Haida Gwaii Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is an isolated archipelago of more than 200 islands lying off of British Columbia’s northwest coast. This ancestral territory of the Haida nation is known as the Canadian Galapagos for its unique and diverse ecosystems and wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. The islands embody a breathtaking landscape that is rugged, rocky and forested. Numerous summer tours to various islands employ a variety of watercraft ranging from small boats to sailing vessels. Such tours run the gamut from wildlife viewing to whale-watching, as well as Haida cultural village visits and bathing in hot springs on Hotspring Island. There is everything from short sightseeing trips to multi-day expeditions involving land and sea. Among the many options are tours designed to explore island rainforests and ancient villages, and the chance to connect with Haida knowledge-keepers. Overall, a summer tour to Haida Gwaii is a holistic journey that combines cultural learning with the exploration of natural wonders and an appreciation for Haida’s rich heritage and way of life. Northwest Territories The waterways of Canada’s Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) have always been a part of northern life and exploring the region by boat is a tradition, as well as a memorable experience. Legendary lakes and renowned rivers frame a remote landscape of forests, mountains and Arctic tundra, together with the islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The N.W.T. are a part of the country embodying a wonderland of surprises unlike anywhere else in Canada. A host of cruise options include departing from Inuvik on a tour through the Mackenzie River Delta into the Arctic Ocean. Other tours include sailing on Great Slave Lake and various cultural journeys to authentic Indigenous villages. The intrepid traveller can opt for a multi-day Nahanni River expedition that includes navigating some of the country’s deepest river canyons and huge waterfalls in a terrain with geological features so unique that the river and surrounding area have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the N.W.T., hunting and fishing excursions abound, together with iconic wildlife viewing of bison, muskox, Arctic fox, caribou, grizzly bears and more. Overall, there are scores of summer boat tour options launched from large waterfront centres such as Yellowknife and Fort Smith, as well as an abundance of operators in smaller communities across the region. Depending on the type of tour, watercraft range in size from canoes to inflatables, sailboats and small ships. 20 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx