Haida Gwaii Is Far Out!
by Berry Wijdeven
by Berry Wijdeven
![Haida Gwaii - Alliford Bay](/uploads/1/2/6/9/126967338/editor/fo-2.jpg?1566244591)
Standing on Haida Gwaii’s East Beach, you can see the mid-coast islands shimmering on the horizon. Most days, however, looking out over the vast ocean, all you see is water. Nothing but water. It’s on those days you realize, once again, that Haida Gwaii is far out.
One of the questions I’m asked most often by visitors to Haida Gwaii is “why do you live here”? Sure, they get the thrill of being surrounded by the spectacular natural setting, they might even get a feel for the sense of community that islanders share. But there’s always this concern about the distance to the mainland, the remoteness from the city. Sure we are isolated. Isn’t it great?
One of the questions I’m asked most often by visitors to Haida Gwaii is “why do you live here”? Sure, they get the thrill of being surrounded by the spectacular natural setting, they might even get a feel for the sense of community that islanders share. But there’s always this concern about the distance to the mainland, the remoteness from the city. Sure we are isolated. Isn’t it great?
![Haida Gwaii - Creek](/uploads/1/2/6/9/126967338/editor/fo-3.jpg?1566244721)
OK, there are downsides to living so far away from everywhere. Fresh fruit is a bit of an oxymoron, unless the salmonberries and wild strawberries are out. Movies, by the time we get to see them, tend to be 6 months old (At least that gives you a chance to sift through the reviews and weed out the duds). Travel to visit family and friends is pricey and, during the grey winter, getting to some sun is cumbersome. That’s about it.
But, oh, the upsides.
Ancient forests so majestic they make you sit down in awe. Miles and miles of unspoiled beaches you have to share with no one. Room to breathe. Room to be who you should be.
Sure, we know, or think we know just about everything about everybody in town, yet we are strangely free of many of the social pressures of the mainland. Friends and neighbours are there when you need them, but in day to day life they generally let you be.
But, oh, the upsides.
Ancient forests so majestic they make you sit down in awe. Miles and miles of unspoiled beaches you have to share with no one. Room to breathe. Room to be who you should be.
Sure, we know, or think we know just about everything about everybody in town, yet we are strangely free of many of the social pressures of the mainland. Friends and neighbours are there when you need them, but in day to day life they generally let you be.
![Haida Gwaii - Rennell Sound](/uploads/1/2/6/9/126967338/fo-4_orig.jpg)
And, most importantly, we don’t get caught up in the hype. When a crisis or major event hits the global media, Haida Gwaii is partly insulated from the inevitable drama, the mass identification with the event. It’s not that we don’t care, it’s just that without the relentless exposure the rest of the world must endure, we are given the opportunity to keep things somewhat in perspective. Absorb less of the inevitable stress. Time for that walk on the beach.