Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands 2012
Haida Gwaii, previously named the Queen Charlotte Islands is known as “The Canadian Galapagos” due to the fact that this archipelago was isolated during the last ice age, possibly remaining unglaciated, and as such, supports a unique, indigenous assemblage of flora and fauna. In addition, the Haida people who were it’s earliest inhabitants were noted as perhaps the most war-like yet artistic of the native peoples of the Northwest Coast. Their art stands today as the most valued of the coast, and their culture is alive and well in Haida Gwaii. In addition to the wealth of Haida culture that is present among these islands, there is also an abundance of wildlife. Eagles, the islands' ever-present sentinels, observe our passage from their perch in giant cedar trees. Peregrine falcons dart about the sky before diving to attack their unsuspecting prey. Immense Sitka spruce trees tower over the darkened forest floor and the remote shorelines are a beachcomber's paradise.
TRIP DESCRIPTIONS for our 2012 SEA KAYAK TOURS:
Our first trip in 2012, June 23-30, Hotsprings to Skincuttle, will begin near Hotsprings Island at the North end of Juan Perez Sound. A luxurious soak in the natural outdoor hot pools of Hotspring Island, with the San Cristoval Mountains forming a spectacular backdrop, will be a fine introduction to the many pleasures of this wonderful part of the world. Next we travel south across Juan Perez Sound, passing through Burnaby Narrows into Skincuttle Inlet. If you are interested in marine biology this is the trip you should consider. The density of marine life in the intertidal zone at Burnaby Narrows (also known as Dolomite Narrows) is probably without equal anywhere in the world.
On our second tour in 2012, June 30-July 7, Skincuttle to Ninstints, we will continue south from Skincuttle Inlet in our sea kayaks around the eastern tip of Moresby Island, through Houston Stewart Channel past the tiny, isolated community of Rose Harbour, and end up on the southern-most tip of Moresby Island. From here, we can paddle to the abandoned village of Ninstints on remote Anthony Island (Sgan’gwaii). The southernmost tip of Gwaii Haanas or South Moresby, is quite exposed to the Pacific weather systems and again our itinerary will be strongly influenced by the weather. This trip and the following three trips have the wildest flavour and some of the most wild and beautiful scenery to be found Haida Gwaii. Because of its inaccessibility, the village of Ninstints is the best preserved of all the Haida villages, with the greatest number of standing mortuary and memorial poles, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small islets of this area are nesting ground for several types of seabirds including the Tufted Puffin and the Ancient Murrelet, as well as hunting grounds for Peregrine Falcons.
During the last two trips: the Kunghit Explorer, July 7-14 and July 14-21, we will spend the week exploring the area at the south end of the park. One focus of our journey will be a visit to one of the major highlights of any trip to Haida Gwaii, the long abandoned village of Skaang Gwaii, or Ninstints on Anthony Island. This moss-covered village has the largest number of original standing poles in North America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a breath taking location for a settlement. This area offers some of the most wild and beautiful scenery to be found in the Charlottes. Options include fantastic beach combing, viewing stunning intertidal life, a possible visit to the isolated community of Rose Harbour, staying in some of the choicest campsites in Gwaii Haanas and experiencing the power and majesty of the outer coast.
At the end of any trip you choose, we hope the peace, mystery and quiet beauty of Gwaii Haanas will stay with you long after we have transferred by boat back through the north end of the park to Moresby Camp where we will catch a van taxi back to Sandspit.
Travelling in Gwaii Haanas is truly an amazing trip and sea kayaks allow you to experience it from a unique and exhilarating point of view.
Price Includes: floatplane or boat transport between Sandspit and your tour area, limited complimentary rentals, two certified guides, all kayak specific and group camping gear, all meals and drink while on tour, one night's local accommodation and taxi pre trip and $120 Parks Canada User fee
Not included in service: transportation between your home and Sandspit, BC, gratuities, applicable taxes.
