The dramatic Queen Charlotte Islands, known as Haida Gwaii (Place of Wonder) to the native Haida people, is an archipelago made up of hundreds of islands and islets, sitting at the edge of the continent some 65 miles off the northeast coast of British Columbia. Like the Galapagos, the isolation of the archipelago has allowed many species of plants and animals to evolve with unique characteristics. In order to protect their ecological and cultural heritage, the Haida people, in partnership with the Government of Canada, designated the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve/Haida Heritage Site in 1987. Visitors today are welcome, in limited numbers, to visit this sacred place. ROW’s journey allows time and opportunity to experience and learn from the Haida people about their culture, history and the natural wonders of their home as well as enjoy excellent wildlife viewing.
Cruise Details
Duration
10 Days
Location
Queen Charlotte Islands & Great Bear Rainforest
Season
May - October
Cruise Type
Overnight
Nearest City
Sandspit, British Columbia
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
British Columbia, Canada
Fully Crewed
Yes
Additional Crew Info
Michael Hobbis spent a year abroad the Duen as first mate in 1978 sailing extensively in the South Pacific. In 1986 Michael and his wife, Manon, bought the Duen and soon thereafter brought it to British Columbia where they became actively involved with the environmental marine program at Lester B. Pearson United World College from 1990-1997. Today they operate marine training programs for high school and college students during the academic year and welcome travelers from around the world aboard their ship in the summer.
Michael has been dedicated to environmental education and the seafaring life for 25 years. As captain his safety record is outstanding. He launched Outward Bound Canada's first marine challenge program and managed the United World College's Coastwatch program for seven years. He has successfully sailed thousands of miles offshore while navigating to the anchorage of over 30 countries. His passion for the sea, dedication to service, relaxed nature and good humor make him a wonderful host. Michael likes to welcome guests onboard as though they are arriving home and sees them on their way as lifelong friends.
Along with Michael works a naturalist guide who is a qualified guide with the Gwaii Haana Parks Reserve and has first aid certification. The ship's cook and prepares scrumptious meals with ease and humor.
Guest Capacity
8
Accommodations
The ship is a gaff-rigged ketch built in Norway to the exacting standards of the long lineage of sea-going Norwegians. After 30 years in the Norwegian fishing industry, she was converted to a passenger ship in 1971 and shortly after circumnavigated the world. Completely renovated in 1994, she is 72’ long and has four cabins each with a washbasin, porthole and skylight. She offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere including two shared baths, an ample deck, intimate dining salon and galley where meals are made fresh on board, sometimes including mouth watering “catch of the day” seafood. A large, traditional Norwegian stove heats the cabin on cool days. Evening hours are spent listening to the on-board international music collection and slide presentations on the areas you are visiting, or reading from the extensive natural history library. The atmosphere on board is casual and welcoming. You will sail when the wind is blowing in the direction needed to travel and weather conditions allow. Duen under sail is a dramatic sight and experience. Normally you’ll only be able to sail once or twice during the course of the trip.
Activities
This is an easy to moderate trip, with most activities being optional. Walking around Duen does require some dexterity and the ability to navigate a steep ladder/stairway to pass between the upper and lower decks. You also use a motorized dinghy to get to shore and you should be able to climb in and out of this using the ship-side ladder. Off board, you are welcome to explore in your own ways. You do stop to walk to several Haida village sites and offer some hikes as well. Sea kayaks are available for up-close exploration of the shoreline. You can have a turn at the helm, joining the skipper in the aft and learn the workings of a historic boat. The Captain welcomes participation in the raising of the sails when the occasion arises. Duen carries four single sea kayaks for her passengers to share. No previous experience is required and it’s easy to learn the skills to navigate these stable craft. The intent is to sea kayak in calm weather in protected harbors. ROW cannot guarantee these conditions all the time however. Aboard this comfortable ship you can always enjoy the view from the interior wheelhouse cabin.
What to Bring
Once you have signed up, you'll be sent further details about the trip including a complete packing list, exact meeting places, relevant health, safety and medical information, required travel documents, and a reading list.
