Sixty miles off the coast of northern British Columbia, a group of islands emerge from the ocean mist like something out of a marvelous dream. Haida Gwaii, or the Queen Charlotte Islands, have often been referred to as Canada’s Galapagos Islands, and for good reason. They boast an amazing biodiversity, including moss-draped old-growth sitka spruce, hemlock, and cedar forests, one quarter of British Columbia’s nesting sea birds, one third of its peregrine falcons, a host of marine mammals such as whales and sea lions, and some flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world.
They also contain a rich cultural legacy that dates back thousands of years and has warranted designation as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, called “place of wonder” by the Haida First Nation, is the home of an ancient Haida village called Ninstints. Surrounded by towering old-growth forests, its weathered and listing totem poles facing out to the sea, Ninstints is like a world forgotten by time.
These islands are an isolated archipelago, difficult to reach and rarely visited. Access is possible only by boat or charter float plane. To get ashore participants step down into a large inflatable boat, and then step out onto the beach or rocks. We will walk beaches that may have seen no other footprints this year and look for Japanese glass fishing floats that might have washed ashore. We will anchor in secluded bays and expect to see few other people as we explore this remarkable wilderness area.
On each trip, we plan to visit specific sites from among the many highlights. We do visit the old Haida village of SGaang Gwaii (the UN World Heritage Site) and Hotsprings Island on every trip, and otherwise, which sites we visit changes trip to trip. Each day brings a variety of new adventures; several shore excursions, and each night, a different quiet and secluded anchorage. The daily itinerary and choice of stops is intentionally flexible to meet group interests, weather patterns, any management restrictions, and of course, wildlife sightings. In fact, no two trips are alike. This sample itinerary describe typical trips. Activities, however, may occur in a different order or be substituted by suitable alternatives. Wildlife is wild life and may not necessarily conform to our schedules.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet at the Sandspit Airport, in the Queen Charlotte Islands following breakfast and overnight accommodation provided at a local hotel. Air Canada services Sandspit with daily flights from Vancouver International Airport. Our guide and naturalist will meet you at the Arrivals area. We start by traveling by charter van to visit the new $26 million Haida Heritage Center and the Haida Gwaii Museum in Skidegate, including six new totem poles and a carving center. Lunch is traditional Haida cuisine hosted by a Skidegate Haida family. Late afternoon, we travel by ferry to Moresby Island and a one-hour drive along logging roads to Moresby Camp. Here we board the 70’ “Island Roamer" alongside. Guests are assigned cabins and will receive an introduction and safety orientation before dinner.
Days 2–8: Over the next 7 days our naturalist and crew will point out wildlife, help participants identify different species and lead some fascinating talks on the history, flora and fauna of this wonderful area. We will go ashore daily to visit old Haida villages, walk “old-growth” forests and explore the low-tide shoreline. We will have excellent chances to see humpback whales, orcas, the Queen Charlotte Islands black bear, and numerous species of birds, including bald eagles, puffins and peregrine falcons.
Specific highlights planned include:
- Tanu, the old Haida village where famous Haida artist, Bill Reid has his headstone.
- Burnaby Narrows, where we will use the two zodiac boats and sea kayaks to float above a garden of colorful starfish, anemones and urchins just below the surface.
- Rose Harbour, the site of one of Canada’s last whaling stations.
- UN World Heritage Site of Ninstints. This old, unoccupied Haida village holds the largest number of original, standing totem poles anywhere on the coast.
- Ikeda Cove, the remains of a Japanese hand mining operation.
- Hot Springs Island, for a soak in the natural mineral pools with a view of the San Cristoval Mountains.
- Windswept Skedans (Koona), once a major Haida village where now the totems are starting to fall.
Day 8: Mid-morning departure at Moresby Camp. The charter bus will meet participants and return them to the Sandspit Airport to catch afternoon flights back to Vancouver.
Notes:
- Passengers will require a valid passport when crossing the US/CDN border for all trips.
- We ask you to bring a sleeping bag, as there are no facilities for laundry on board. If you are taking a trip in the Spring or Fall a warm sleeping bag is recommended.
- Rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear. Rubber boots should be comfortable. Knee high boots will ensure dry feet. Expect daily use stepping ashore from small boats at the ocean's edge and walking in west coast rain forest.
- We cannot accommodate suitcases aboard the boat and ask that your clothing and equipment be brought aboard in soft sided, compressible bags, for example duffel bags or some other soft case that can be easily stowed.
- Be prepared to dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather. Good warm outer clothing (including warm hat and gloves or mittens) and good rain clothing allows you to remain comfortable in windy or wet conditions. A good, light thermal layer can go along way to providing comfort. (Remember the whales don't stop just because it's raining).
- Please be aware that there may be weight restrictions for float planes, if your trip includes this option. If you are concerned about seasickness your doctor can recommend medications designed to prevent motion sickness.
- Meals: A professional cook is in charge of all the cooking during the trip. We carry ample quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, grains and dairy products for the duration of the voyage. Meals are served buffet style. We are confident that you will be very impressed with the variety and excellence of the meals that are prepared for you. Complimentary wines are served with dinner. There is no bar on board to purchase additional drinks. Guests are responsible and welcome to bring their own cocktail, beer and soft drinks.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day
- All accommodation on board ship: skipper, cook, naturalist
- Full use of all on board facilities.
Price Excludes:
- Transportation to the start point and from the finish point of the trip
- Any accommodation or meals prior to the start of the trip or after the completion
- Travel or cancellation insurance
- Airport transfers
- Optional purchases and gratuities for the crew.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
Native Americans
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