NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 614

The Alaska Marine Highway (907/465-3941 or 800/642-0066, www.dot.state.ak.us/
amhs ) operates an extensive network of ferries through southeastern Alaska and down to
Prince Rupert. The first stop north from Prince Rupert is Ketchikan, six hours away. Walk-
on passengers need not make reservations, but if you require a cabin or have a vehicle, make
reservations as far in advance as possible (up to one year), especially for sailings in July
and August. Check-in time is three hours ahead of sailing time—it takes up to two hours to
go through Customs and one hour to load up. Foot passengers must be there one hour ahead
of sailing.
Getting Around
Local bus service along four routes is provided by Prince Rupert Transit System (2nd
Ave. W., 250/624-3343). Adult fare starts at $2. All-day passes cost $6 and are available
from the driver. Have exact fare ready—drivers don't carry change. The only car-rental
agencies in town are Budget (250/627-7400) and National (250/624-5318). For a cab, call
Skeena Taxis (250/624-2185).
Haida Gwaii
Wild. Quiet. Mysterious. Primordial. Inhabited by the proud and ferocious Haida people
for over 10,000 years, the Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands)
spread like a large upside-down triangle approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) off the
northwest coast of mainland British Columbia, linked to the mainland by scheduled ferry
and air services. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in First Nations cul-
ture, view the abundant wildlife, explore the rugged coastline, and share a laid-back island
camaraderie with the 4,000 permanent residents.
Of the chain's 150 mountainous and densely forested islands and islets, the main ones
are Graham Island to the north and Moresby Island to the south, separated by narrow
Skidegate Channel. The islands stretch 290 kilometers (180 miles) from north to south
and up to 85 kilometers (53 miles) across. Running down the west side of the islands are
the Queen Charlotte and San Christoval ranges, which effectively protect the east side from
Pacific battering. Nevertheless, the east coast, where most of the population lives, still re-
ceives over 1,000 millimeters (39 inches) of rain annually.
Life on the islands is very different from elsewhere in the province. Visitors can expect
a friendly reception and adequate services. Motel-style accommodations are available in
each town, but bed-and-breakfasts provide a better glimpse of the island lifestyle. Other