Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

This trip ranges from the gloriously colorful intertidal display at Burnaby Narrows near the foot of majestic Yatza Mountain to Kunghit Island and the waters around Anthony Island. It also offers some of the most extraordinary scenery and archeological sites in the world including a visit to the jewel of the Queen Charlottes: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skun Gwaii village on Anthony Island (Ninstints). There the numerous standing totem poles bear powerful silent witness to the Haida’s rich culture and artistic heritage.

Passing through some of the most spectacular terrain on the islands, we paddle from the waters of Hecate Strait to the open Pacific. Wildlife abounds on this stretch of coast: eagles survey their domain from treetops, deer browse contentedly through camp and even the occasional Queen Charlottes’ black bear can be seen gleaning a meal from the rich intertidal zone.

Traveling from one end of the route to the other, the direction of these trips, north to south or the reverse, is dependent upon the specific departure date. To complete the experience of this biologically distinct and culturally significant area, on the return trip to Sandspit, we stop at Hot Spring Island to take in the panoramic view of Juan Perez Sound and the San Christoval mountains while enjoying a luxurious and well earned soak in the natural hot pools.