HOT SPRINGS TO SAN CRISTOVALS
ZZ-SKEC-15
9 days/ 8 nights $ 1,705
plus $51 park fee
from Sandspit, BC, Canada
2005 Dates:
06/17-06/25   09/02-09/10   and custom departures available upon request
 

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

What’s Not Included
- Transportation between your home and Sandspit
- Any extra meals and accommodation in Sandspit
- Personal belongings and equipment as per list supplied
- Any extra expenses incurred because of weather and logistical delays, delayed departures of chartered or scheduled transfers, 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)

Day 1
You will be picked up at the Sandspit airport and transferred to a comfortable Bed and Breakfast. Overnight at a B & B in Sandspit.

Day 2 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 paddling adventure.

Days 3 – 8 B / L / D
After a tour of the abandoned Haida Village of T’anuu, where we will see the remnants of the massive wooden longhouses, we start to paddle south. Weather permitting, we make camp at Windy Bay (Hlk’waah) with its old growth forests and modern longhouse, and the smooth paddling waters of Darwin Sound. The south side of Lyell Island brings us to Juan Perez Sound with its host of islands, coves, and mountain scenery. This is the location of many beautiful campsites and excellent snorkelling waters. After visiting Hotsprings Island (Gandla K’in) and having a soak in the outdoor hot pools, the journey continues down Ramsay Island and across the Sound. At four miles (6+ km), this is our longest crossing of the trip to Burnaby Island, the site of long north-side beaches, old growth forest, and the superb intertidal life of Burnaby (Dolomite) Narrows – one of the most concentrated displays of marine life on the west coast. We finish the tour near Skincuttle Inlet, once the site of more than ten Haida villages, and now a quiet and beautiful body of water that sees few visitors.

Day 9 Saturday B
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.

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)!