We Bet You've Never Heard of the Canadian Galapagos!

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

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Hot springs, pristine beaches, and unique animal life … Yup, Canada’s got a Galapagos all its own. Sure, the temperatures won’t be as hot, but Canada’s Queen Charlotte Islands are often called the Canadian Galapagos due to the unique species found only on the islands.

The islands also go by another name, Haida Gwaii, which is their native title. One third of the islands’ population are Haida, and this is a great place to see Aboriginal culture. Visit the SGang Gwaay UNESCO World Heritage Site to see a First Nations village or Skidegate Village to see the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay.

There’s plenty of adventure to be had in this remote island group. Go whale watching at Naikoon Provincial Park, soak in hot springs, take a multi-day kayaking tour, or just explore the pristine beaches!

Be aware that only 300 visitors are allowed into the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve each day in the high season, and that independent travelers not with a guide will have to attend a lecture on responsible camping and safety before being allowed in with their own boats.

Where Is it? Off Canada’s Western coast. Fly to Prince Rupert Airport (check prices) and take a boat.

Where to Stay? At the Alaska View Lodge, in a cabin on the beach.

Who’s it for? Ecologists, photographers, adventurers.

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