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home > The Queen Charlotte Islands What Makes The Queen Charlotte Islands Unique?In 2005, Gwaii Haanas National Park/Reserve was Rated as the #1 National Park in North America by the National Geographic Society, amongst a survey of more than 200 parks. If you are looking for a remote wilderness experience look no further. The Queen Charlotte Islands is a place where bald eagles outnumber the island residents. It is a place with endless coastline to explore, where locals stop and say hello, but most of all, it is a unique place to unwind and remove yourself from everyday distractions. Situated 60 nautical miles (100km) from the mainland of British Columbia, and located on the Continental Shelf; the waters here give way to many highlights. Click here to review the location of Gwaii Haanas National Park. Cultural Treasures
Natural Wonders
Unique only to Gwaii Haanas, the expression of the Totem Pole can be found at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ninstints. Abandoned over a century ago, these totems have stood the test of time as they display the crests and stories of the past. They can also be found in remote villages such as: Chaattl, Skedans, and Kiusta. "The silent kayak tour in front of the totems at Sgaang Gwaii as the pair of eagles swooped over us is something I will always treasure."
Matching the tides found in the Bay of Fundy, the Queen Charlotte Islands can experience tidal variations that exceed 20 ft in an impressive 6 hours. Burnaby Narrows, a shallow channel offers paddlers an unparallel marine ecosystem. Studies conducted by Parks Canada, have determined that this area contains more than 290 species of marine wildlife. This channel has some of the highest levels of living material, ("biomass") of any inter tidal zone in the world! The deep waters of the Pacific to the west, and the shallows of Hecate Strait to the east, create one of the most nutrient rich water corridors on the Canadian Pacific Coast. This provides a migratory path for large mammals such as Humpback, Finn and Killer Whales, and home to many varieties of marine wildlife including, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Harbour Seals, and the largest colony of Stellar Sea Lions in BC! Gwaii Haanas is a birders paradise. More than 750,000 seabirds breed on more than 200 islands and islets, while millions more stop during their migrations. It is the only confirmed nesting site in Canada for horned puffins. There are more eagle nests per kilometer of shoreline than anywhere else in Canada, and the area boasts the highest breeding density of Peregrine falcons in the world! In the fall, the return of the wild pacific salmon provides the largest black bears in North America with a bountiful feast! Camping in the temperate rainforests is always a highlight. The moss floor of the forest provides a restfull sleep. Walking among the towering old growth trees speaks of times past and present. Exploring the many Natural Wonders and Cultural Treasures await you this summer! Please note the above are facts by Parks Canada. |
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