BALLAD OF NINSTINTS - Queen Charlotte Islands

You are interested in Haida First Nation Culture, wildlife viewing and much more? You prefer to have a dry, warm and cozy berth every night rather than a tent? Well, here we go ...

Coastal cruise in Gwaii Haanas National Park

What are some of the things that make the Queen Charlotte Islands so incredible? They possess a cultural and biological treasure that is duplicated no where else on earth. South Moresby has one of the richest Temperate Pacific Marine Zones in the world and has a coastline that is ideal to sail / cruise along due to the convoluted shoreline and countless islands.

8 days / 7 nights  ~  from/to Sandspit

The area's biological treasures include towering forests of Sitka Spruce and Red Cedar carpeted by thick mosses, scenic bonsai bogs and alpine forests. There are also major salmon runs, rich and diverse intertidal populations, the largest Stellar sea lion population in B.C., as well as other abundant wildlife including seals, whales and porpoise. The second treasure of the Queen Charlottes is the Haida heritage. The Haida inhabited the islands more than 10,000 years and habitation sites of various vintages are easily visible. Weather permitting, we will visit Windy Bay (Hlk'waah), Burnaby Narrows, T'anuu, and Sgan Gwaii (Ninstints), the hallmark of historic sites with its large standing totems.

Highlights

The Queen Charlotte Islands are a large archipelago that consists of 2 main islands and a myriad of small ones 100 miles off the northwest coast of British Columbia. Prior to 1977, the natural and cultural wonders of Moresby Island, the southerly of the two large islands, were little known except to a handful of biologists and archaeologists, and the Haida Natives. In 1979, some of the first ecotourists were brought to the area and began to discover the never-ending magic of the place the Haida refer to as Gwaii Haanas, meaning, 'place of wonder'. In 1988, the Islands Protection Society and its friends, and supporters, were successful in winning a hard fought battle which saw the creation of Gwaii Haanas Archipelago.

What's Involved?

Sailing opportunities are limited as our prime objective is to use the 'Ocean Light II' as a mode of travel between the spots of special interest exploring these areas on foot and by kayak and inflatable.  Fitness should be of a general level for this expedition; however, a good level of fitness will always make your trip more enjoyable, so please exercise regularly prior to your trip. Children are welcome to join trips aboard the 'Ocean Light II' but we ask that parents contact us prior to booking to ensure that the departure they choose is a "family departure".

Photo Gallery

See the Queen Charlotte Islands Photo Gallery and enjoy the natural beauty of Gwaii Haanas National Park.

Brief sample itinerary
Trip Day	Meals	Activities
Day 0		Arrive in Sandspit prior to day 1. Overnight in Sandspit (not included). We invite you to contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff to assist with any pre/post travel arrangements.
Day 1	L / D	Meet the Ocean Light II and begin your trip.
Day 2 - 7	B / L / D	Your week aboard the 'Ocean Light II' is designed to give you access to the best Gwaii Haanas (South Moresby) has to offer; from abandoned Haida villages such as T'anuu and Ninstints, to the magnificent Pacific northwest rain forest, to intriguing natural history displays, such as busy sea lion haulouts and colourful intertidal areas. The exact itinerary of your trip will be dictated by weather and sea conditions; however, we will use the long days to maximize your time and experience in the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Day 8	B	Early morning return back to Sandspit.