Treasure Island: Canada's Haida Gwaii

Kelp beds at low tide on Haida Gwaii.

Sleeping Beauty’s commanding views of Bear Sound and the islands below.

Potlatch circles around the pole helped indicate Haida family status and wealth

Miles of deserted East Beach in Naikoon — nothing but open sea and driftwood (plus frequent seals and bald eagles).

Untreated cedar doesn’t last long on wet, windy Haida Gwaii. Mortuary poles are preserved but not restored, and are allowed to return to the earth naturally.

One of Haida Gwaii’s most decadent pleasures involves soaking in the seaside natural spas at Hotsprings Island. Humpback and Minke whales cruise the Juan Perez sound beyond.

Getting around in Gwaii Haanas National Park almost always requires transport by paddle, zodiac, or floatplane.

A view towards Haida Gwaii’s rugged, impassable western side.

Sleeping Beauty’s commanding views of Bear Sound and the islands below.

One of Haida’s famously large black bears sneaks off into the woods.

Dungeness crabs cram every conceivable crevice on Haida Gwaii.

A cedar nurse stump sprouts new cedars.

Read the complete story, Treasure Island.