Gwaii Haanas National Park a finalist for National Geographic travel award
Temperate rainforests, abundant sea life and cultural treasures offer glimpse of Haida way of life
A national park at the southern edge of British Columbia's Haida Gwaii archipelago is in the running for a National Geographic travel award.
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site has been selected in partnership with a tourism trade show in Berlin as one of three finalists for a World Legacy Award in a category called "Sense of Place."
The award recognizes protection of historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural events, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.
A news release says more than 150 entries from 56 countries were received and that finalists in five categories were selected by an international team of 18 judges who are experts in sustainable travel.
Gwaii Haanas superintendent Ernie Gladstone says temperate rainforests, abundant sea life and cultural treasures such as totem poles offer a glimpse of the Haida way of life and make the park unique.
The other finalists in the Sense of Place category are Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland and Cavallo Point Lodge in California.
The winner will be announced in Berlin next March.
On mobile? See a Google Map of the Gwaii Haanas National Park