Lost Islands in North America

Covered with forests wrapped in mist, corners dominated by magical totems, nature in its purest state, pirate stories and even an island that has become the most sinister prison in the world… today many of these North American corners are exotic tourist destinations, more or less unknown, where to discover the charm of the insularity.

The wild sophistication of the West Coast: Vancouver Island (Canada). Larger than Belgium, Vancouver Island feels like a small country covered in forests. This corner of British Columbia, with its stunning natural surroundings, snow-capped peaks and waterfalls, can seem like a place straight out of fiction. Along its wave-washed north and west coasts, there are no roads for hundreds of miles and can only be reached by boat or seaplane. And compared to these immense solitudes, in the south its most refined face is shown: neo-Gothic castles, English-style gardens in the city of Victoria or small towns that cling to the rocks of the coast and a green interior dotted with farm fields. and warehouses. Essentials: the Vancouver Island Trail, an epic 770 kilometer route connecting Victoria to Cape Scott; Tofino, the small and undisputed Canadian capital of surfing; or Craigdarroch Castle, a mansion in Victoria with turreted turrets and a palatial interior that appears to have been teleported from the Scottish Highlands. It also enters the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with spectacular beaches and mist-shrouded forests that are a perfect getaway to nature.

The wild sophistication of the West Coast: Vancouver Island (Canada). Larger than Belgium, Vancouver Island feels like a small country covered in forests. This corner of British Columbia, with its stunning natural surroundings, snow-capped peaks and waterfalls, can seem like a place straight out of fiction. Along its wave-washed north and west coasts, there are no roads for hundreds of miles and can only be reached by boat or seaplane. And compared to these immense solitudes, in the south its most refined face is shown: neo-Gothic castles, English-style gardens in the city of Victoria or small towns that cling to the rocks of the coast and a green interior dotted with farm fields. and warehouses. Essentials: the Vancouver Island Trail, an epic 770 kilometer route connecting Victoria to Cape Scott; Tofino, the small and undisputed Canadian capital of surfing; or Craigdarroch Castle, a mansion in Victoria with turreted turrets and a palatial interior that appears to have been teleported from the Scottish Highlands. It also enters the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with spectacular beaches and mist-shrouded forests that are a perfect getaway to nature. Alamy Stock Photos with spectacular beaches and mist-shrouded forests that are a perfect getaway to nature. Alamy Stock Photos with spectacular beaches and mist-shrouded forests that are a perfect getaway to nature. Alamy Stock Photos

Totem poles, whales and cedar forests in Haida Gwaii (Canada). This archipelago off Canada's Pacific coast was formerly known as the "Queen Charlotte Islands." About 50 miles off the coast of British Columbia, they can be the target of a magical journey: tall firs and cedars envelop the rugged, waterlogged landscape while bald eagles and bears populate the forest and sea lions and orcas patrol its waters. Its true essence is in the Haida people, famous for their war canoes and for their carved wooden totem poles that dot the island. All this can be seen in the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve: remote Haida villages, burial caves and hot springs that can be discovered by kayaking in what is one of the best experiences in North America. Essential: a visit to this reserve, home to indigenous peoples, with virgin forests and abundant wildlife. The Golden Spruce Trail is a magical path that leads through a mossy forest of spruce and red cedar to the Yakoun River. To get to know the Haida people and their heritage, you can go to K'uuna Llnagaay; And to see beautiful beaches and mystical swamps, there is the Naikoon Provincial Park. Kayaking is almost a must and so are whale watching excursions, for example from the Haida village of Rooney Bay. And to see beautiful beaches and mystical swamps, there is the Naikoon Provincial Park. Kayaking is almost a must and so are whale watching excursions, for example from the Haida village of Rooney Bay. And to see beautiful beaches and mystical swamps, there is the Naikoon Provincial Park. Kayaking is almost a must and so are whale watching excursions, for example from the Haida village of Rooney Bay.

Totem poles, whales and cedar forests in Haida Gwaii (Canada).

