B.C. park selected as finalist for National Geographic travel award

GWAII HAANAS, B.C. – A national park at the southern edge of British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii archipelago is in the running for a National Geographic travel award.

Gwaii Haanas (HA’-nas) has been selected in partnership witha tourism trade show in Berlin as one of three finalists for a World Legacy Award in a category called Sense of Place.

The award recognizes protection of historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural events, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.

A news release says more than 150 entries from 56 countries were received and that finalists in five categories were selected by an international team of 18 judges who are experts in sustainable travel.

Gwaii Haanas superintendent Ernie Gladstone says temperate rainforests, abundant sea life and cultural treasures such as totem poles offer a glimpse of the Haida way of life and make the park unique.

The other finalists in the Sense of Place category are Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland and Cavallo Point Lodge in California, and the winner will be announced in Berlin next March.