Rates
$1,980.00 - $2,000.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Day 1: Arrive Sandspit, British Columbia. (Air from Vancouver twice daily as well as ferry connections from Prince Rupert.) Transfer to the town of Skidegate/Queen Charlotte City. Check into local hotel.
Day 2: After breakfast, meet with the local guide, Nika Collinson, granddaughter of renowned Haida artist Bill Reid. Nika is from Skidegate of the Ts’aahl Eagle Clan and is involved in many of the traditions of the Haida including weaving, pole carving, singing, dancing, the language, food gathering and preparation. She is an ideal person to introduce you to the Haida culture. With her, you will tour the Haida Gwaii museum where photographs and artifacts provide a compelling visual history of Haida Gwaii. Enjoy lunch together, followed by a few hours of free time to explore Queen Charlotte City. In the evening you’ll have an extraordinary dinner in the home of Roberta Olsen, a Haida culinary expert. She gathers and prepares traditional foods for an elaborate banquet. Her house is lavish with her family’s art and looks out to the bay where whales may swim by and eagles watch patiently. B,L,D.
Day 3: After breakfast, transfer to the Duen, anchored at Moresby Camp. Begin your travels south. Weather and tides dictate our exact schedule, so the following is meant as a guideline only. From Port Moresby, travel south and a likely stop your first day is Skedans or K’uuna where you have your first look at one of the now-abandoned Haida Village sites. A Haida watchman adds a personal touch to your visit and enriches the understanding of this village that at one point had some 26-30 longhouses. You may also visit T’aanuu and anchor nearby. This evening everyone will be introduced to kayaking with an orientation paddle for all who are interested.
Day 4: If tides cooperate, you’ll get an early start and continue south stopping for a hike at De la Beche Inlet in the magnificent San Cristoval Mountains. After lunch, proceed towards Burnaby narrows where you observe one of the richest and most diverse collections of sea life in the world. While this little ship waits for the perfect tide conditions to pass through these narrows, those who wish can paddle sea kayaks or take a Zodiac ride to explore the area.
Day 5: Continuing south, leave Skincuttle Inlet and sail along the edge of the Hecate Strait before returning into the sheltered waters of the Houston-Steward Channel, perhaps stopping to visit the old whaling station at Rose Harbor. By evening, arrive at Anthony Island, or SGaang Gwaii. Here, visit the village of Ninstints or Nan Skins, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the greatest display of Haida totem poles in their original surroundings.
Day 6: This morning, spend time around SGaang Gwaii, sea kayaking, walking, fishing or whatever takes your pleasure. Enjoy fantastic birding with a variety of sea birds on the rocks and skimming the water, while bald eagles soar overhead. Later in the day, begin your return cruise north anchoring in a quiet bay for the night.
Day 7: Depending on weather, tide and other conditions, you may pass through Burnaby Narrows once again, or cruise around Scudder Point. If wind conditions allow, this may be a good day to hoist the sails. You’ll have time during the day for hiking and/or sea kayaking.
Day 8: Today’s highlight is a visit to magical Hotspring Island – Gandll K’iins. Haida Watchmen welcome you as you soak in your choice of five different pools – all of different temperatures and perched on the rocks above the sea. A few hours cruising and time for some hiking or sea kayaking will round out the day.
Day 9: If you missed the village site of T’aanuu, you’ll visit it today. Or, perhaps stop in at Cumshewa as you travel around Louise Island on your way to your evening anchorage at Moresby Camp.
Day 10: Depart Duen after breakfast, transfer to airport for mid-morning flights or other departure arrangements.
This Package Includes
Two Nights Hotel Accommodations
All Accommodations Aboard S/V Duen
Meals as Per Itinerary
Shared Use of Four Single Sea Kayaks, Paddles, PFDs (Lifejackets), Radios, and All Standard Boat Safety Gear
Excursions Aboard the Yacht's Dinghy
Services of the Captain, Crew, and Naturalist Guide
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
Click on any visitor guide below to request a free copy.
RELATED VACATIONS
In addition to adventure cruises, browse related adventure travel and active vacations in the following categories:
Featured Adventures
