Kayaking Haida Gwaii
Queen Charlotte Islands, B.C.
One hundred kilometres from the mainland of British Columbia, perched on the very edge of Canada's Pacific continental shelf, lie the Queen Charlotte Islands, now known as Haida Gwaii or "Islands of the Haida people."
"Jane, you are such a well spring of helpful info! You & your staff are so helpful - it creates a wonderfully positive impression on clients, especially ones like me who have dealt with several other adventure companies and have a basis for comparisons."
- Dr. David Scheifele - Vancouver, B.C.
Our sea kayak expeditions traverse the east coast of the Charlottes through Gwaii Haanas National Park during springtime when conditions are typically in their prime. Spring is the best time for wildlife and weather here - whales feed on a bounty of plankton, seals gather on islets, and sealions crowd surf-battered rocks. While bald eagles grapple for newly gathered herring, melodies of songbirds fill the morning air, and after nightfall storm petrels and ancient murrelets crash through the forests to undertake their parental exchange on the nest.
The powerful spirit of Haida ancestry is everywhere - from abandoned villages, to the forest where modified trees show evidence of bark stripping, burning, or massive plank splitting, to the sound of ancient Haida myths in the very air we breathe. A vast mosaic of marine and intertidal life makes for great exploration from secluded moss-carpeted campsites nestled under giant red cedar and ancient sitka spruce forests. Other highlights include eating fresh fish cooked over the campfire, soaking in natural hot springs and simply taking in the majestic beauty and wilderness of Gwaii Haanas.
Highlights
- Sea kayaking adventure paddling the length of Gwaii Haanas National Park on 16 day trip.
- Vast mosaic of marine life; dolphins, porpoises, whales, seals, sea lions plus abundant intertidal life.
- Travel with biologists and seasoned naturalists for a rich educational and cultural experience.
- Weather permitting, visit the United Nations World Heritage Site at Ninstints, the ancient Haida village on Anthony Island on 16 day trip
- Superb scenery - a mix of quiet protected waters and high-energy coastline, primeval rainforest, solitude, secluded beaches, misty fjords, offshore reefs, tidal estuaries, sea caves and quiet lagoons.
Trip Details
- 9 or 16-day trips begin and finish in Sandspit, BC.
- Trip includes either boat or float plane flight from Sandspit to Gwaii Haanas National Park, hotel and Haida feast last night, park fees, hot shower & group dinner at Rose Harbour for 16 day trip, hotsprings for 16 day trip.
- Meals, tents and kayaking gear are included.
Itinerary-in-Brief
More information about this trip is available in our in-depth Trip Information Package. Please contact our office to receive these detailed materials.
Day 1: You will be met at the airport upon arrival in Sandspit and be given the final word at this time as to where and when to meet for the charter flight to South Moresby. The group will fly southward by float plane from Sandspit to a landing site in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve where we will begin the fun task of preparing our folding kayaks. Several hours later (and time permitting) we will launch the kayaks and paddle a short distance to our evening camp.
Days 2-7 or 2-14: You will be travelling by expedition sea kayak, traversing the east coast of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve between the Haida village sites of Tanu and Ninstints. Highlights of this expedition include superb campsites on secluded beaches, exploring the wealth of intertidal life, cooking fresh fish over the campfire, snorkeling in the clear, rich waters, sailing your kayak when the wind is right, walking in moss-carpeted rain forests, and soaking in picturesque hot springs.
Day 8 or 15: We will meet our charter flight that will return us to Sandspit where you will be transferred to our Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Overnight in Sandspit. Farewell Dinner.
Day 9 or 16: Flights homeward on Sunday.