This archipelago off Canada’s Pacific coast was formerly known as the “Queen Charlotte Islands.” About 50 miles off the coast of British Columbia, they can be the target of a magical journey: tall firs and cedars envelop the rugged, waterlogged landscape while bald eagles and bears populate the forest and sea lions and orcas patrol its waters. Its true essence is in the Haida people, famous for their war canoes and for their carved wooden totem poles that dot the island. All this can be seen in the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve: remote Haida villages, burial caves and hot springs that can be discovered by kayaking in what is one of the best experiences in North America. Essential: a visit to this reserve, home to indigenous peoples, with virgin forests and abundant wildlife. The Golden Spruce Trail is a magical path that leads through a mossy forest of spruce and red cedar to the Yakoun River. To get to know the Haida people and their heritage, you can go to K’uuna Llnagaay; And to see beautiful beaches and mystical swamps, there is the Naikoon Provincial Park. Kayaking is almost a must and so are whale watching excursions, for example from the Haida village of Rooney Bay. Alamy Stock Photos uuna Llnagaay; And to see beautiful beaches and mystical swamps, there is the Naikoon Provincial Park. Kayaking is almost a must and so are whale watching excursions, for example from the Haida village of Rooney Bay. Alamy Stock Photos uuna Llnagaay; And to see beautiful beaches and mystical swamps, there is the Naikoon Provincial Park. Kayaking is almost a must and so are whale watching excursions, for example from the Haida village of Rooney Bay. Alamy Stock Photos

The wildlife of the Pacific coast: San Juan Island (Washington State, USA). Forest-clad hills, fertile farmlands and waters teeming with marine life form the backdrop to San Juan Island, a nearly perfect microcosm of the Pacific Northwest in close proximity to Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia. Even before reaching the mainland, its charm can be discovered in the aquamarine waters where the ferries glide between islets with rugged coastlines, covered by large forests. On this island, one of hundreds of hundreds off the coast of Washington State, bald eagles will fly overhead as we watch killer whales glide and leap in the waters of the so-called Whale Watch Park. Only 6,000 residents live on the island throughout the year, but there is no shortage of restaurants, wineries and an interesting artistic life. Not to be missed are, for example, the Lime Kiln Point State Park, with trails, a photogenic lighthouse and viewpoints to watch orcas and humpback whales. Or the national historical park, where the fortifications that the British and American armies left in the 19th century during the so-called Pig War are shown. There are also vineyards and wineries that produce unusual varieties of wine, or an interactive Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. where the fortifications that the British and American armies left in the 19th century during the so-called War of the Pigs are shown. There are also vineyards and wineries that produce unusual varieties of wine, or an interactive Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. where the fortifications that the British and American armies left in the 19th century during the so-called War of the Pigs are shown. There are also vineyards and wineries that produce unusual varieties of wine, or an interactive Whale Museum in Friday Harbor.

The wildlife of the Pacific coast: San Juan Island (Washington State, USA). Forest-clad hills, fertile farmlands and waters teeming with marine life form the backdrop to San Juan Island, a nearly perfect microcosm of the Pacific Northwest in close proximity to Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia. Even before reaching the mainland, its charm can be discovered in the aquamarine waters where the ferries glide between islets with rugged coastlines, covered by large forests. On this island, one of hundreds of hundreds off the coast of Washington State, bald eagles will fly overhead as we watch killer whales glide and leap in the waters of the so-called Whale Watch Park. Only 6,000 residents live on the island throughout the year, but there is no shortage of restaurants, wineries and an interesting artistic life. Not to be missed are, for example, the Lime Kiln Point State Park, with trails, a photogenic lighthouse and viewpoints to watch orcas and humpback whales. Or the national historical park, where the fortifications that the British and American armies left in the 19th century during the so-called Pig War are shown. There are also vineyards and wineries that produce unusual varieties of wine, or an interactive Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. Jeff Foott (Getty Images) where the fortifications that the British and American armies left in the 19th century during the so-called War of the Pigs are shown. There are also vineyards and wineries that produce unusual varieties of wine, or an interactive Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. Jeff Foott (Getty Images) where the fortifications that the British and American armies left in the 19th century during the so-called War of the Pigs are shown. There are also vineyards and wineries that produce unusual varieties of wine, or an interactive Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. Jeff Foott (Getty Images)

