MANAGING VISITOR USE. Provide opportunities for visitors to have a safe and enjoyable experience without compromising the ecological and social carrying capacities of Gwaii Haanas.
MANAGING VISITOR USE. CURRENT SITUATION In 1995 approximately 2850 people spent a total of 12,300 nights in Gwaii Haanas. This exceeds the combined backcountry visitor nights for Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks. About half these visitors were from British Columbia. The remainder came, in almost equal numbers, from overseas, Alberta, other parts of Canada, and the United States. Most visited in July and August. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in the number of day users. Visitors express a clear interest in wilderness experiences and learning about Haida culture. Independent visitors must make a reservation and then register at the Gwaii Haanas Queen Charlotte office or the Visitor Reception centres in Sandspit and Queen Charlotte. Tour operators register the guests who travel with them into the protected area. Most visitors enter the area by float plane, sailboat, and motor boat, and travel in Gwaii Haanas primarily in kayaks. Although random camping is recommended, popular sites receive a majority of use. Similarly, trails have evolved, and many hikers use these trails rather than seeking an untrodden route. Most people tend to visit a small number of high profile locations. Visible signs of deterioration, in the form of trampled vegetation, erosion and incised trails, are starting to appear at some of the popular locations. WORK TO DATE A visitor survey was conducted in 1991. Another survey was conducted over the winter of 1994/
