 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Northern British Columbia is mostly wilderness (over half of the landmass of the province) comprising of rugged mountains, roaring rivers, pristine lakes, miles of rocky shoreline and green valleys. Its national and provincial parks are diverse, providing spectacular scenery in remote tracts of wilderness where habitat is protected for a wide range of wildlife. Majestic waterfalls, serene lakes and mysterious lava beds are just a few of the characteristics that make up the awesome beauty of these wondrous parks.
Prince Rupert, the gateway city to remote northern British Columbia destinations, is a terminus for rail, marine, air and highway travel. It is also the arrival and departure point for the Alaska Marine Highway's ferry service to various Alaskan communities. The small communities of Northern B.C. honor their heritage and Aboriginal culture with celebrations throughout the year. Many of the villages offer visitors First Nation cultural sites and tours, while many additionally reflect their early railroad days and Victorian-era influence. One of our favorites is Hazelton “totem pole capital of the world” a 70 mile self-driven tour through the surrounding First Nation villages displaying their extraordinary spiritual pole carvings. Hazelton is a combination of three villages – Old, New and South Hazelton - established at the confluence of the Skeena and Buckley Rivers, 180 miles east of Prince Rupert. These colorful towns lay near the cliffs of Mount Rocher DeBoule that tower 3,300 feet from the valley floor. A significant attraction is the Gitxsan First Nations people's Ksan Historical Village, a replica of a Northwest Coast-style Gitxsan village.
Emerging on the scene are the Queen Charlotte Islands, also proudly referred to by locals as Haida Gwaii. Home to the Haida National for thousands of years, this land at the edge of the world presents a unique ecosystem within the archipelago of about 150 islands. The islands are blanketed with lush cedar and hemlock rainforests, dusky shrews and short tailed weasels. Along the coast bald eagles nest, and in spring - migrating gray whales can be spotted from shore by the hundreds. Some of the West Coast's finest sport fishing, scuba diving, hiking, kayaking and whale-watching are found here.
Haida Gwaii's modest population is predominantly found in the three villages of Masset (population 1,000) Queen Charlotte City (population 950) and Sandspit (population 460). It is home to the island's main airport and ferry terminal, and accesses the Haida village Skidgate. Smaller airlines access Masset, the gateway to Naikoon Park, where excellent hiking trails, bird watching and popular native art shops are located. The Gwaii Haanas National Park, located in the southern reaches of the islands, is made up of 138 remote islands. Base camps at the islands' most popular heritage sites are staffed by Haida Gwaii Watchmen, who help visitors experience Haida culture through sacred places, like: natural thermal pools, ancient forests, standing and fallen totem poles and longhouse remains. |
|
|
|
