Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, National park and heritage site in British Columbia, Canada
Gwaii Haanas is a protected area and heritage site in the southern part of the Haida Gwaii archipelago in British Columbia, spanning islands, coastlines and marine zones. The park includes dense rainforest, rocky shorelines and many small coves accessible only from the water.
Settlements on these islands reach back over 14,000 years and rank among the oldest known occupations in Canada. The village of Nang Sdins Llnagaay was abandoned in the 19th century after disease severely reduced the population, and it is now part of a World Heritage designation.
The site bears its name in the Haida language and is attended by Haida Watchmen who remain present at village sites to explain their meaning. Visitors see carved poles and house structures that testify to the craft tradition and way of life of the Haida, whose community has been rooted here for thousands of years.
Travel is exclusively by boat or seaplane, as no roads or ferries reach this part of the archipelago. Guided excursions are recommended, as coastal waters can be tricky and local guides ease orientation and safety.
The protected area reaches from mountain summits to the ocean floor, safeguarding one of the few places where a complete ecosystem from summit to seabed is preserved. Nearly 40 animal subspecies live only here and nowhere else in the world, reflecting the isolation of these islands over thousands of years.
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