Itinerary

DAY 1
Arriving by air from Vancouver to Sandspit, the location of the islands’ main
airport, and transport to night accommodations. Overnight hotel. (Flight
arrangements and fees on your own.) (Meals on your own.)

DAY 2
Your tour starts with a pick-up at your accommodation by Laura, the local taxi
service. We use a Twin Otter seaplane to transport you from Sandspit to the
remote island location of Rose Harbour. From 1905 to 1942 this was a flourishing
whaling station. Rose Harbour now has a population of 6 - hardy west coast
characters. This special place today offers rustic accommodation and excellent
local cuisine for travelers. Once introduced to our mixed fleet of single and double
kayaks, our goal is to travel safely in accordance with the weather, tides and
general interests of the group. So, depending on the weather, we leave Rose
Harbour, paddling out of Houston Stewart Channel and have our first glance of the
Pacific Ocean. We establish a camp within close proximity to Anthony Island, home
to The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ninstints. One hundred and twenty years
after being abandoned, a row of standing totem poles still remains as evidence of
the once flourishing culture here. This island jewel boasts the largest number of
original standing totem poles in the world! (BLD)

DAYS 3-8
As mentioned previously, our goal over these next 8 days will be to follow a south
to north route, ending at Hot Springs Island. The following is our desired route,
but weather, tides, currents and other conditions beyond our control will invariably
determine our exact itinerary. A short crossing brings us to one of the highlights of
our journey where we will spend the day in the presence of the Totems of the
Pacific. Weather permitting, paddling around this island allows you the opportunity
to view Stellar Sea lions and Seals that haul out on the many islets nearby. After
exploring hidden coves and vast beaches, we leave our west coast camp and
paddle through Houston Stewart Channel. Our desire on Day 4 is to paddle north
along the east side of Moresby Island, round Benjamin Point and make our way
across Carpenter Bay. The open waters and strong currents in this area will
determine our route; they also create ideal conditions for plankton, krill and
herring, attracting a plethora of wildlife: Humpback whales, Orca whales, Sea
Lions, and a diversity of sea birds. Species that are not often found in the more
sheltered waters to the north congregate here. Breaking camp in Carpenter Bay
we paddle by the Rankin Islands. These islands are Ecological Reserves and are
nesting sites for the Cassins Auklet. Continuing north along Moresby Island we
cross Collison Bay, and Ikeda Cove to make camp in Skincuttle Inlet. This inlet is
sheltered by the open waters of Hecate Strait by a chain of Islands known as the
Copper and Bolkus Islands. These islands are also Ecological Reserves. They are
nesting sites for the Cassins Auklet and the rare Ancient Murrelet. Skincuttle Inlet
is also known for its Haida myths and history. Waking the next day, a day paddle
from our camp will be made to view Burnaby Narrows. Studies conducted by Parks
Canada have determined that this area contains more than 290 aquatic species,
making this some
of the highest
levels of living
material (called
Biomass) of any
Intertidal zone in
the world! We pack
up camp and
continue north,
paddling alongside
the beaches found
on the eastern
shore of Burnaby
Island. Rounding
Scudder Point we
will make our camp
on the northern
shore of Burnaby
Island in hopes of a
grand sunset. This
route is weatherdependent
and has
rugged beauty and
less visited
campsites.
Crossing Juan
Perez Sound brings us to a conglomeration of islands surrounding Hot Springs
Island. Here we establish a camp in close proximity to where the following day we
will be rewarded after more than a week of paddling, with a leisurely soak in one
of the natural thermal pools found on Hot Springs Island. (BLD Daily)

DAY 9
On our final day, our adventure takes a new turn and our friends from Moresby
Explorers come to our remote camp to transport us back to Sandspit. They will
entertain you with stories and show you coastal attractions while making our way
back to Moresby Camp. Depending on the weather, a stop to the Village of Tanu
can be made. This village is the resting place for world famous Haida Artist Bill
Reid. Now covered in moss, the sound of eagles and ravens fill our ears as we
walk through this once flourishing village. Return to Sandspit for your final night in
the islands before returning home or continuing on with a planned extension to
Queen Charlotte City. (BL)

DAY 10
Depart for home. (B)

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