, Graham Island in the north and Moresby Island
in the south, plus the Gwaii
Haanas National Park make up most of Haida Gwaii region.
Most of the people living on the Queen
Charlottes live on Graham and Moresby Islands. Graham
Island is the largest, most accessible, of the islands comprising
of 6 villages - Masset, Old Masset, Port Clements, Tlell, Skidegate,
and Queen Charlotte City. Moresby Island has one main community
named Sandspit Village.
The villages each have a character and personality
of their own, each offering a selection of unique attractions
and activities. The daylight hours can last up to 18-20 hours
in May, June and July providing lots of light to play in. Please
be reminded though... that the pace here on the islands is slow
and relaxing. Everyone is on island time. It is a beautiful thing.
The bulk of the accommodations, tours and service
amenities available to the traveler is located on Graham Island
and Moresby Island. Each village varies in services like number
of gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores and accommodations.
Plan appropriately. |
