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queen charlotte ISLAND ATTRACTIONSGWAII HAANAS NATIONAL PARK AND HAIDA HERITAGE SITENAIKOON PROVINCIAL PARK HAIDA HERITAGE CENTRE AND HAIDA CULTURE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES HIKINGGWAII HAANAS NATIONAL PARK AND HAIDA HERITAGE SITE Gwaii Haanas is known as one of the premier sea kayaking and boating destinations in the world. The Park provides the opportunity to explore a wilderness area with a rich First Nations heritage. Visitors can witness the Haida First Nations s incredible carved cedar poles standing in their original locations, observe nature in a virtually undisturbed setting, and experience a solitude that is becoming more and more difficult to find. Together, the Government of Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation manage the special place called Gwaii Haanas (Place of Wonder) through a unique agreement signed in 1993. The two parties strongly agree on the need to protect Gwaii Haanas, even though the question of ownership is unresolved. Gwaii Haanas celebrates the rugged beauty and rich ecology of the Pacific coast and the Haida’s intertwined connection with the land and sea. Gwaii Haanas National Park For more information visit the Gwaii Haanas National Park and Haida Protected Areas website at Gwaii Haanas rated #1 Park Destination! In 2005, Gwaii Haanas was rated #1 Park Destination in North America by a panel of experts polled by National Geographic Traveler magazine. The survey considered ecological and cultural integrity, condition of archaeological sites, quality of management, and the outlook for the future. Gwaii Haanas scored 88 points with supporting comments such as, “Archaeological and historic artifacts are left to their natural processes as per Haida tradition” and “beautiful and intact”. Read the article online: www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler Encompassing the northeast corner of Graham Island, Naikoon Provincial Park protects several species of unique plants and animals as well as a great example of the Queen Charlotte Lowlands terrain, characterized by muskeg and peat bogs. Naikoon Provincial Park gets its name from the Haida word “Nai kun” or long nose referring to the sandspit formation of Rose Spit which stretches many kilometers to the northeast separating the waters of Dixon Entrance from the tempestuous Hecate Straight. It is along this stretch of coastline that the Haida First Nation believes Raven released the first men from a clamshell, making it the birthplace of the Nation. The Park only received its status in 1978 and any holders of private lands in the area prior to this were allowed to retain their property rights. This has resulted in many homes being built within the Park boundaries on these private parcels. There are 2 campgrounds in the Park, Agate Beach east of Masset and Misty Meadows on the northern boundary of Tlell. Several trails of various lengths are scattered throughout this large Park. Must sees for visitors while on the Islands include North Beach and Tow Hill, which offers a beautiful view across Dixon Entrance to the Islands of Alaska from the viewpoints on top. For more information on Naikoon Provincial Park visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/naikoon.html ISLANDS ART Our Islands have had the historical pleasure of enjoying objects of art for many centuries. In the old days the Haida First Nations’ carvings and creations were not necessarily regarded as “art” but as a functional part of their ceremonial society. It wasn’t until contact that these objects began to be considered forms of art as the outside world put a new sense of value and function on them. We are fortunate today to celebrate the Arts on Haida Gwaii. Haida art was never lost, as so much has been preserved in museums all over the world. These items include masks, totem poles, head dresses, rattles, charms, spoons, beautiful weavings, robes, and so much more. Many books document this powerful history. Today, we can celebrate this preservation and the possible repatriation of these treasures to their homeland. Many carvers continue the traditions of the Haida today. Renowned artists such as Bill Reid, Robert Davidson, Reg Davidson, and Jim Hart have made great strides in showing the world where their footsteps have taken Haida art. Many people are now inspired and orientated towards understanding this magnificent culture thru present day Haida art. The development of the Bill Reid Teaching Centre and Carving Shed within the Qay’llnagaay Heritage Centre in Skidegate will be another asset for those wishing to discover the meaning of Haida forms while they visit the Islands. Haida Gwaii, Queen Charlotte Islands has attracted many creative people who have come to enjoy the natural environment as inspiration for their creativity. Emily Carr, famous member of Canada’s Group of Seven, left a legacy of documented works of old Haida village sites and Toni Onley supported the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary with his watercolour originals. Cultural exchanges have also taken place with the Hopi, artist Jessi Monangue and a Maori delegation from New Zealand. Many artisans have migrated to the Islands as well, attracting sculptors like Lon Sharp, batik artist Betsy Cardell, water colourist Benita Saunders, and gemstone jeweller Dutes Dutheil, to mention just a few. Now is a truly wonderful time to witness art on the Islands, as many artists have no fear of finding true expression. Both