Banks heads for Washington state, the US’s most recognized destination for shipwreck tourist activity. The annual number of shipwrecks to scuba dive is nearly 1,000. Along with the thriving pastime, a wealth of flora and fauna has been attributed to the area where Banks Island stands.
This mini-island situated off the coast of Washington state is the last remnant of the ancient Tatoosh Island that existed during the last ice age. The warmth in this part of Washington state makes it an ideal place to see creatures like whales, sea lions, and porpoises.
Contents
All Discussion Of Banks Island Of North America
History
The Banks Island of North America is the last remnant of ancient Tatoosh Island that existed during the last ice age. The island was named after Sir Joseph Banks, a British Royal Navy officer and botanist credited with introducing plants from all over the world to Britain, including Robert Raymence’s tea tree.
During Captain James Colnett’s 1822-1824 voyage round Cape Horn aboard HMS Beagle, he was extremely intrigued by the many lush marshes of Banks Island in Nootka Sound and named it after his former military commander, Sir Joseph Banks. Other than a collection of islands that were several miles long and ten to twelve feet high – some at least 200 years old- little else is associated with this part of the Pacific Northwest coast in Washington state.
A British naval officer stationed on Vancouver Island, Colnett joined John Meares in 1791 onboard the Two Brothers. The following year, they were both sent to Prince William Sound by Lewis and Clark on a two-year expedition that left St. Louis with 349 men (92 died). Meares returned home with more than 26 Chinese slaves named Yápíchán who had been captured during the Treaty of Nanjing conducted in his absence.
A month later Colnett also sailed back to China where he received many gifts and honors from the Chinese court. Onboard the Beagle, he discovered a large frozen river which was actually what is now known as Deception Pass on Gardner Island (part of Alaska) and found two important natural ports for whaling operations in May 1825….archeological evidence shows that this occurred around 2500 B.C…The bank where these events took place still exists today (2013).
Climate
Averages for Banks Island are: Average high: in the mid-30s F (~1.0 C) Average low : in the lower 20s F (~ -2.0 to 0.4 C) Annual precipitation: about 60 inches (152 cm), most of which falls between November and March. In this period, days can be exceptionally dry. An average of 7 inches (19 cm) or more falls per month on Banks Island between November and April.
In contrast, the greater area around Nootka Sound experiences mild winters with temperatures generally below freezing. Although very wet when compared to many other islands in the Pacific Northwest region, precipitation is fairly well distributed throughout the year here too:
On average only 1/3rd of winter, precipitation falls in December, January, and February. In contrast to Banks Island, annual precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year at Nootka Sound: about 4-8 inches every month between May and October (2013) (site not maintained).
Culture
It is thought that the Banks tribes of Native Americans migrated from Alaska to this area about 1000 A.D. The first European explorer, George Vancouver, sighted Banks Island in 1792 and named it for Sir Joseph Banks, President of the Royal Society who founded his expedition (2013).
Today, the Nuu-chah-nulth people live year-round near Victoria on Vancouver Island and south at Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island.
Economy
The majority of the island’s economy is based on forestry and fishing. Banks Island has one of the world’s densest forest cover per capita (2013). The island’s primary forest zone is contained in the “Rainbow Basin”, a narrow, volcanic valley with an elevation of 1,000 feet and lots of rainfall.
The Banks Island Forest Products Association represents over 20 different companies that mill timber into lumber or pulp. In 2013 salmon fishing was $3 million while fur-trapping brought $1.5 million to the economy (2013).
Politics
There is one representative in the Canadian Parliament from British Columbia’s riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands. The island has no representation in the provincial legislature.
The Bank of Nootka Straight is a tidal strait located between Vancouver Island and Banks Island, separating British Columbia’s northern shore from its southern coast. A network of trails connects communities on each side throughout the Strait Area Provincial Park (2013). The 158-mile long volcanic seamount features over 80 caves (2013) including “Cameron Cave”, Labrador limestone created 10,000 years ago.
Government Services
As of 2009, the only forms of government services provided in Haida Gwaii are health care and education. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is responsible for law enforcement on the islands as well as provincial border security.
Tourism
Banks Island of North America is an isolated and wild paradise rich in natural history. This picturesque island offers visitors a wide variety of activities including hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. Herring, salmon, and chum are the main sources of food; settlers used cod to supplement their diets.
The Hudson Bay Company established a trading post at Queen Charlotte City in 1827 but discontinued it 45 years later due to low demand for fur-trapping supplies (2013). Between 1850 and 1870 over 15 men from America went with whaling ships north on Great Bear Lake eighty times creating the runestone inscribed “The Man Who Proves Himself “.
Transport
Haida Gwaii is connected to the mainland of Canada by ferry services. Hwy 97 runs along the northwestern coast of Banks Island, connecting regional centers on Haida Gwaii including Port Hardy and Campbell River with Whistler, Vancouver, and other major Canadian cities. Rail service to Haida Gwaii towns is provided by CN and the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Cuisine
Traditional Haida dishes include smoked and dried fish, sea urchin, clams, brown bear meat, and caribou. Haida Gwaii’s specialties are Queen Charlotte shrimp and Hoaryfish, a sponge-like dish that is rich in nutrients.
It may be prepared outside on large platforms or inside using natural hearths. Squawkers are small flat stones from South America used to grind long tough fish (iron steak); Haida also uses the rocks for grinding tobacco roots during ceremonies and as pest control with proven success; other materials include sandal wood root, lignite, wild black elderberry, and spruce roots.
Copper kettles are widely used for boiling shellfish and fish (2013). The jars usually have designs that represent complex events with sexuality as a common theme. Linguistic studies suggest Haida is the only indigenous North American language without noun gender or pronominal marking of any kind (2010).
Conclusion
If you’re planning a coastal destination for your next summer vacation, be sure to add Banks Island in Canada to the list of places you think about. This island is located on the west coast of British Columbia and extends along the Strait of Georgia.
Besides its picturesque scenery, Banks Island is also known as a bird haven as it houses a staggering number of breeding pairs of waterfowls and shorebirds. Located in the archipelago in the most idyllic spots, you will have a feeling of tranquility when you stay here.
FAQs:
1.Does Anybody Live On Banks Island?
Ans. No, the island is a nature reserve and all visitors are required to abide by park regulations.
2.What Is Banks Island Known For?
Ans. The main attraction on Banks Island is its birdlife. It’s home to a staggering number of breeding pairs of waterfowls and shorebirds, making it one of the most important places in the Pacific North West for avian enthusiasts.
3.What Are Some Other Things That Can Be Found On Banks Island?
Ans. Apart from birds, another popular activity in and around the island is hiking. There are plenty of trails to explore that will take you through lush forests, around hills, and to nearby lakes where you can relax by the water or spot some endangered species as they shore along.
4.What Are Banks Island Car Rental Policies?
Ans. All cars must be parked in designated parking areas although there aren’t any daily restrictions on vehicle access during particular times of day; shared shuttle buses transport visitors between their accommodation sites, unique rock formations, and bird watching viewpoints for those who wish not to walk (2006).
5.What Country Is Banks Island In?
Ans. Banks Island is located in British Columbia, Canada.
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