between the worlds
Haida Gwaii - “Islands of the People (originally, in Haida: Xhaaidlagha Gwaayaai "islands on the boundry between the worlds"): These are the names given to the islands by the native Haida. The group of islands is located on the edge of the continental shelf, 100 km from the Canadian west coast. The maritime climate is relatively mild, making it a wonderful place for your time-out. The islands can be reached by airplane every day (from Vancouver to Sandspit in 1.5h). Or you treat yourself to the slower approach by ferry from Port Hardy (on Vancouver Island) to Prince Rupert, where you change to the ferry to Skidegate Landing arriving on Haida Gwaii.
The Islands, known until December 2009 as The Queen Charlotte Islands, biologically and culturally belong to the most manifold and bewitching regions of North America. The island group measures 300 km from north to south and is 80km wide at its most. On northern Graham Island, there are approximately 5000 people living in 5 villages. The rain forests of the Northwest Pacific reach their largest dimension and form the highest accumulation of biomass on our planet. In some areas high snowcapped mountains and the ocean with its impressive tidal difference are in immediate vicinity. Long, endless sand beaches lure the silent hiker or biker. On these islands, subspecies of plants and animals thrive that cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Hence the labeling “Galapagos of the North”. Thanks to the efforts of the inhabitants, large parts are protected from logging and pollution. The southern part form the prize-winning Gwaii Haanas National Park, managed by both the Haida Nation and the Federall Parks Canada.
the haida
Haida Gwaii has been the home of the Haida for appr. 10 000 years. They look back on a proud tradition of art and sea faring. Not that long ago the first encounters with the white people introduced diseases which brought the Haida close to extinction. They survived but found themselves more and more under the pressure to deny their culture and language. For the last few decades, many Haida reclaimed their roots, their language, their traditions, and skills. Politically, ecologically and culturally they actively reshape their lives, honoring their past (totem poles and long houses in the deserted villages of the south) and their modern life . The Haida art and craft is well known all over the world (drawings, gold and silver jewelry, sculptures, totem poles, canoes, clothes, etc.). In 2009, the Kaay Ilnagaay Heritage Centre was completed. It offers artists and visitors the space to work, discover, and learn.
animals and plants
Moss, huge ferns, tree giants – the rain forest, in parts still old-growth, of the Northwest Pacific is awe inspiring. It's home to the largest black bear of North America. On tree tops you'll spot Bald Eagles, nowhere else can you count as many. The rich waters support an amazing variety of sea life. You may watch sea lions, whales (Humpback, Minke, Fin, Orca), porpoises, sea otters. The annually returning plankton feed millions of birds: Tufted Puffins, Murrelets, Oyster Catchers, Sandhill Cranes, seagulls, some of which only come on land to nest in the summer and spend the rest of their lives at sea. Floating in a kayak through the narrows at nearly low tide is a highlight of any trip. Below you stretches an endless carpet of sea life: sun stars, small Bat Stars, Clams, mussels, sea cucumbers, huge moon snails and crabs.