A very cinematographic prison island: Alcatraz (San Francisco, USA). His name alone was enough to cause panic among America's toughest criminals when they faced justice. For almost 30 years, Alcatraz, on the San Francisco Bay, was one of the most infamous federal penitentiaries in the United States. Notorious bank robbers, murderers and gangsters, including Al Capone, served time in the concrete cell blocks, shrouded in a cold mist that covers the island like a shroud. Today the prison, very well preserved, is a museum that shows what life was like for the prisoners, the directors, guards and their families, who also lived on the island. It can be explored with an audio guide that offers first-person accounts of daily life on the island, based on interviews with prisoners and with prison officials. On clear days, views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline complete the ghoulish appeal of your visit. There is also room for nature: the Agave Trail, a path through the south of the island, allows you to walk past the dense agave forests that cover Alcatraz to look for seabirds.

A very cinematographic prison island: Alcatraz (San Francisco, USA).

His name alone was enough to cause panic among America’s toughest criminals when they faced justice. For almost 30 years, Alcatraz, on the San Francisco Bay, was one of the most infamous federal penitentiaries in the United States. Notorious bank robbers, murderers and gangsters, including Al Capone, served time in the concrete cell blocks, shrouded in a cold mist that covers the island like a shroud. Today the prison, very well preserved, is a museum that shows what life was like for the prisoners, the directors, guards and their families, who also lived on the island. It can be explored with an audio guide that offers first-person accounts of daily life on the island, based on interviews with prisoners and with prison officials. On clear days, views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline complete the ghoulish appeal of your visit. There is also room for nature: the Agave Trail, a path through the south of the island, allows you to walk past the dense agave forests that cover Alcatraz to look for seabirds. Scott Strazzante (San Francisco Chronicle via Gett)

The Northern Galapagos: Channel Islands National Park (California, USA). Nicknamed the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands National Park can boast an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, including some 150 species found nowhere else on Earth. Volcanic activity formed this mountainous archipelago off the coast of Southern California that was never attached to the American continent. Although in other times there were some indigenous communities, today these islands are uninhabited and are an extraordinary opportunity to reconnect with primitive nature. You can hike, kayak, scuba dive or camp amidst a wild and unparalleled and surprisingly diverse landscape. There are camps to spend the night and essential walks, such as the one that leads to Point Bennet, about 25 kilometers that lead to an amazing viewpoint where you can see thousands of seals and sea lions. On the coast we will find calm places like Scorpion Bay, ideal for kayaking over crystal clear waters backed by imposing cliffs in Santa Cruz. And on the smallest of the islands, Santa Barbara, nature lovers will delight in bright yellow flowers, bird watching and giant northern elephant seals. ideal for kayaking over crystal clear waters backed by towering cliffs in Santa Cruz. And on the smallest of the islands, Santa Barbara, nature lovers will delight in bright yellow flowers, bird watching and giant northern elephant seals. ideal for kayaking over crystal clear waters backed by towering cliffs in Santa Cruz. And on the smallest of the islands, Santa Barbara, nature lovers will delight in bright yellow flowers, bird watching and giant northern elephant seals.

