Sandspit

Fly into Sandspit Airport from Vancouver and transfer to a local bed and breakfast.  

1 night in Sandspit.

Sandspit to Rose Harbour

After an early morning pick-up at your B&B, you are transferred to Alliford Bay Floatplane Base. The flight to Rose Harbour, which is the last outpost of “civilization” in Gwaii Haanas National Park, is approximately 1 hour and by itself an experience remembered for life. You meet your guides in Rose Harbour and receive a thorough introduction into sea kayaking, wilderness safety and backcountry ethics before loading and starting one of the last true coastal adventures of British Columbia (depending on weather and logistics some departures might travel by zodiac).

Rose Harbour to Anthony Island

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 orcas. On the islets, there are colonies of sea birds, such as tufted and horned puffins, auklets and petrels; 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. The Haida are watch keepers and monitor this site and its surrounding islets. This is a designated ecological reserve for its large colonies of seabirds and outstanding sub-tidal and intertidal marine life, as well as breathtaking seascapes and enchanting forests. Sgan Gwaii also contains the remnants of the famous Haida village of Ninstints. Ninstints 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. This area is the Charlottes at their absolute finest. Coastal beauty and  excitement are coupled with a rich natural and cultural history. The exact itinerary of this trip is kept flexible, and you will be exposed much more to the elements of the open Pacific and its many moods – whether it be large swell and rolling fog, or pristine blue skies and fresh ocean breezes. If time and weather permit, you may explore the West Coast of Kunghit Island with its coves and beautiful sand beaches, also spectacular yet seldom visited. In addition some trips may venture northwards through Houston Stewart Channel and north along the rugged shore and the incredibly rich sea life of Burnaby Narrows.

Anthony Island to Sandspit

You travel back to Sandspit either by floatplane or zodiac. Back in Sandspit you check in at your B&B for the last night.

1 night in Sandspit.

Sandspit

Transfer back to the airport for your flight back to Vancouver or transfer to a connecting programme.