Greetings,

I’m kinda in shock that Haida Gwaii isn’t considered a distinct territory as classified by the ever popular “Travelers’ Century Club” yet Prince Edward Island is!? Anyways, we arrived yesterday morning on an overnight ferry from Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia. It’s actually one of the most isolated, special and serene places I’ve ever visited. Due to its location and coastal climate, rain is often served but we got lucky, really lucky. We’ve been here two days and they have been the best weather of this trip, we’ve got to see a very beautiful part of this planet in absolutely spectacular weather…

The original inhabitants of this area are known as the Haida and they have been living on these islands off the coast of BC and actually closer to Japan than Newfoundland for over 10,000 years. I’ve only been here for less than 48 hours but already really like it here, the three islands we’ve visited in this archipelago are Graham, Morseby and Louise. The vast majority of people live on Graham island where I’m writing this now from Sea Raven’s Restaurant in Queen Charlotte City.

Even though this town is incredibly sleepy aka really small, its got a lot of very interesting characters and if you make an impression on someone, you’ll definitely run into them again. I’ve already sent my regards and tipped my hat to a few interesting gents I’ve had the pleasure of getting acquainted with. I know we’re in British Columbia, Canada but it feels like another world, there are stellar views in most directions, it’s rich in cultural history and supposedly the fishing is out of this world. Last night I dined on fresh halibut, salmon and prawns in a thick garlic sauce and it, much like this place was out of this world.

Sadly we’re leaving on the 11pm ferry this evening and that will conclude my time here. I believe it’s one of those places that no matter how long your stay is, you’ll wish for another few days or a week. Last night while doing a classic “SHABL Walkabout” I ran into some gents from Alberta who were cooking Dungeness Crabs they caught earlier in the day, they told me the fishing is fantastic and I believe them.

Many of the local people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting told me that it’s mainly older people and those with younger children who are here as most young adults leave to find opportunity elsewhere as there simply isn’t a lot of employment here. Yesterday we went to Morseby Island where we teamed up with Morseby Explorers and went for a tour that included The Skedans Village and I had the pleasure of getting acquainted with a gent named David who is one of the watchmen. There are several outposts throughout the area where Haida stay and take care of sacred areas to make sure they are well maintained, protected and help visitors with any questions they may have on this unique area.

I could go on but I’ve made two video blogs about Haida Gwaii that you should expect to see in the coming days when I’m back on the mainland with a solid internet connection. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to British Columbia or if you’re in British Columbia and looking for something new and totally “out there”, I recommend you visit Haida Gwaii. I’ve been a lot of places and seen a lot of things in my 32 years on this planet but this is one of those places I’ll always remember and speak fondly of. For the first time in a very long time, I’ve felt like a kid again, just enjoying nature for what it is without a care in the world.

I’m here with the Explore BC Project, to learn more  visit the Tourism BC Facebook Page and look up #ExploreBC on Twitter.

In closing, I can’t believe how good the weather was, a real treat that I’m thankful for and won’t forget.

Tips hat,