Kayak Queen Charlotte Islands

Raw coastal landscapes and ancient wilderness draw visitors from around the world to Haida Gwaii, an area of unmatched natural beauty that is rich in history and Haida First Nation culture. We take you on a sea kayak exploration of these unique islands and include a visit to the Haida village of Ninstints, a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO and home to the most awe-inspiring gathering of Haida mortuary poles in the world.

A vast wilderness of magnificent old growth rain forests, ancient aboriginal culture, and abundant wildlife, the Queen Charlotte Islands are one of the richest biological and cultural regions of North America and British Columbia! They are both a geological and geographical treasure chest. A mix of wild beaches, some rock-shrewn and covered with fossils, others sandy and dotted with sand dunes. Lush marshes provide ideal nesting for waterfowl, while the rain forest provides a protecting canopy which allows the abundant flora and fauna to thrive in this "Galapagos of the North"!

The Queen Charlotte Islands have been the ancestral home of the Haida people for thousands of years and they named the remote archipelago Haida Gwaii, and in Haida legend, it is the place where time began. The natural history of Haida Gwaii is extremely diverse and supports many subspecies which differ from those found on Canada's coastal mainland, as well as many species that exist nowhere else in the world. This is thought to be the result of the Islands escaping the last ice age and becoming a refuge for various forms of plant and animal life, which continue to flourish there to this day.

The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is dominated by the San Christoval Mountains which reach an elevation of 1,123 metres. There are vast varieties of flora between the meadows and bogs of the lowlands to the mountain peaks, in fact the Queen Charlottes hold the largest concentration of biomass or living matter than anywhere else on the planet.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 Arrival in Sandspit by ferry or by air. Overnight in a local Bed & Breakfast (included).

Day 2 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 the upcoming paddling adventure.
What to wear on the float plane / boat for transfer: There will be some options with regard to your transfer to the boat. You may be transferred by float plane or boat. Your transfer will be based on weather and logistics. For all options please have warm clothing including rain gear available and wear your paddling shoes.
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 3 & 8 You will be travelling by sea kayak to areas full of coastal beauty and excitement, coupled with a rich natural and cultural history. In the plankton rich waters 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 snorkeling in the area is superb and the seals and stellar sea lions are abundant.

Sgan Gwaii (Anthony Island), a small island sitting a mile off the West Coast, is the focal point of this particular area. There are Haida Watchmen to educate and protect the Haida Cultural Sites, as well as designated ecological reserves. There are large colonies of seabirds, outstanding sub-tidal and intertidal marine life, as well as breathtaking seascapes and enchanting forests. Sgan Gwaii also contains the remnants of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Haida village of Ninstints. It is set in a protected cove, and displays the largest collection of totems on the West Coast that are still standing in their original locations. The poles display splendid artwork in their representation of the crests of native clans. Along with the collapsed remnants of the great longhouses, the poles provide a memorable connection to the past and to this remarkable culture.

If time and weather permits, we may explore the West Coast of Kunghit Island, also spectacular yet seldom visited, with its coves and beautiful sand beaches. In addition some trips may venture northwards through Houston Stewart Channel.
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 9 A float plane will return the group to Sandspit. Overnight at B&B in Sandspit. Remainder of day is at your leisure.
Meals: breakfast / lunch

Day 10 After breakfast depart by ferry or by air from Sandspit or continue your journey exploring more of the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Meals: breakfast

This itinerary is a sample only - the exact itinerary of your trip will be dictated by factors such as weather, tides, and group interest, with the guides working within the parameters of safety, time, and the highlights of the area.
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.

Travel without trace
Leave nothing, take only memories.
Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife seekers alike cherish this archipelago. While the temperate climate results in moss-covered forests and village sites, the people who live here seem to have been shaped by the land and the sea, savoring what these exceptional islands have to offer. All this and more make you feel as if you entered a different world. We ask you to please help preserve the uniqueness of Gwaii Haanas by practicing no-trace behavior and by treading softly upon intertidal zones and forest floors. Please leave all the places and sites the way you found them and how you would like to find them again in the future.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Islands in the Mist is a moving camp and expedition style sea kayaking trip. Here is what you can expect from us with regards to equipment:

spacious tents (Hammerhead 3 or similar)
brand name fibre glass kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts and life jackets
all cooking utensils

Our guides have years of experience in preparing expedition food, often over a driftwood fire and always skillfully prepared.
For breakfast you may expect bread, yogurt, cereal, hot cereal, and of course eggs, etc. For lunch our guides pack cold cuts with fresh vegetables and fruit and crackers. Dinners can include burritos, pesto pasta, fish chowder, curried rice, asian stir fry and even a greek dinner. If we paddle in allowed fishing area, your guides will further try to integrate fresh fish into dinner if possible. We will provide snacks for on the water during longer paddles, however, we do suggest you bring some of your favorite snacks along as well. Fresh water can be fetched along the way.

With enough advance notice we are happy to accommodate a wide range of dietary requests including those from vegetarians and individuals with allergies.