Queen
Charlotte Islands, British Columbia >
Sea Kayaking
Islands in the Mist, Gwaii Haanas National Park
9 Nights / 10 Days from Sandspit
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.
For more information or to book guided
sea kayaking vacations in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British
Columbia call toll free (USA & Canada) 1-800-465-8884.
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.
 Ecosummer
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.
Please note: The weather and group will play the final role in
determining the exact itinerary.
Sea Kayaking 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 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
is included? | Tell
More
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.
For more information or to book guided
kayaking vacations in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British
Columbia call toll free (USA & Canada) 1-800-465-8884.
Dates and Rates
[TOP] |
