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Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia

Sail the Haida Gwaii, known as Canada's Galapagos, in search of whales, birds, and native cultures

Pricing From: $4,750 USD per person

Duration: 9 days

Operator: Maple Leaf Adventures

The Queen Charlotte Islands are a hundred and thirty islands along the West coast of British Columbia.

Also known as Haida Gwaii, you'll find ancient rainforests, humpbacks rising from the ocean, and both modern and traditional First Nations villages where the remains of beautiful totems and houses stand above wild beaches.

Join Maple Leaf Adventures for a multi-day sailing tour of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage site.

ITINERARY

Queen Charlotte Islands Tour Note

With most expedition cruises, itineraries can vary depending upon things like the interests of the guests, and the weather, and the actions of wildlife. This is a sample itinerary to give you an idea of a typical Haida Gwaii trip.

Day 1 - Haida Heritage Center

Kickoff the sailing tours with visit to the Haida Heritage Centre at KAAY LLNAGAAY. We'll also visit Graham Island for a tour and dinner. Accommodation ashore is included.

Day 2 - Gwai Haanas National Park

Board the Maple Leaf schooner, where you will receive an orientation as we enter Gwaii Haanas National Park. The day includes a visit to a Tanu Haida village site.

Day 3 - Burnaby Narrows

We pass through Burnaby Narrows, a truly unique marine ecosystem. You will have the option to kayak to explore the intertidal life more closely.

Day 4 - Woodruff Bay

As we sail southward in Gwaii Haanas, we can visit Cape St. James for a hike on the southern tip of Haida Gwaii. We'll also have the option to explore Woodruff Bay beach exploration and go fishing.

Day 5 - Visit a World Heritage Site

Today, we'll visit a UN World Heritage Site visit, either SGang Gwaay or a Ninstints Haida village site. Both of these sites give a glimpse into the traditional Haida culture. We'll also visit Rose Harbour and view seabirds from the boat.

Day 6 - Queen Charlotte Islands Exploration

Today, while cruising, we'll take a forest walk, explore an estuary, and look for bears. 

Day 7 - Hot Springs Island

Today we can visit Hot Springs Island and soak in its springs. Optional kayak tour.

Day 8 - Cultural Heritage Sites

Today, we can visit the Windy Bay cultural heritage site and the Skedans/Koona Haida village site. In addition, while sailing we'll be looking for whales.

Day 9 - Sandspit

Cruising to Sandspit, a small community on Moresby Island.

Prices & Dates

Dates: May - June

Duration: 9 days

Pricing From: $4,750 USD per person

Price Notes: Pricing starts at $4,750 Canadian and the price in US dollars varies with the exchange rate

Included: Includes all shore excursions, meals, accommodation and use of gear on board (including kayaks, fishing gear, sea boots, rain gear and more).

Conservation

Benefitting Organization:

Raincoast Conservation Foundation - A team of conservationists and scientists empowered by research to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of coastal British Columbia.

By booking this trip through SEEtheWILD, we will make a donation of $240 to Raincoast for their wildlife conservation efforts.

Featured Animals: Humpback, Seabirds

Images

Sunset aboard the Maple Leaf
© Kevin J. Smith / Maple Leaf Adventures
The Haida Gwaii islands are a hotspot for humpbacks
© Kevin J Smith / Maple Leaf Adventures
Visit SGang Gwaay, a World Heritage Site
© Maple Leaf Adventures
Great photo opportunities abound from the Maple Leaf
© Maple Leaf Adventures
Returning from a visit to one of the Queen Charlotte Islands
© Maple Leaf Adventures
A humpback dives among floating shearwaters
© Kevin J Smith / Maple Leaf Adventures

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  • Reduce environmental impact

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