I’ve published a 3 volume art zine series about solo travel. This is the second one that shares a little bit of my experience to Haida Gwaii, also known as the ‘Galapagos of the North’.

Haida Gwaii (which means Islands of the People) is a coastal archipelago on the west coast of British Columbia and the home of an ancient indigenous culture the Haida. It has its’ own ecosystem, unique wildlife and ancient temperate rainforests.

The Haida Nation have inhabited these islands since the beginning, maintaining a rich seafaring culture, complex oral traditions and a world renowned artistic heritage.

The photography here was amazing. With the forever changing light and weather the vignettes and opportunities are constant. I managed a full range including film too.

This is a restorative and spiritual place. You will experience the storied culture from the moment you arrive. Many of the stories are heartbreaking, like the purposeful delivery of small pox by the Hudson’s Bay company and other industrialists of the time which nearly wiped out the entire nation and the horrific 60’s Scoop where all of the children were stolen from their families and scattered across North America.

However, there are just as many about strength and resiliency, family and what it means to be a village of people committed to each other and this precious land.

This sacred island grouping is another world. A world of light, magic, wild life and forest creatures. Decomposing cedars are the nurseries, nurse log, primarily for the Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce and Red Huckleberries. The Western Red Cedars will also happily grow on their ancestors. I fell in love with the tree nurseries. The nurse logs last centuries and are the foundations of the old growth forests and track an amazing story all on their own.

There isn’t a spot on Haida Gwaii that isn’t special and unique. Every walk is another trip to a different experience. The hike out to the Pesuta Shipwreck across Agate Beach and through the forest is an experience not to miss. If you sit awhile you will find you absorb a story every where. The landscape tells them non stop if you listen.

Contact me if you’re interested in a full copy of any of the current series of art zines. I have a limited about

Check out Volume 1 of the Art Zine series. The one that is all about Finland and the Arctic Circle.

Check out Volume 3 of the Art Zine series. The one that is all about the Cariboo of BC in monochrome and reflections.