Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) - Sailing in Canada’s Galapagos

Day 1: Arrive Sandspit

Upon arrival in Sandspit, you will proceed to your hotel in Sandspit. The rest of the day is at leisure, and the hotel has a restaurant where you can purchase dinner.

Overnight Sandspit

Day 2: Board the Yacht, Haida Heritage Center

The tour starts after guests have had breakfast and have checked out of their rooms. Participants will be met by their tour guide at 8:30am for a tour of Skidegate. We will be transported by ferry to Graham Island where we will visit the Haida Heritage Center

The center is a wonderful introduction to local natural history and the Haida culture. In 2001, six new totem poles were raised outside, and a major expansion was completed in 2007. We visit the canoe shed to see examples of a 50-foot Haida canoe carved from a single cedar tree.

We will then visit a local Skidegate family for a traditional Haida lunch. After our sightseeing the group will catch the ferry back to Moresby Island, and will be transferred down to Moresby Camp where our sailing vessel 'SV Island Solitude' is awaiting our arrival. Upon boarding, guests are assigned cabins and receive an introduction and safety orientation.

After guests are settled, dinner will be served. An evening talk and orientation to the Gwaii Haanas Park will be given in preparation for our journey into the park the following day.

Days 3 - 8: Exploring eastern & southern shores of Moresby Island

We will spend our time exploring the eastern and southern shores of Moresby Island. Daily activities include wildlife watching, shore excursions to explore ancient Haida villages, “old growth” forests, beautiful creeks, and colorful intertidal zones. Be sure to keep an eye out and your cameras ready, as we will encounter a wealth of marine wildlife on our journey. We aim to spot humpback whales, porpoise, fin whales, sea lions and orca.

We hope to capture the sight of the mighty, Gwaii Haanas black bear foraging along the shoreline for the myriad of intertidal creatures found in these nutrient-rich areas. Windy Bay is the site of the first pole raised in 130 years honouring the 20th anniversary of the Gwaii Haanas Agreement to protect the natural and marine resources. We visit the old Haida village of SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site to take in the fabulous totem poles.
Each evening we will anchor in a different secluded bay with time to discuss the day’s wildlife sightings and opportunity to explore the shoreline by kayak.

Day 9: Return to Sandspit

Mid morning departure at Moresby Camp. The charter bus will meet participants and return us to the Sandspit Airport late morning for departure flights homeward.

Please use this itinerary as a guide only. The sailing itinerary may be done in a different order.