TRAVEL camping
18 BCA A .COM SUMMER 2017
BEST FOR ADVENTURE
SEEKERS
Gwaii Haanas Backcountry Campsites,
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
Home to the Haida people for 13,000
years, this protected area, whose full
name is "Gwaii Haanas National Park
Reserve, National Marine Conservation
Area and Haida Heritage Site," merges
natural treasures with a rich human
story. Most travellers visit the remote
park, set at the southern tip of Haida
Gwaii, on guided boat or float-plane
trips. But experienced paddlers can load
up their kayaks and ply the misty coast
on self-supported expeditions. Whale,
eagle and sea lion sightings mark every
day; nightly camping is at random –
choose whatever sandy beach looks
inviting, practising "leave no trace" ethics
and bear-aware tactics. No fees for 2017,
but visitors must attend an orientation.
Della Falls Backcountry Campground,
Strathcona Provincial Park
Welcome to BC's first provincial park,
stretching over 250,000 hectares of
jagged mountains and verdant rainforest
on central Vancouver Island. Of all the
challenging backpacking routes within,
Della Falls Trail impresses most. Access
to the trailhead is via a 45-minute water
taxi (or daylong paddle) across Great
Central Lake. Then, a 16 km trail leads to
a backcountry campground located near
Della Falls. Cascading from 440 metres
above, it's among the highest waterfalls in
North America. Camping free; water taxi
from $125 (dellafallswatertaxi.com).
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