Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive by air from Vancouver,
B.C. to Sandspit, you will be shuttled to
Queen Charlotte City (QCC). This takes
about an hour including the ferry trip
across Skidegate Inlet. The shuttle will
drop you off at your comfortable lodge
for the night. (Flight arrangements,
shuttle fee approx. $20 and meals on
your own).

DAY 2 After breakfast enjoy a
spectacular flight over the Gwaii Haanas
National Park by floatplane. The flight
leaves from the float plane dock in
central Queen Charlotte City, right across
the street from our lodge. Check-in time
is a minimum of 20 minutes before
departure. The one-hour flight departs in
the early morning and arrives in Rose
Harbour. The captain will give a boat
orientation, you’ll settle in, and then it’s
off to explore a nearby beach or bay and
anchor for the night. (BLD)

DAY 3 Bright and early we depart for
SGaang Gwaii (Anthony Island) and Nan
Sdins village (Ninstints). The names may
be somewhat confusing but the
impression that Nan Sdins leaves is most
certainly not. Spectacular, fabulous,
incredible are only a few of the adjectives that people conjure up to describe this place.
Nan Sdins was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. It remains as the only
example in the world of a traditional Northwest Coast First Nations village, complete with
standing poles and the remains of massive cedar longhouses. The progression of human
evolution from cave dweller to masters of architecture is clearly evident. The Haida’s
ability to “not just survive but to thrive” on this small windswept island is a tribute to
man’s ingenuity and force of spirit. Options in this southernmost area may offer sightings
of marine life such as whales, porpoise, sea lions and a variety of birds species. We may
hike to spectacular caves at Bowles Point or kayak in the Gordon Islands or Adams Rocks.
Or, we could hike to the west side of Anthony Island, kayaking in the northern reefs of
Sgaang Gwaii or visit (weather permitting) the spectacular sea lion colony off the
southwest side of the Island. Kunghit Island offers great bird watching opportunities.
Common to the area are Tufted Puffins, Rhinoceros Auklets, Cassin’s Auklets, Storm
Petrels, and Sooty Shearwaters. Luck on our side, we might see a Horned Puffin. The
southern Queen Charlottes are the only place that they nest in Canada. Hot fishing spots
along the way may provide a fresh seafood supper. (BLD)

DAY 4
Next we head north through Skincuttle Inlet and on to Burnaby Narrows, said to have the
most abundant display of sea life on the Pacific Coast. An incredible array of intertidal
flora and fauna reside here. Kayaks - maneuverable, quiet and unobtrusive, at low tide,
are the perfect craft to view this natural splendor. By noon we’re usually through ‘”The
Narrows". A spectacular old-growth forest walk or visit to an undisturbed salmon bearing
stream may inspire discussions of forest, stream and riparian ecology and admiration of
the works of the Great Spirit. Depending upon our arrival time at North Burnaby Strait
and Island Bay, there’s an opportunity for an alpine excursion up Yatza Mountain. The
views are spectacular from the shoulder (east - over Skincuttle Inlet to Hecate Strait) and
from the peak (west - over the Victoria Lakes to the Pacific Ocean). Kayaking may be
enjoyed in Island Bay and by Kat Island. At times we may have to choose between hiking
and kayaking. (BLD)

DAY 5
On this day we’ll be heading up toward De La Beche Inlet or the Bischoff Islands. De La
Beche offers great kayaking, short hiking excursions to mountain lakes and spectacular
scenery. The Bischoffs are also great to kayak and offer the best anchorage in Gwaii
Haanas. Spectacular Hotsprings Island is close by and may beckon for a luxurious soak at
the end of the day. (BLD)

DAY 6
If we didn’t squeeze in a soak in the hot pools yesterday, we’ll hope to be there this
morning! After a bath, we travel to the top end of Darwin Sound and drop the anchor at
Anna Inlet or Echo Harbour for the night. We are now truly in a wilderness paradise!
Anchored in Anna Inlet, it’s hard to resist a climb to Anna Lake. It’s about an hour-long
hike and follows an old 1910 corduroy road established to facilitate copper mining.
Evening kayaking here is a delight. (BLD)

DAY 7
Our last stop is often the ancient Haida village of T’aanuu. Although, T’aanuu has no
remaining standing poles, it is an evocative village site. Powerful and lasting impressions
of Haida culture in equilibrium with it’s environment still exist here. Haida Gwaii
Watchmen (usually two) are there to protect and help interpret the village history. Last
overnight on the mothership. (BLD)

DAY 8
Arrive at the northern terminus of Moresby Camp and overland transfer back to Queen
Charlotte City for some free time and overnight at your comfortable lodge. (B - onboard)

DAY 9
Relax and pack before transferring on your own back to Sandspit for your flight home.
(Meals on own)

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