NationalGeographicTravellerAustraliaandNewZealandWinter2018

photo credit

winter iSSUe 2018 127

offering the most diverse marine wildlife in canada, the

haida gwaii archipelago on the northernmost coast of

British columbia is often referred to as the galapagos of the

north. orcas can be found near the islands year-round, while

humpback and grey whales migrate between Mexico and the

Bering Sea from May to october. the marine protected area

of gwaii haanas national park reserve (the name translates

to ‘islands of beauty’) is home to more than a hundred islands

and an annual spring plankton bloom that provides a rich

food source for migrating whales, as well as birdlife and other

marine mammals. the best way to discover the wildlife of these

magnificent islands is aboard a small ship or sailing vessel,

cruising the waters in search of whales and visiting ancient

haida villages for a unique cultural insight into the indigenous

communities who still live in this region.

As a wildlife enthusiast, Alison o’loughlin has travelled

around the world, and has developed a serious addiction

to binoculars and khaki-hued clothing.

Courtesy Hello BC

WhERE: haida GWaii, british columbia

WhEn: may to october

Orcas and

grey and

humpback

whales

one of the greatest sights

on the water: a breaching

humpback whale.