QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS - Waters of Sgaang Gwaii Gwaii Haanas / South Moresby National Park Reserve & Haida Heritage Site (Gwaii Haanas), is a remote wilderness archipelago situated off the Northwest coast of British Columbia. The relative inaccessibility of the Queen Charlotte Islands and the limited number of visitors permitted in Gwaii Haanas each year, helps to maintain the islands’ true wilderness appeal. You will explore the more isolated and completely pristine Southern regions of Moresby Island, an area preserved in its natural state. Explore the hereditary home of the Haida Indians - hear Raven speak and see Eagles dance. The Haida people have inhabited the islands upwards of 10,000 years and habitation sites of various vintages are easily visible. You will paddle the waters they paddled and walk the paths that they walked. 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. The Queen Charlottes possess a biological treasure that is duplicated no where else in the vastness of Canada. South Moresby has one of the richest Temperate Marine Zones found anywhere and is also one of the most ideal sea kayaking areas in the world because of its convoluted shorelines and countless islands. There are countless coves, channels, and islands to explore, superb intertidal life and for the brave at heart and well insulated there are also snorkeling opportunities. The area is rich with biological treasures. Towering ancient forests of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red cedar lead to scenic bonsai bogs and easily accessible alpine meadows. Just over 25 percent of BC’s nesting seabirds make their home in the Charlottes as do 1/3 of BC’s population of peregrine falcon and a strong population of bald eagles. The waterways are home to major salmon runs and the largest Stellar sea lion population in BC, as well as other wildlife such as seals, whales and porpoise. Itinerary Day 1: Saturday This tour begins in Sandspit where guests are picked up at Seaport Bed & Breakfast for the one hour drive to Moresby Camp. Here you board a zodiac style, rigid-hull inflatable speedboat for the 3 to 4 hour exhilarating ride along the length of Moresby Island. You arrive at the tiny, isolated community of Rose Harbour to begin your kayak exploration of the waters of SGaang Gwaii. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. Day 2 - 7: Sunday through Friday The abandoned Haida Indian village of SGaang Gwaii (Ninstints) on Anthony Island is a focal point of your kayak journey. Several standing totem poles and longhouse remains are still prominent in this village. The Haida Watchmen on the island can explain the carvings on the poles and provide insightful interpretations of the village and their ancestors who lived there. You will spend a day exploring the site and experiencing the sense of mystery that lingers in this abandoned village. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. Your trip takes you to a number of rarely visited remote beaches, some with exposure to the Pacific Ocean, making them a beachcomber's dream. The rugged outer coast consists of jutting headlands and sheltered bays. Sea lions, whales and puffins are at home in this rich and diverse environment. After eight days of paddling and camping in this truly wild region of the coast, you return to Rose Harbour, where your exploration began. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. Day 8: Saturday Returning on Saturday. The boat arrives to return guests to Sandspit. Breakfast is provided. What is included . . . Professional, experienced and certified guide & assistant guide Single kayaks, lifejackets, paddles, sprayskirts, tents, tarps & group cooking gear Food and cooking National Park Reserve entrance fee Van and charter boat transfer from Sandspit to the kayak launch point Charter boat and van transfer from the takeout back to Sandspit In the unlikely event of delayed transport due to weather or other factors on the last days of the tour, accommodation (tents) and food are included for guests in Rose Harbour 10% off any trip accessories, books or clothing, purchased from Ecomarine before the trip What is not included . . . Accommodation in Sandspit prior to and following your trip Setting up and taking down tents, loading and unloading kayaks Sleeping bag & pad, eating utensils and items of a personal nature A detailed equipment list will be provided upon registration Optional gratuities for guides In the unlikely event of delayed transport due to weather or other factors on the first days of the tour, additional expenses such as accommodation and food in Sandspit are not included Tell Me More! Q: Do I need previous kayaking experience? A: This is an introductory tour that is suitable for all novice and experienced kayakers. Previous kayaking experience is not required. All of our kayaking trips are best suited to those who are seeking a personal challenge. Other than reasonable physical health and co-ordination, all that is required to enjoy the introductory tours are a positive attitude and a willingness to learn from new experiences. The kayaks provided are single person rotomolded polyethylene boats known as Necky Eskias. Double kayaks or alternate styles of single kayaks may be rented for the tours. Q: What type of weather conditions will we likely encounter in the area? A: Weather in the Queen Charlotte Islands through spring and summer can be variable, however, the summer months are generally quite good. The heavy rains and fog, which are responsible for the large stands of spruce and cedar, fall primarily from October to March. Mid-summer may have spells of temperatures ranging from 16° to 22° Celsius (61-72° F), although the sea breeze can have a cooling effect. Evenings are mild. In the summer, extended periods of rain are unlikely, but high overcast skies may persist, which is why the islands’ are commonly referred to as the "Misty Isles." Water temperatures range from 7° to 10° Celsius (45-50° F), so extended swimming and snorkeling require a wet suit. 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. Beach walks and forest trails offer a different perspective to this breathtaking area. Q: Do I have to buy special sea kayak clothing and equipment? A: No. Gearing up for sea kayaking is very similar to camping. As we are in a marine / rainforest environment, synthetic clothing such as fleece and underwear are a must. We provide highest quality equipment that is maintained in excellent condition. All kayaking gear and tents are replaced every few years, in order to ensure that our guests have the use of reasonably new equipment. Participants are responsible for providing their own synthetic sleeping bag and appropriate clothing. Once you have registered on a tour, you will receive a detailed equipment list. The tents provided are expedition-tested shelters constructed by MSR (Mountain Safety Research). Two people may share a tent during the trip, or if you prefer, we can also provide a private tent. Q: Is the food good? A: Yes. Our menu is very flexible. While planning each meal we take into consideration the weather, the day's route, our catch of the day, the food items we may have gathered from the forests or beaches and, of course, the preferences of our guests. Generally, meals are cooked over small driftwood fires on the beach, lending a tribal sense to our daily feasts. We use several organic ingredients for our meal preparations. Your guide and assistant are excellent chefs, with decades of campfire cooking experience. Menus are well balanced and meals are of a vegetarian nature, with the addition of freshly gathered seafoods. For more information, please give us a call (1-888-425-2925) or send us an e-mail. To go back to the dates page, please click here.