The Northern Galapagos: Channel Islands National Park (California, USA). Nicknamed the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands National Park can boast an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, including some 150 species found nowhere else on Earth. Volcanic activity formed this mountainous archipelago off the coast of Southern California that was never attached to the American continent. Although in other times there were some indigenous communities, today these islands are uninhabited and are an extraordinary opportunity to reconnect with primitive nature. You can hike, kayak, scuba dive or camp amidst a wild and unparalleled and surprisingly diverse landscape. There are camps to spend the night and essential walks, such as the one that leads to Point Bennet, about 25 kilometers that lead to an amazing viewpoint where you can see thousands of seals and sea lions. On the coast we will find calm places like Scorpion Bay, ideal for kayaking over crystal clear waters backed by imposing cliffs in Santa Cruz. And on the smallest of the islands, Santa Barbara, nature lovers will delight in bright yellow flowers, bird watching and giant northern elephant seals. Cindy Robinson (Getty Images) ideal for kayaking over crystal clear waters backed by towering cliffs in Santa Cruz. And on the smallest of the islands, Santa Barbara, nature lovers will delight in bright yellow flowers, bird watching and giant northern elephant seals. Cindy Robinson (Getty Images) ideal for kayaking over crystal clear waters backed by towering cliffs in Santa Cruz. And on the smallest of the islands, Santa Barbara, nature lovers will delight in bright yellow flowers, bird watching and giant northern elephant seals. Cindy Robinson (Getty Images)

The return of the wild nature: Isle Royale (Lake Superior, Michigan, USA). This island in the Great Lakes, between the United States and Canada, has never been a lonely island. Copper mining by Native Americans for centuries was followed by commercial fishing and the construction of summer resorts for wealthy Chicago families. Despite this, the remote island, tucked away in the northwestern corner of Lake Superior, retains its wild beauty thanks in large part to conservationists who helped make Isle Royale a national park in April 1940. The dense forests and return of wildlife serve as powerful symbols of nature's rejuvenation. Lumberjacks and golfers have been replaced by moose, beavers and the elusive wolf, along with some 150 species of birds. Today, about 99% of its territory is classified as a wilderness area, with more than 270 kilometers of trails and seemingly endless coastlines that attract hikers and kayakers eager to experience its charm. Magical are for example the port of Tobin, where you can see elk on a lucky day. We can also dive in the waters that surround the island, among major shipwrecks, or go hiking along the Greenstone Ridge (64 kilometers) on the spine of the island, with magnificent views of Lake Superior Magical are for example the port of Tobin, where we can spy moose on a lucky day. We can also dive in the waters that surround the island, among major shipwrecks,

The return of the wild nature: Isle Royale (Lake Superior, Michigan, USA). This island in the Great Lakes, between the United States and Canada, has never been a lonely island. Copper mining by Native Americans for centuries was followed by commercial fishing and the construction of summer resorts for wealthy Chicago families. Despite this, the remote island, tucked away in the northwestern corner of Lake Superior, retains its wild beauty thanks in large part to conservationists who helped make Isle Royale a national park in April 1940. The dense forests and return of wildlife serve as powerful symbols of nature’s rejuvenation. Lumberjacks and golfers have been replaced by moose, beavers and the elusive wolf, along with some 150 species of birds. Today, about 99% of its territory is classified as a wilderness area, with more than 270 kilometers of trails and seemingly endless coastlines that attract hikers and kayakers eager to experience its charm. Magical are for example the port of Tobin, where you can see elk on a lucky day. We can also dive in the waters that surround the island, among major shipwrecks, or go hiking along the Greenstone Ridge (64 kilometers) on the spine of the island, with magnificent views of Lake Superior Magical are for example the port of Tobin, where we can spy moose on a lucky day. We can also dive in the waters that surround the island, among major shipwrecks, or go hiking on Greenstone Ridge (40 miles) on the spine of the island, with magnificent views of Lake Superior. Alamy Stock Photos

Artisan food on an island in Quebec (Canada). The Hurons, the Indian people who inhabited the area, knew this island as Minigo (which means

