There is no denying that Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with British Columbia (B.C.) having more than its fair share of natural wonders. Taking a little trip to the north coast of B.C. can open up a whole new world of culture and wonder, but you will have to step off the mainland in order to take it all in. We are of course talking about Haida Gwaii – sometimes referred to as the Queen Charlotte Islands – an archipelago of islands that sit a short 2-hour flight from Vancouver. The islands are close enough to be easily accessible to travelers, yet far enough away to make it feel as though you have stepped into a completely different world.
A big part of that comes down to the culture and history of the Haida people that is still very much active and on display throughout the islands. If you have a couple of days to spare, a visit to the islands is very much recommended, but the question you probably have is what you will be able to see and do over the course of the weekend. The answer is that there is a whole lot more on tap than you probably ever imagined.
The islands offer all kinds of different fun things to do, both on land and water. Let’s start on terra firma, though, and look at some of the activities in Haida Gwaii that take place on dry land.
There are all kinds of organized tours available, with some even designed to take you off the beaten path and into areas that the average tourist would likely otherwise miss. Bird watching is very big on the islands, as is biking, hiking, and camping. It’s a nature lover’s dream come true, with peace and quiet almost always on tap. Between hikes, you might consider taking out the clubs and for a round of golf. Choose between the Willows Golf Course, or the Dixon Entrance Golf & Country Club, both of which are stunning courses that deliver unique challenges to players of all levels.
As you might expect, there are plenty of activities in Haida Gwaii that require you to take to the water for fun. Canoeing and kayaking are very big, as are sailing and surfing. If you are looking to do a quiet spot of fishing, there are plenty of great spots to do so. You might also consider chartering a boat and going after some of the larger creatures that live below the surface.
You should plan on saving some time to do a little shopping, as the islands are littered with unique little stores and galleries where Haida art is readily on display and ready for purchase. There are also a number of great dining spots visit, with everything from casual pub grub to 5-star dining on offer. These are just a few things that you can do on a weekend visit to Haida Gwaii, although you might need to stay longer if you want to do them all.
To learn more about Haida Gwaii visit Go Haida Gwaii
Been to the Queen Charlotte Islands? Let us know if we missed anything.