Waking Gwaii Haanas
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Photo: Chris Wheeler
As we enter into Fall and all Bluewater Adventures' vessels are experiencing some of the best wildlife watching in the world, we begin looking toward next year. How we craft our expedition schedule is largely dictated by the rhythms of nature. We make sure that we are present in each area of the British Columbia Coast and Southeast Alaska when it is the very best time to be there. |
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| Haida Gwaii black bear |
One great example is Haida Gwaii
– it is glorious come spring. Ancient cedar groves yawning to the
rising sun after a long winter of quiet stillness in between passing
storms. Vitality returns, the forest floor bursts with life and the
mosses and lichens take on an even more vibrant shade of green. It is
easy to understand how the Gwaii Haanas ("Islands of Beauty”) earned its
name.
We spend most of the trip exploring Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.
Thousands of sea birds migrate to the southern regions of the park to
nest and raise their young each spring. One such bird is the endangered
Ancient Murrelet, who returns from the sea only to lay her eggs. In late
May, tiny grey fluff balls emerge from their forest dens, and travel
down the beach to greet their calling parents at the water’s edge.
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| Ancient murrelets - parents and chicks reunited Photo - Terry Carr |
A main highlight that has been bringing us back for over 40 years is the Haida hospitality and their story telling. Their culture is rich with history kept alive through music, art and oral history. We are grateful for the opportunities over the years, to travel with Haida Elders like Captain Gold and Barb Wilson - Kii'iljuus, who lead our trips as resource people. In sharing their family stories, personal adventures and knowledge of the village sites we encounter, our guests and Crew are brought closer to a time when the Haida thrived and villages teemed with activity.
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| Photo: Lindsay Janes |
This unique place is incredible to explore throughout summer, but to
witness the “waking” of Gwaii Haanas in spring; to celebrate the passing
of winter and welcome new life to this remote and extraordinary
archipelago is a powerful testament to the change of seasons.
Questions? Shoot us a quick email
Or Call: 1-888-877-1770/ 604-980-3800
