Haida Gwaii beach cabins, Canada
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We take our environmental commitment seriously in every aspect of our business. Guests are encouraged to participate. We recycle everything possible, from the cabins, including composting kitchen scraps. Rain water is collected off the roof and used for dishes and showers. Because water is dependent on rain guests are encouraged to pay attention to their usage especially during dry spells. Solar shower bags are provided and heated by the sun. Guests must be mindful to charge their solar lamps in the sun during the day to ensure a light source at night. Our wood stoves burn beach wood that would otherwise rot. Birds nest on the cabins. Off-shore Grey whales are seen in the sprin. Killer whales also cruise by. There is no hunting in the park so the deer are tame. We ask that our guests keep the dogs under control. In the summer there are colonies of bird life that fish directly off shore carrying food back to their chicks which nest up White Creek. Eagles are seen every day as are ravens. The eagles are often seen in the trees above. The cabins are past the power lines, totally off-grid and chances are you won't miss power one bit.
Community
The community is small and interconnected. We encourage our guests to check out like-minded, small footprint businesses such as the off-grid bakery just down the road, the surf shop, independent coffee shop and health food store all of which are represented on our website or through information provided in the cabins. The vast majority of money generated through our business recycles back into the community. The beach-combed wood used to make our cabins is salvaged and locally milled providing income and local employment.
The park provides plenty of outdoor entertainment including the Cape Fife, Tow Hill and White Creek Trails that demonstrate three separate eco-systems. Human power is the best way to experience these trails. Walk them or run them. One must take the canopied Tow Hill Road to reach the cabin. The trees form a tunnel through the rainforest with large mosses forming platforms on the branches which harbour insects, ferns, fungi and mushrooms. It is a stunning visual feast. Recent corporate development resulted in the destruction of over 5km of this heritage canopy. Local opposition united and was able to halt it at the present point. The more that people experience this memorable ecosystem the greater the chances of saving it from further loss. North Beach is also considered one of the best surf beaches on the west coast.
A fledgling surf club has sprung up in recent years. Surf equipment for all ages can be rented or purchased at the surf shop in Masset including instruction. The water is cold so you'll need a wet suit. It's a sandy beach without dangerous currents. It is not uncommon to be surfing with seals. The more eco-friendly the tourism the better for all.
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