Queen Charlotte Islands, referred to as the Galapagos Islands of the north
Arguably
one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, the Queen
Charlotte Islands have such thriving and abundant flora and fauna that
they are sometimes called the 'Galapagos of the North'.
The scenery of the 1,884 islands of the archipelago is stunning. The
seven largest islands, peaks of a submerged mountain chain, are Langara,
Graham, Moresby, Louise, Lyell, Burnaby and Kunghit islands. Just 2 or 3
km (1.2-2 miles) offshore, the continental shelf falls away dramatically to
the immense depths of the Pacific Ocean, making this the most active
earthquake area in Canada and landslides are common.
Haida Gwaii has been home to the Haida people for at least 7,000 years.
In 1774, Juan Perez was the first European to reach this isolated
paradise. Fur traders followed, creating a major impact on the Haida as
Europeans arrived en masse to exploit the abundant resources. In 1787,
the islands were renamed after Lord Howe's flagship, HMS Queen Charlotte,
in honor of Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III.
The islands retain their wild peace and have a rich cultural history. The
Haida earn their living traditionally, the main industries being mining,
logging and commercial fishing. Tourist activities include sport fishing,
hiking, camping, kayaking and whale watching.
Graham Island is the most accessible and populated of the islands, and is
where the majority of the Haida communities reside. The adjacent islands
great for exploring the Haida culture include: Skidegate, on the shores
of Rooney Bay, the cultural centre of the area where you can see
artifacts and local art; Tlell, home to an artistic collective, the heart
of the art community and the Haida's administrative seat; Old Masset,
home to native carvers; and the remote and rugged Langara Island, at the
north-west tip of the archipelago, with its ancient rainforest, an
impressive seabird colony and a restored 1913 lighthouse.
Other places to explore are the logging and fishing village of Port
Clements, where you can see the giant trees of the temperate rainforest
and North Beach in Naikoon Provincial Park where, the
Haida believe, the raven first brought people into the world by coaxing
them out of a clam shell.
The vast rugged coastline of Rennell Sound, bordered by the snow-capped
Queen Charlotte Mountains, offers scenic beaches, great hiking, fishing
and kayaking and Louise Island, where you can view one of the largest
displays of ancient totem poles in these spiritual islands.
