The Queen Charlotte Islands possess a cultural and biological treasure that is duplicated no where else on earth. South Moresby has one of the richest Temperate Marine Zones in the world. It is also one of the most ideal sea kayak areas on our coast because of its convoluted shoreline and countless islands. The area’s biological treasures include towering ancient forests of Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, and Red Cedar carpeted in thick mosses, scenic bonsai bogs and alpine wilderness. These majestic forests harbour endemic plant species, 25% of B.C’s nesting seabirds, one third of B.C’s population of peregrine falcon, and remains a stronghold of bald eagles. The area plays host for major salmon runs, rich and diverse intertidal populations, and the largest Stellar sea lion population in B.C., as well as other wildlife which includes seals, whales and porpoises.
Another treasure of the Queen Charlottes is the Haida heritage. The Haida have inhabited the islands for possibly more than 10,000 years with numerous archeological sites visible from the shoreline. Weather permitting, we will visit Windy Bay (Hlk’waah), Gandll K’iin (Hotspring island) Burnaby Narrows, T’anuu, and Sgan Gwaii (Ninstints), the hallmark of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with its large standing totems.
ZZ-SKEC-02
Day 1 - Friday
You will be picked up by an Ecosummer representative at the airport in Sandspit and taken to your cozy 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 paddling adventure.
Days 3 – 15 B / L / D
From the village site of Tanu we head south into Hecate Strait around Lyell Island, visiting the oldgrowth forest and modern Haida Longhouses of Windy Bay prior to our arrival near Hotsprings Island. As we head out across Juan Perez sound toward beautiful Island Bay we will explore coves and islets en route. From Island Bay, weather permitting, we may set out on a day hike into San Cristoval Range unique alpine ecosystem.
Next we float through Burnaby Narrows, with its abundant intertidal marine life, and make our way into beautiful Skincuttle Inlet. Here we make camp and stop to visit the home of the Striped-Town-People and some nearby smaller islands where seabirds nest. During the next few days, we head south into Hecate Strait where we visit ancient Haida encampment sites before reaching Houston-Stewart Channel, an exciting tidal passage. This is our route to the open West Coast and the famous village Ninstints on SGaang Gwaii (Anthony Island).
Day 16 - Saturday B /L
A float plane will return the group to Sandspit.
Overnight at B&B in Sandspit.
Day 17 - Sunday B
Flights homeward!
Please Note
 | Some departures will use boat charters from and/or returning to Sandspit. This is determined on the trip logistics, flight schedules, and of course the weather. |
| Late departures will run in reverse of outlined itinerary. |
What’s Included?
| The services of a fully qualified ACSKG Ecosummer guide and assistant guide. |
| Accommodation at a B & B in Sandspit on Day 1 and 16 based on double occupancy. |
| All 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 16 (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner) |
| Breakfast on Day 17 |
What’s Not Included?
| Transportation between your home and Sandspit |
| Any extra meals and accommodation in Sandspit not outlined on the itinerary |
| Personal belongings and equipment as per list supplied |
| Any extra exp enses incurred because of weather and logistical delays, delayed departures of chartered or scheduled aircraft |
| Gratuities for guides which 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, or equivalent) are very seaworthy and easy to handle.
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 mild. 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. Extended periods of rain are possible.
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)!
