Situated
off the northern most region of British Columbia are the
Queen
Charlotte Islands, an exceptionally beautiful and
isolated location. This archipelago, made up of 150 islands,
has a population of approximately 4,000 people and famous
as the home of the Haida people and their culture. This
very special place is shrouded in mist, storm ridden but
filled with archaeological treasures, marine wildlife is
abundant and wilderness abounds.
Dall's
Porpoise
The ancient forests are home to some of the largest trees
on earth. More than 200 bird species live on the islands
and so do half B.C.'s population of sea lions. Marine wildlife
in the waters off the Queen Charlotte Islands include Dall's
porpoises, Pacific
white-sided dolphins, harbour seals, California
sea lions and Steller's sea lions.
During
herring spawning in February, humpback
whales arrive and stay until fall, they can be found
on both sides of the islands. Gray
whales during their northward migrate from March
to June, swim on both sides of the Queen
Charlotte Islands, and are often sighted as they
feed and socialize. If lucky, you might see a blue or fin
whale off the West Coast and occasionally in Hecate Strait.
Resident and transient pods of orcas
like these rich waters and may be spotted anytime of the
year. Located across the Hecate Strait is the port city
of Prince
Rupert, the northern terminus for BC Ferries and
many fishing and whale watching boat charters that ply the
waters between the mainland and around the Queen Charlotte
Islands.
