Haida Gwaii - British Columbia Cruise - Peregrine Travel Centre

Description

An Immersive and Authentic Cultural Experience
Explore Gwaii Haanas, appropriately translating to “Islands of beauty”
Weave amongst the 138 islands that create Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area, and Haida Heritage Site. Jointly managed by Parks Canada and the Council of Haida Nation, Gwaii Haanas encompasses roughly the southern third of Haida Gwaii, creating a refuge from industrial logging and preserving the vast ecosystem that provides for so many flora and fauna species.
For the Haida people, the boundary between earth and ocean exists only on a map. As one of the Haida Ways of Being lists out on the Haida Pledge: “everything depends on everything else” – on this trip, we hope to bring this concept to life by not only experiencing wildlife encounters and historic cultural sites, but by learning deeply about them and exploring how everything is interconnected in this spectacular archipelago.

Trip Name

Haida Gwaii - British Columbia Cruise

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Motor Sailer Length: 68f / 20.7m Passenger Capacity: 12 Island Roamer is a classic 68-foot motor-sailer that pioneered small-ship eco-tourism along British Columbia’s rugged coastline. Launched in 1983, she was the first vessel of her kind to explore the remote northern reaches of the coast, offering an intimate wilderness experience with just 12 guests on board. Her size and shallow draft allow access to narrow channels and secluded bays that larger vessels cannot reach, giving travellers the chance to encounter wildlife and landscapes up close. With six comfortable double-occupancy cabins, shared bathrooms with hot showers, and protected on-deck seating, Island Roamer provides a welcoming and practical base for coastal exploration. Life aboard Island Roamer blends adventure with comfort. Guests can relax in the cosy below-deck library with its beautiful teak finishing, enjoy panoramic views from the enclosed wheelhouse, or take to the water in stable sea kayaks and two expedition Zodiacs for respectful wildlife viewing. Operating from May to mid-October, she travels through some of the most spectacular marine environments, from estuaries rich with bears in spring to salmon-filled rivers in autumn. Thoughtfully equipped with organic toiletries, marine binoculars, and safety systems that meet rigorous standards, Island Roamer offers an authentic and memorable sailing experience in one of the world’s most pristine coastal regions.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trip Start – Day 1 Begin Your Haida Culture Learning

Meet early morning to take part in what Bluewater calls the ‘Land Tour’ of Haida Gwaii prior to boarding the boat; expanding your understanding of Haida culture and allowing a deeper appreciation and comprehension of the land and incredible historic sites we will see during the trip. The land tour includes a visit to the Haida Heritage Centre, traditional Haida lunch, and an interpretive walk at Spirit Lake. In the afternoon, guests are transferred by shuttle van to Moresby Camp where you will meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel, enjoy dinner onboard, and set sail south for Gwaii Haanas.The islands of Gwaii Haanas offer an ethereal landscape of sandy beaches, lowland rainforest, and boggy plateau. The archipelago also provides a remarkable evolutionary showcase. Theories suggest that parts of Haida Gwaii escaped the last ice age, forming a refuge for plant and animal life. This helps to explain the presence of unique plant species and sub-species of wildlife found only in archipelago.

Day 2 - Days 2-8 Gwaii Haanas & Historic Village Sites

Haida Watchmen welcome us to historic Haida village sites including T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu), K’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans), and SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island) – a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Haida Watchmen share their knowledge of traditional culture and bring their ancestors’ villages to life under weathered monumental poles and amid the remains of multi-tiered longhouses. Weather permitting, we may visit Hlk’yah GawGa (Windy Bay) on Lyell Island, the site of the first pole raised in 130 years. There may also be a chance to visit G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island) for a refreshing hot soak.In addition to these incredibly special historic Haida sites, guests can anticipate days filled with flora and fauna, shore excursions, and the potential for morning and evening kayaking. A vast array of seabirds and marine life such as whales and sea lions will keep us company at sea; while floating through K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay (briefly known as Burnaby Narrows) gazing down at the rainbow of intertidal life is always another highlight. Haida Gwaii also offers excellent opportunities to raise the sails and give guests the thrill and serenity of sailing.

Day 3 - Trip Finish – Day 9 Heading Home

Guests will disembark around mid-morning back at Moresby Camp where the shuttle bus will be waiting to return them back to the (Sandspit) K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay Airport. Guests can plan to catch the afternoon flight back to Vancouver or explore the area further on their own.

Day 4 - Please note:

We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Unparalleled First Nations Culture. Gain a deeper understanding of the rich Haida culture by visiting historic village sites and receiving interpretation by the Haida Watchmen.
Raise the Sails. Enjoy the steady silence as your crew unfurl the sails and set course along the coast.
Moss Laden Forestscape. Tread lightly through the mossy undergrowth as cedars and spruce tower above, having stood sentinel in these places for millenia.
A Birder’s Paradise. Binoculars at the ready to spot the many special winged species that call the islands of Gwaii Haanas home.
Micro to Macro Wildlife. From the small shell home of the abalone to the metric tonne sized sea lion, Haida Gwaii offers a plethora of wildlife viewing potential.