Islands in the Mist

This sea kayaking tour shows the Queen Charlotte Islands at their absolute finest: raw coastal beauty and ancient wilderness coupled with the rich cultural history of the Haida First Nations who have inhabited this area for more than 10,000 years, as evidenced by ancient totem pole art.
Situated 80 nautical miles off coast , the Queen Charlotte Islands are considered to be the Pacific Northwest’s “Galapagos Islands” because of their isolation and unique biodiversity . Prior to the 1970’s, this area was little known except to a few biologists, archaeologists, and the Haida Natives.
We started the first sea kayaking tours of the Queen Charlotte Islands in 1979, and discovered its never-ending magic of the place and why the Haida elders refer to Gwaii Haanas as “place of wonder”.
The area’s biological treasures include towering forests of Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, and Red Cedar carpeted in thick mosses and scenic bonsai bogs. One quarter of B ritish Columbia’s nesting seabirds, one third of its Peregrine Falcons, and numerous Bald Eagles call this home.

ZZ-SKEC-14
10 days/ 9 nights $ 2,195
plus $120 park fee
from Sandspit, BC, Canada
2008 Dates:
07/04-07/13    07/11-07/20    07/18-07/27
07/25-08/03    08/01-08/10    08/08-08/17
08/15-08/24    08/22-08/31
 

Day 1 Friday
Arrival and pick-up at the Sandspit airport where we will transfer you to a comfortable Bed and Breakfast. Overnight at a B & B in Sandspit.

Day 2 Saturday B / L / D
An early morning shuttle will take you to your float plane for your journey south to our launch site within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. Our guides will meet you here and provide instruction and preparation for our British Columbia kayaking adventure.

Days 3 – 8 B / L / D
You will travel by sea kayak to areas full of coastal beauty and natural and cultural history. You may see minke, humpback, and fin whales, as well as orca. On the islets, there are colonies of sea birds, such as tufted and horned puffins, auklets and petrels. The snorkelling in the area is superb and the seals and sea lions are abundant.

Sgan Gwaii (Anthony Island), a small island sitting a mile off the West Coast, is the focal point . Here Haida Watchmen educate and protect the Haida Cultural Sites, as well as designated ecological reserves. There are limitless encounters with seabirds, marine life, breathtaking seascapes and forests. Sgan Gwaii also contains the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Haida village of Ninstints. Set in a protected cove, it displays the largest collection of totem poles on the West Coast still standing in their original locations. Along with the collapsed remnants of the great longhouses, these ancient Haida totem poles provide a memorable connection to the past and this remarkable culture.

If time and weather permits, we may explore the West Coast of Kunghit Island, also spectacular yet seldom visited . Some trips may venture northwards through Houston Stewart Channel.

Day 9 Saturday B / L
A float plane will return the group to Sandspit.
Overnight at B&B in Sandspit.

Day 10 Sunday B
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

What’s Included?
The services of a fully qualified ACSKG Ecosummer guide and assistant
Accommodation at a B & B in Sandspit on Day 1 and Day 9 based on double occupancy
All group equipment, kayaks, life jackets (adult sizes only), paddles, and tents
Float Plane and/or Boat transportation from Sandspit to South Moresby return
All meals from Breakfast Day 2 to Lunch Day 9 (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner) Day 10 Breakfast

What’s Not Included?
Transportation between your home and Sandspit
Any extra meals and accommodation in Sandspit not outlined within this itinerary
Personal belongings and equipment as per list supplied
Any extra expenses incurred because of weather and logistical delays, delayed departures of chartered or scheduled craft
Gratuities for guides are never obligatory but always appreciated (as a guideline we suggest 5% of the trip cost based on client care and attention)

Tell Me More!

Q: Do I need previous sea kayaking experience?
A: No! Our kayaks (two-person fiberglass, expedition Seaward Southwind kayaks) are very seaworthy and easy to handle. Instruction provided.
Q: What type of weather conditions will we likely encounter in the area?
A: Weather in the Queen Charlotte Islands can be variable, but the summer months are generally quite good. Midsummer may have spells of temperatures ranging from 16°C to 22°C (63°F to 75°F) although the sea breeze can have a cooling effect. Evenings are mild.

Q: What other activities can I do besides kayaking?
A: : The Island offers many opportunities to explore tidal pools. The bays are full of inter-tidal life. Hiking through the ancient forests is also a popular activity, and snorkeling is remarkable in this area. You will definitely need a heavier wetsuit (or a drysuit) if you want to snorkel, as water temperatures are only about 8°C (48°F)!