Monday 28 May 2012

The Queen Charlotte Seawalk!


Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

The Queen Charlotte (QC) Seawalk is a ‘must see’ for visitors to Haida Gwaii! This very scenic walk along the oceanside connects the the QC Visitor Centre with the QC Community Centre. It provides a stunning view of Skidegate Inlet and the QC Harbour.

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish
The Seawalk is perhaps a little over 1km ‘as the crow flies’ however, the walk was designed to wind around viewpoints such as landscaped gardens, the QC docks, a children’s park and the original mill site at the QC Community Hall.

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

You might consider bringing a lunch or having a picnic lunch made up for you from Queen B’s Cafe or the Purple Onion Deli. There are a number of places you can relax and enjoy your oceanside picnic. Check out the picnic sites at Spirit Square, the QC Ball Park, the QC Children's Park and by the original QC mill site.

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

For now though, we will begin our walk at the QC Visitor Centre parking lot. These brick coloured paving stones mark the seawalk pathway. The walk here winds around the Spirit Square park gardens looking out on Skidegate Inlet.

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish
 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish
Following the seawalk we find ourselves at the QC wharf with a newly constructed dock connecting the fishermen’s wharf with the government dock. Stroll along the new dock checking out the sail boats, fishing boats, and power boats along the way.

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish
 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

Upon reaching the end of the dock, we walk up to Wharf Street and continue alongside Oceanview Drive overlooking the QC Harbour.

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish
Low tide for today's pictures!

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

The seawalk paving stones begin again at the landscaped gardens adjoining the QC Ball Park.

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

We follow the pathway looking out over Skidegate Inlet and the QC Harbour.
 
 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

We can see Picnic Island, Maude Island and Lina Island from here.

 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

If you look out past the harbour, you might spot the Kwuna ferry making its way across with passengers travelling from BC Ferries to Alliford Bay or back again. 
Photo Credit: Bill Beemish
We continue to wander alongside the beach, past the QC Children’s Park.

 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

 
 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

We arrive at the original QC mill site. Steps take us down to the beach where we can check out the historic pieces of mill equipment.

 
 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish
Returning to the paved path, we walk to the end of the pathway at the QC Community Hall. The public library is also located here.

 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish
Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

You may also notice a set of stackwall stairs leading onto the beach. More places to explore at low tide!

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

When visiting the Village of Queen Charlotte, remember the Seawalk! Make it part of your morning or evening ritual - a coffee...a muffin...a quiet walk...an amazing view!
 

Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

 Photo Credit: Bill Beemish

Monday 21 May 2012

Farmers Markets on Haida Gwaii - A Source of Things Local!

Photo Credit: Maude Island Farm
Photo Credit: Maude Island Farm

The local Farmers Markets are more than just a place to buy produce – they are a social hub for the islands communities. For those visiting Haida Gwaii, these markets are a hidden gem! There are local markets in almost every community on Haida Gwaii.

Photo Credit: Jenn Dolen

Spend some time talking with the vendors – they are friendly and welcoming and may provide you with ‘insider information’ for ‘places to go and things to see’ on Haida Gwaii.


Photo Credit: Katherine Hunt
What can you expect to find at the local Farmers Markets?

You will, of course, be able to buy market garden produce, flowers, homemade jams and baking.

 
Photo Credit: Maude Island Farm
 
Photo Credit: Moresby Market 
In addition, there is fresh and frozen seafood, BBQ or packaged sausages/smokies and sirloin burgers, fresh and frozen meat, honey, seaweed products and various dehydrated mixes.



Photo Credit: Moresby Market

Local artists and artisans bring their crafts to the Farmers Markets. The markets provide a great place to find unique gifts from Haida Gwaii.

Photo Credit: Ian Gould
I notice that a vendor at the Moresby Market is offering massages – now that sounds like a relaxing day at the market.


 Photo Credit: Moresby Market

Photo Credit: Moresby Market


The Moresby Market in Sandspit commenced operations in 2011 due to local demand and is doing some very effective promotion of its Sunday market!

 Photo Credit: Moresby Market


Photo Credit: Moresby Market
  Photo Credit: Moresby Market

It is definitely capturing the attention of those of us with an interest in the Farmers Market scene! Check out Moresby Market on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moresby-Market/302217679858969

 Photo Credit: Moresby Market
 Moresby Market Days - Sundays 11am -1pm  ALM School Gazebo

  Photo Credit: Moresby Market
 Photo Credit: Moresby Market 

The Queen Charlotte Farmers Market was established in 1994 beginning with only 2 vendors and has grown to approximately 10 regular vendors in 2011. In 2011, vendors provided seafood, baking, produce and local meat throughout the winter months – this potentially marks the beginning of a year round market!


Photo Credit: Katherine Hunt


Queen Charlotte Farmers Market Day: Saturdays 11am - 2pm adjacent to QC Community Hall
  
The local Farmers Institute is currently building a shelter for a mid-island Farmers Market in Tlell. They hope to have it operating this summer - Watch for it!


Photo Credit: Maude Island Farm

  
Farms in the Port Clements and Masset area offer produce at regular Friday sidewalk markets in Masset and door-to-door in Port Clements and through special orders.

Come visit! Start your day with a visit to the local market! Coffee/Tea and mouth watering baked goods tempt the shopper to slow down and enjoy a ‘cuppa’ with old or new friends.



Photo Credit: Moresby Market
 Photo Credit: Moresby Market

Photo Credit: Moresby Market



 Photo Credit: Riverworks Farm (Market Garden)

 Photo Credit: Maude Island Farm (Market Garden)
 
 Photo Credit: Maude Island Farm