Artisan food on an island in Quebec (Canada). The Hurons, the Indian people who inhabited the area, knew this island as Minigo (meaning “enchantress”). When the 16th-century explorer Jacques Cartier first visited it, he named it Isle de Bacchus (Island of Bacchus) because wild grapes grew in abundance. Though its name has changed many times over the centuries, this fertile island downriver from present-day Quebec City has always held its own. Sparsely populated today, Île d’Orléans draws from its past and sits at the epicenter of Québec’s craft and artisan food movement. The island also has a rich historical heritage, with some manor houses and churches dating back over 300 years. It is essential to approach St-François, a wooden observation tower near the north end of the island, offering views of the St. Lawrence River and the mountains beyond. In winter, you can traverse the snow-covered forest on a dog sled and all year round enjoy local produce, such as cider and vegetables from the Cidrerie Bilodeau, or exquisite French dishes with local ingredients at the Moulin de St. -Laurent, a renovated 19th century flour mill on the edge of a waterfall. Alamy Stock Photos or exquisite French dishes with local ingredients at the Moulin de St-Laurent, a converted 19th-century flour mill on the edge of a waterfall. Alamy Stock Photos or exquisite French dishes with local ingredients at the Moulin de St-Laurent, a converted 19th-century flour mill on the edge of a waterfall. Alamy Stock Photos

One of pirates. Ocrakoke (North Carolina, USA). The story of Ocracoke sounds almost like a fairy tale. Blackbeard and other pirates used to hide in coves around this long, slender island off the coast of North Carolina, waiting to ambush unsuspecting ships. Wild ponies brought in by shipwrecked explorers in the 17th century shared space with outlaws, and their descendants still graze amidst some of the best views on the island. Meanwhile, the Ocracoke Islanders developed a unique accent that stays true to its roots as a 17th-century British dialect. Today, it is not difficult to immerse yourself in the original past of the island. For example, seeing the ponies descended from the originals that live near the beach,

One of pirates. Ocrakoke (North Carolina, USA). The story of Ocracoke sounds almost like a fairy tale. Blackbeard and other pirates used to hide in coves around this long, slender island off the coast of North Carolina, waiting to ambush unsuspecting ships. Wild ponies brought in by shipwrecked explorers in the 17th century shared space with outlaws, and their descendants still graze amidst some of the best views on the island. Meanwhile, the Ocracoke Islanders developed a unique accent that stays true to its roots as a 17th-century British dialect. Today, it is not difficult to immerse yourself in the original past of the island. For example, seeing the ponies descended from the originals that live near the beach, seeing pirate memorabilia in a museum or listening to the accent of the elderly Hoi Toiders (named for the islanders’ pronunciation of “high tide”) spoken on the street. But in Ocracoke you can also go to one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, watch dolphins or kayak along the coast at sunset. It is essential to go to the Ocracoke Lighthouse, one of its most photogenic corners or go to the Coyote Music Den, in the typical wooden plank house, next to the water, a small place run by musicians with a good programming of folk, rock, blues and jazz. Alamy Stock Photos watch dolphins or kayak along the coast at sunset. It is essential to go to the Ocracoke Lighthouse, one of its most photogenic corners or go to the Coyote Music Den, in the typical wooden plank house, next to the water, a small place run by musicians with a good programming of folk, rock, blues and jazz. Alamy Stock Photos watch dolphins or kayak along the coast at sunset. It is essential to go to the Ocracoke Lighthouse, one of its most photogenic corners or go to the Coyote Music Den, in the typical wooden plank house, next to the water, a small place run by musicians with a good programming of folk, rock, blues and jazz. Alamy Stock Photos

An island surrounded by salt Antelope Island (Utah, USA). At first glance, the Great Salt Lake seems like an unlikely setting for wildlife. Surrounded by arid desert, this American lake overlooking northern Utah is so high in salinity that it may support little life other than brine shrimp and algae. And yet, even here, life finds a way to flourish. Going further into the lake, on Antelope Island there are dozens of freshwater springs around which huge animals such as bison, deer and bighorn lambs live, as well as pronghorn antelope, the fastest land mammal in the Western Hemisphere. Fully protected as a state park, this island is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding on about 70 km of trails. You can also sleep under the stars and see remnants of the old Wild West, for example at the Fielding Garr Ranch. In the north of the island, in Bridger Bay, a long beach will allow us to take a dip in the Great Salt Lake. And for good views, just follow Frary Peak, an 7-mile round-trip trail that leads to the highest point on Antelope, with 360-degree views of the lake and other islands.

