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This area is the Queen Charlotte Islands at
their absolute finest: raw coastal beauty and ancient wilderness coupled
with a rich natural and cultural history.
Situated 80 nautical miles off coast of British Columbia, the Queen
Charlotte Islands, because of their isolation and unique biodiversity,
are considered by many to be the Pacific Northwest coasts “ Galapagos
Islands”. Prior to the 1970’s, the natural and cultural wonders of
Moresby Island, the southerly of the two large islands, were little
known except to a handful of biologists, archaeologists, and the Haida
Natives. The Haida people have inhabited these islands for more than
10,000 years.
We started the first sea kayaking tours in the Queen Charlotte Island in
1979, and began to discover not only the never-ending magic of the
place, but also why the Haida elders refer to Gwaii Haanas as “place of
wonder”.
The area’s biological treasures include towering ancient forests of
Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, and Red Cedar carpeted in thick mosses
and scenic bonsai bogs. One quarter of B.C.’s nesting seabirds, one
third of B.C.’s Peregrine Falcons, and numerous Bald Eagles call this
Park home.
Please note: The weather and group will play the final role in
determining the exact itinerary.
 ZZ-SKEC-14
10 days/ 9 nights $ 1,845
plus $85 park fee and 3% GST
... based on Can$ 1,995 / 90
from Sandspit, BC, Canada
2007 Dates:
07/06-07/15 07/13-07/22
07/20-07/29 08/10-08/19
08/17-08/26 08/24-09/02 |
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Itinerary 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 paddling adventure.
Days 3 – 8 B / L / D
You will be travelling by sea kayak to areas full of coastal beauty
and excitement, coupled with a rich natural and cultural history. In
the plankton rich waters 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 stellar sea
lions are abundant.
Sgan Gwaii (Anthony Island), a small island sitting a mile off
the West Coast, is the focal point of this particular area. There
are Haida Watchmen to educate and protect the Haida Cultural Sites,
as well as designated ecological reserves. There are large colonies
of seabirds, outstanding sub-tidal and intertidal marine life, as
well as breathtaking seascapes and enchanting forests. Sgan Gwaii
also contains the remnants of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
Haida village of Ninstints. It is set in a protected cove, and
displays the largest collection of totems on the West Coast that are
still standing in their original locations. The poles display
splendid artwork in their representation of the crests of native
clans. Along with the collapsed remnants of the great longhouses,
the poles provide a memorable connection to the past and to this
remarkable culture.
If time and weather permits, we may explore the West Coast of
Kunghit Island, also spectacular yet seldom visited, with its coves
and beautiful sand beaches. In addition 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.
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. |
What’s Included?
| The services of a fully qualified ACSKG Ecosummer guide and
assistant
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| Accommodation at a B & B in Sandspit on Day 1 and Day 9 based on
double occupancy
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| All group equipment, kayaks, life jackets (adult sizes only),
paddles, and tents
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| Float Plane and/or Boat transportation from Sandspit to South
Moresby return
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| All meals from Breakfast Day 2 to Lunch Day 9 (B = Breakfast; L
= Lunch; D = Dinner) Day 10 Breakfast
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What’s Not Included?
| Transportation between your home and Sandspit
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| Any extra meals and accommodation in Sandspit not outlined
within this itinerary
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| Personal belongings and equipment as per list supplied
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| Any extra expenses incurred because of weather and logistical
delays, delayed departures of chartered or scheduled craft
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| 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)
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Tell Me More!
Q: Do I need previous sea kayaking experience?
A: No, our kayaks (two-person fiberglass, expedition Necky Outfitters)
are very seaworthy and easy to handle. However, a normal level of
fitness will make your trip more enjoyable.
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. Ranging from 16°C to 22°C (63°F
to 75°F) although the sea breeze can have a cooling effect. Evenings are
cool. Extended periods of rain are a possibility.
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