Haida and non–Haida are venturing even stronger into the arts to reveal their passion for this amazing place and its cultural history. - Dutes Duthiel There are many Galleries and Artists on the Islands happy to display their wares. For a listing of Island Artists and Galleries look under the Visitor Services Link or pick up a copy of the Art Route, produced by the QCI Arts Council which lists local artisans at one of our local Visitor Centers when you are on Island. Enhance your visit to the Islands by visiting one of our fascinating museums, celebrating our local heritage. Haida Gwaii Museum The Haida Gwaii Museum is located within the newly constructed Qay’llnagaay Heritage Centre and focuses on the Islands Natural History and traditional Haida Culture. The centre is open daily in the summer with reduced hours during the winter. Admission is $5. Port Clements Settlers Museum Box 417, Port Clements, VOT 1RO Ph: (250) 557-4576 Fax: (250) 557-4255 E-mail: gbeachy@qcislands.net The Port Clements Museum is operated by the Port Clements Historical Society and highlights the European settlement history and industrial history of the area and the Islands. Open daily during the summer and on weekends during the winter. Admission is $2. Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum The Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum is located in Masset and celebrates Greater Massett’s maritime and settlement history. Open daily during the summer with reduced days during the winter. Admission is $2. HAIDA HERITAGE CENTRE AND HAIDA CULTURE The Haida Heritage Centre at Qay’llnaggay on the edge of Skidegate is scheduled to open in the summer of 2007. This Centre houses the Haida Gwaii Museum and includes several other features. This world-class Centre has extensive exhibits, art and artifacts exploring the wealth of history and culture on the Islands, and gives visitors first hand experiences with traditional performances, carvers working on monumental poles and canoes. There is also the opportunity to view and purchase the work of Haida artists and artisans in the "Trading House" or Gift Shop. The Delkatla Nature Sanctuary is located in Masset and is an important stop-over point for many migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. The local Delkatla Nature Sanctuary Society operates a small visitor centre on Trumpeter Drive which is open regularly during the summer months. There are numerous trails around the sanctuary as well as several viewing towers allowing a better view of the wildlife using the sanctuary. Some of the birds that use the sanctuary include Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, Green-winged Teal, Red Tailed Hawks, Greater Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Dunlin, Short and Long-billed Dowitcher, Common Snipe, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Steller’s Jay, Chestnut-backed Chikadee, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson’s Thruch, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Varied Thrush, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Orange crowned Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill and Pine Siskin amongst many others. Camping is a popular activity on the Islands for both locals and visitors. These listings are remote back country locations with no maintenance or emergency services available. For Campgrounds that charge a fee for there use, including our Provincial Park Campgrounds please see our Accommodations section. Campers using the areas listed below are expected to be fully self contained. In many cases these areas were former Ministry of Forests Recreation Sites, which are now user maintained. No fees are currently being charged for the use of these facilities. For more information on these sites check in with the Visitor Centre when you arrive. NORTHERN GRAHAM ISLAND AREA NORTH BEACH CENTRAL GRAHAM ISLAND AREA PAPA JOHN'S MARIE LAKE SOUTHERN GRAHAM ISLAND AREA CONE HEAD RENNELL SOUND KAGAN BAY NORTHERN MORESBY ISLAND AREA SHELDONS BAY GRAY BAY MOSQUITO LAKE MORESBY CAMP Hiking is a popular attraction for many visitors to the Islands and the Islands have a wide array of hikes of different durations for all skill levels. To minimize impact all trail users are requested to stay on the designated trails and to obey postings at all times. The detailed, locally produced guide “Hikes on Haida Gwaii” by Fern Henderson is available at the Haida Gwaii Museum and many local stores and contains detailed information on many Island hikes. Also recently, the Tlell Watershed Society produced several interpretive guides for many of the less developed trails in the Tlell River Watershed. These guides are widely available from many of the merchants in the Tlell area and may provide an option for those travelers wanting a more remote wilderness experience. ATV’s are not permitted on any of the hiking trails on the Islands. Some of the more popular Island hiking routes are: Tow Hill / Blowhole Trail: The Tow Hill / Blowhole Trail is the most used trail on the Islands. Departing the Tow Hill Provincial Park Parking Lot 23 km east of Masset the trail follows the Hiellen River 100 meters to the Tow Hill Picnic Area. From the Picnic Area the trail follows one of two well marked routes: Tow Hill Trail: The Tow Hill Trail is a 1km steep climb along a good boardwalk trail. While not a long hike the climb can prove challenging for those not accustomed to such a climb. Those making the climb are rewarded at two viewing platforms along the way