An island surrounded by salt Antelope Island (Utah, USA). At first glance, the Great Salt Lake seems like an unlikely setting for wildlife. Surrounded by arid desert, this American lake overlooking northern Utah is so high in salinity that it may support little life other than brine shrimp and algae. And yet, even here, life finds a way to flourish. Going further into the lake, on Antelope Island there are dozens of freshwater springs around which huge animals such as bison, deer and bighorn lambs live, as well as pronghorn antelope, the fastest land mammal in the Western Hemisphere. Fully protected as a state park, this island is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding on about 70 km of trails. You can also sleep under the stars and see remnants of the old Wild West, for example at the Fielding Garr Ranch. In the north of the island, in Bridger Bay, a long beach will allow us to take a dip in the Great Salt Lake. And for good views, just follow Frary Peak, an 7-mile round-trip trail that leads to the highest point on Antelope, with 360-degree views of the lake and other islands. Jessica Peterson (Getty Images/Tetra images RF) we just have to follow Frary Peak, an 11 km round trip trail that leads to the highest point of Antelope, with 360 degree views of the lake and other islands. Jessica Peterson (Getty Images/Tetra images RF) we just have to follow Frary Peak, an 11 km round trip trail that leads to the highest point of Antelope, with 360 degree views of the lake and other islands. Jessica Peterson (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

The island of the great bears (Alaska). Giants still roam the Earth on Kodiak Island. About 50 km off the coast of Alaska, a large island known to the native people, the Alutiq, as Sun'aq is still home to some 3,500 Kodiak bears. Even larger than grizzlies, these bears can weigh up to 680kg and can be up to 3m tall. Spying on one of the largest carnivores in the world is one of the great attractions of this spectacular island. Although there are some spots where progress is seen, such as Alaska's largest fishing port, what dominates is a wilderness wilderness that encompasses high peaks, dense spruce forests, windswept grasslands and tundra where caribou graze to their heart's content. . Getting here is a big part of the adventure because it can only be reached by taking the slow scenic ferry from Homer or flying over the glacier-clad Kenai Mountains from Anchorage. Brown bears can be seen, for example, at the remote Kodiak Brown Bear Lodge, owned by the Alutiiq people, or at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, a huge preserve that covers the southern two-thirds of Kodiak and is rich in wildlife. : from large bears to about 200 species of birds. At the Alutiq Museum we will be able to understand the native heritage of Alaska, from the petroglyphs of more than a thousand years ago, to the ceremonial dances. And hikers can enjoy the Termination An trail: eight kilometers round trip that takes you to the edge of a spectacular peninsula,

The island of the great bears (Alaska). Giants still roam the Earth on Kodiak Island. About 50 km off the coast of Alaska, a large island known to the native people, the Alutiq, as Sun’aq is still home to some 3,500 Kodiak bears. Even larger than grizzlies, these bears can weigh up to 680kg and can be up to 3m tall. Spying on one of the largest carnivores in the world is one of the great attractions of this spectacular island. Although there are some spots where progress is seen, such as Alaska’s largest fishing port, what dominates is a wilderness wilderness that encompasses high peaks, dense spruce forests, windswept grasslands and tundra where caribou graze to their heart’s content. . Getting here is a big part of the adventure because it can only be reached by taking the slow scenic ferry from Homer or flying over the glacier-clad Kenai Mountains from Anchorage. Brown bears can be seen, for example, at the remote Kodiak Brown Bear Lodge, owned by the Alutiiq people, or at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, a huge preserve that covers the southern two-thirds of Kodiak and is rich in wildlife. : from large bears to about 200 species of birds. At the Alutiq Museum we will be able to understand the native heritage of Alaska, from the petroglyphs of more than a thousand years ago, to the ceremonial dances. And hikers can enjoy the Termination An trail: eight kilometers round trip that takes you to the edge of a spectacular peninsula, entering the strait known as Narrow Strait. 

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