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Hotsprings to the Totems of the Pacific

This relaxed expedition is our most popular tour. This trip navigates the greater part of Gwaii Haanas National Park. You will have time to explore old growth forests, view endless inter tidal wonders, try new camp sites, and paddle places few experience. The shoreline is diverse from sea caves, to estuaries, to vast beaches, to intimate islands. Our camp sites are often past homesteads, ancient Haida villages, or old growth forests. They are chosen for there solitude and grand views.

A visit to the village of Ninstints, the World Heritage Site is one of the highlights of the trip. One hundred and twenty years after being abandoned, a row of standing totem poles still remains as evidence of this once flourishing culture here. This island jewel boasts the largest number of original standing totem poles in the world!

We paddle corridors that promote wildlife encounters. The nutrient rich waters of Gwaii Haanas support an abundance of wildlife including the always entertaining Humpback Whales, and the occasional pod of Killer Whales. The many islands on route are home to a variety of sea bird colonies, and there are several well established Stellar Sea Lion and Seal hall outs to enjoy as well.

Review itinerary below for following dates

Other tours: Hotsprings and the Path Less Traveled | Native totems of Gwaii Haanas

Itinerary

Day 1

Your tour starts with my friends at Moresby Explorers picking you up at your accommodations in Sandspit, the location of the islands main air port. They will entertain you with stories and show you coastal attractions while transporting you by zodiac to a remote location in Gwaii Haanas. At this point we will establish a campsite near Hot Springs Island. Our goal is to travel safely in accordance with the weather, tides, and general interest of the group. Paddling to the natural springs for a soak that evening will allow guests to get familiar with our mixed fleet of single and double sea kayaks

Day 2-9

We begin the next day crossing Juan Perez Sound to make camp on one of the many beaches found on the north Shore of Burnaby Island. The following day you will appreciate the solitude of the paddling the seldom explore red outer shores of Burnaby Island. This removes us form the bottle neck of visiting operators and independent travelers found in Burnaby Passage. Paddling along side the many beaches of this route will bring us to 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 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.

Depending on the tide cycle, a day paddle will be made from our camp in Skincuttle Inlet to view Burnaby Narrows. Studies conducted by Parks Canada, has determined this area contains more then 290 aquatic species, making this some of the highest levels of living material ( called Biomass) of any inter tidal zone in the world!

After exploring the inlet we paddle south crossing Ikeda Cove, and Collison Bay. At this point we encounter the Rankin Islands which are home to many species of birds. The open waters and currents in this area create ideal conditions for plankton, Krill and Herring, attracting a plethora of wildlife. Whales, sea lions, and birds species that are not often found in the more sheltered waters to the north congregate here.

Once across Carpenter Bay, and rounding Benjamin Point, we head south-westward into the current of Houston Stewart Channel. Taking advantage of this current we paddle into the sheltered waters near the homestead of Rose Harbor. 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.

Kayaking through the channel brings us to one of the highlights of this tour, the village of Ninstints. This is the UNESCO World Heritage Site which is located on the Anthony Island. This island jewel is situated off the west coast, and boasts the largest number of original standing totem poles in the world. Although we paddle out just a short distance, the vast Pacific coastline usually sends tingles through even the seasoned visitor, and the underlying Pacific sets the rhythm for the day. Weather permitting paddling around this west coast jewel allow guests the opportunity of viewing Stellar Sea lions and Seals that haul out on the many islets surrounding the island.

Day 10

On our final day, our adventure takes a new turn as a twin Otter Sea Plane arrives to exchange guests. You will wing your way back to Sandspit (in Minutes) over the water you have taken more than a week getting to know.

From Hot Springs Island to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ninstints, the endless opportunities to explore the Heart of Gwaii Haanas a wait you!

Please Note, the dates of Aug 9- 16, and Aug 16-23, will be eight day expeditions, navigating between Burnaby Narrows and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on the date and direction of the tour, guests will experience the Natural pools at Hot Springs Island on their start finish day of the tour by zodiac transportation to/from Gwaii Haanas.

2008 Tour Schedule

All prices are in Canadian dollars and include parks fees.
6% GST NOT INCLUDED in price

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