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Ranged in an arc some 150km off the Prince Rupert coast, the Haida Gwaii , until recently better known as the Queen Charlotte Islands , consist of a triangular-shaped archipelago of about two hundred islets that make an enticing diversion from the heavily travelled sea route up through BC. The islands are something of a cult amongst travellers and environmentalists, partly for their scenery, flora and fauna and almost legendary remoteness from the mainstream, but also because they've achieved a high profile in the battle between the forestry industry and ecology activists. At the forefront of the battle are the Haida , widely acknowledged as one of the region's most advanced aboriginal groups, who have made the islands their home for over 10,000 years . Their culture, and in particular the chance to visit their many deserted villages , form an increasing part of the islands' attraction, but many people also come here to sample the immensely rich flora and fauna , a natural profusion that's earned them the title of the "Canadian Galapagos". The Haida Gwaii were one of only two areas in western Canada to escape the last Ice Age, which elsewhere altered the evolutionary progress, and which has resulted in the survival of many so-called relic species . Species unique to the islands include a fine yellow daisy, the world's largest black bears , and subspecies of pine marten, deer mouse, hairy woodpecker, saw-whet owl and Stellar's jay. There are also more eagles here than anywhere else in the region, as well as the world's largest population of Peale's peregrine falcons and the elusive black-footed albatross - whose wingspan exceeds that of the largest eagles. Fish, too, are immensely plentiful, and there's a good chance of spotting whales, otters, sea lions and other aquatic mammals.
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