overlooking North Beach to the east and Agate Beach and the islands of the Alaskan Panhandle to the northwest. About ½ way up the climb hikers are given the option to halt their ascent to the upper viewing platforms and can turn east and follow a gentle downward sloping boardwalk trail which travels about 1km and intersects with the Blowhole Trail just prior to the beach. Hikers can combine the Tow Hill and Blowhole Trails making a nice circular route. Blowhole Trail: The Blowhole Trail is a 1km trail along a wide trail of boardwalk and gravel surface which follows the Hiellen River to “the Blowhole”, a geological scouring in the rock which when conditions are right, shoots a tall spray of water many meters in the air. The trail takes a leisurely 20 minutes and even if the Blowhole is not in effect the pebble beach at the end offers views across to the Islands of the Alaskan Panhandle and of the basalt columns up the face of Tow Hill. Pesuta Trail: The Pesuta Trail leaves the Tlell River Day-Use area on the north end of the Tlell River Bridge and initially follows either a high or low route to the approximate ½ way point of the trail. The high route climbs a steep bank and then levels off following a single width path along a natural trail surface with roots and other small obstacles. Attentive hikers will see numerous research nesting boxes for the local sub-species of the Northern Saw-whet Owl. East Beach Trail: The East Beach Trail begins at the Tlell Day-Use Area and follows the same route as the Pesuta Trail until reaching the mouth of the Tlell River and East Beach. The longest and most arduous of the islands hikes the East Beach Trail is more of a route than a designated and maintained trail following the shoreline for its direction. Hikers are strongly urged to pack appropriately and be prepared for all circumstances since Search and Rescue assistance is not readily available for those finding themselves in trouble. The East Beach Trail follows the eastern shore of Graham Island from Tlell in the South to Rose Spit in the north then west across North Beach to the Tow Hill Day-Use Area Parking Lot. This route is nearly 90 km in length and follows the sandy beach the entire way. There are several river crossings that need to be made and water suitable for drinking is not readily available all along the route. Hikers wanting to hike this route are strongly urged to do considerable research into its requirements. Cape Fife Trail: For hikers wanting a great overnight trip or those in need of a break in scenery after hiking north from Tlell along the East Beach Trail the Cape Fife Trail offers a nice diversion. The Cape Fife Trail is a 10 km one way route that departs from the east side of the Hiellen River across from the Tow Hill Day-Use Area Parking Lot. The first 3 km of the Cape fife Trail traverses rough terrain along a natural trail surface and can be difficult, although considerable work has been done in recent years installing boardwalk and non-slip decking in the more hazardous areas. Hikers venturing more than 3 km are rewarded when the trail connects to the old settler’s road that once provided contact with many agrarian homesteads that were in the area in the years between the two world wars. From this point the trail is an easy stroll the final 7 km to Cape Fife although is not suitable for mountain bikes. In 2005 BC Parks and the Council of the Haida Nation built a small shelter at the end of the trail where it connects to East Beach. The shelter has a wood stove, small table and sleeping platform. Currently there is no charge to use this shelter and its occupation is on a first come first served basis. It is expected that there will be a charge for the use of this shelter at some point in the near future and hikers are requested to contact BC Parks (see Islands Organizations section) for up to date information. Sleeping Beauty Trail: Cumshewa Head Trail: Louise Dover Memorial Trail: The Islands are a vibrant place and many community events take place throughout the year. For special independent events check with one of our communities Visitor Centers when you arrive on Island. Some regular annual Island events are: Edge of the World Music Festival – Tlell – late July/early August Come to the Edge of the World Festival and catch the wave of music, the wave of fun, and the wave of spiritual renewal through music! The festival is family oriented with lots of children’s activities. Camping on the site within hearing distance of the ocean waves. Tlell Fall Fair – Tlell – August Logger Sports Day – Sandspit - July Hospital Day - Queen Charlotte - June Harbour Days – Masset - long weekend in May Skidegate Days – Skidegate - July Spread over the Canada Day long weekend, Port Clements celebrates Canada’s birthday in a big way. A parade, a ball tournament, mud bog events, concessions and games. Golfers have two great choices while visiting the Islands. Both of the Islands courses are scenically placed along the ocean and offer a fun and relaxing way to spend a day on the Islands. Willows Golf Course The Willows is a relaxing Par 72, 6154 yd. seashore golf course with the unique challenge of 18 tees to 9 greens. Some holes are exposed to the changes of Island weather while others are protected by natural Forest. The large club house is fully licensed and serves great pub food. Rentals are available. The course is open all year. Dixon Entrance Golf & Country Club PO Box 68 Members - $10.00 Non Members - $20.00
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