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home > kayak trips > totems of the pacific Totems of the PacificYou will have time to explore and discover places that few have visited. Touring exclusively the remote southern waters of Gwaii Haanas, guests will appreciate the use of several strategically placed base camps which provide leisure day paddles to explore the many beaches, hidden inlets, old growth forests and the abundant wildlife found in this area. This is a true west coast environment unique to Gwaii Haanas. A rugged wind swept shoreline dotted with incredible beaches makes beach combing one of the favorite activities of this trip as well with the possibility of finding a Japanese Glass Ball! The area was home to the Kunghit Haida, a group isolated from their Northern Haida Counterparts. A visit to the village of Ninstints, The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the highlights of the trip. One hundred and twenty years after being abandoned, a row of standing poles still remains as evidence of the once flourishing culture here. This island jewel boasts the largest number of original standing totem poles in the world! The strong currents found in this area create a nutrient rich environment of Krill and Herring attracting an abundance of wildlife including the always entertaining Humpback Whales and the occasional pod of Killer Whales. Seabirds such as Tufted Puffins and Rhinoceros Auklets nest throughout this area. There are several well established Stellar Sea Lion and Seal haul outs as well.
Other tours: Hotsprings to the Totems of the Pacific | Hotsprings and the Path Less Traveled
ItineraryDay 1Your tour starts with a pick-up at your accommodation in Sandspit, the location of the islands' main airport by Laura the resident taxi service. We use a Twin Otter seaplane to transport you to/from the remote island location of Rose Harbour. Once we arrive, guests are overwhelmed by their remote surroundings. From 1905 to 1942 this was a flourishing whaling station. Rose Harbour now has a population of 6 hardy west coast characters. This special place today offers rustic accommodation and excellent local cuisine for travelers. Once introduced to our mixed fleet of single and double kayaks, our goal is to travel safely in accordance with the weather, tides and general interests of the group. Leaving Rose Harbor paddling along the eastern shore of Kunghit Island we will establish our first base camp in one of the many bays found in this rarely traveled corridor. Day 2 to 7The following day can be spent viewing seal hall outs, exploring hidden bays and inlets, or paddling along side the towering cliffs found in this quite area. The opportunity to view the many Tufted Puffins that nest and feed in these waters along with a glance of Cape St. James, the most southern point of the Queen Charlotte Islands can also present itself.
After breaking camp we paddle northwest through Huston Stewart Channel towards Rose Inlet, and get our first sight of the Pacific Ocean. Not yet ready for Open Ocean we establish our second base camp along the shore of Rose Inlet. This sets us up for a day paddle, allowing guests to explore the old growth forests and estuary of the inlet. Walking through the forest your guide will point out old scars where the Haida once stripped bark and fell trees for cedar ornaments, clothing, houses, and canoes. Now familiar with the local wildlife, history, and surroundings of Kunghit Island we head out to the Open Ocean. Paddling around Cape Fanny, the southern tip of Moresby Island, sends tingles through even the most seasoned visitor, and the Pacific sets the rhythm for the day. We establish a camp within close proximity to Anthony Island home to The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ninstints. The following day a short crossing brings us to the climax of our journey where we will spend the day in the presence of the Totems of the Pacific. Weather permitting paddling around this west coast jewel allow guests the opportunity of viewing Stellar Sea lions and Seals that haul out on the many islets surrounding the island.
On our final evening, we leave our ocean view camp site for Rose Harbour where we will have dinner with Homesteader, and Friend Susan Wier. Here a warm deserving shower and most importantly delicious local cuisine await us! Day 8On our final day, our adventure will take a new turn. A Twin Otter seaplane arrives to exchange guests, and you wing your way back to Sandspit (in minutes) over the waters that you've spent a week getting to know. This is a true coastal experience you will never forget! Please note, that mother nature has the final word on tour itineraries and the above is just a general overview.
2008 Tour Schedule
All prices are in Canadian dollars and include parks fees. |
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