Queen Charlotte Islands

This trip is not available at this time. Be sure to check out our other trips. 11/12/2008

The remote Queen Charlotte Islands provide an unparalleled natural history experience— amazing wildlife, old-growth rainforests, hot springs and ancient native Haida villages. Located 60 miles off the coast on the edge of the Continental Shelf, these isolated islands have developed unique plants and animals and earned the name "the Canadian Galapagos." The rich waters support a wonderful variety of whales and thousands of seabirds. Original totem poles still standing here are protected within the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. The ancient and now abandoned Haida village site of Ninstints was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 in recognition of its cultural value and importance to the history of mankind. The Queen Charlotte Islands, or Haida Gwaii, constitute one of the richest biological and cultural areas in North America. This remote archipelago provides unparalleled wilderness cruising and exploring aboard our 68-foot sailing vessel.

Sample 8 day ITINERARY
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.

U.S. citizens boarding flights to and from Canada are now required to present a passport as proof of U.S. citizenship. Driver's licenses, certified birth certificates, voter registration cards, affidavits and similar documents are no longer sufficient to prove citizenship for readmission into the United States. However, U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy (not a simple photocopy) of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable for those driving to Canada through December 31, 2007. As of January 1, 2008, a passport will be required of all travelers to Canada whether traveling by air, land, or sea. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond completion of the trip.  For more information you may wish to visit the U.S. Department of State, Canada Consular Information website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html

The Island Roamer and Island Odyssey are custom 68-foot ketches. The boats’ design, safety and comfort make them perfect for these trips. They feature 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 bathrooms with hot showers, a large comfortable lounge with an extensive library, and a well-equipped galley. On deck, the large covered seating area provides protection in all types of weather. The vessels are large enough for comfort, privacy and safety, and small enough to create a good rapport among passengers and crew.

You can expect excellent meals throughout the trip. Consistently, group members are awed by the scrumptious northwest creations our crew serve up.  Dinners consist of well-balanced cooked meals, with fresh northwest seafood, salads and homemade deserts. Breakfasts are hearty and geared to give you plenty of energy for the day, while lunches generally are sandwiches, cold cuts, salads, bread and cheese. Vegetarian diets are accommodated; we make a special effort to ensure there are non-meat alternatives at every meal. 

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear and medications in your carry-on baggage, in the event your luggage is delayed. Also pack your camera and all film in the carry-on luggage. Your medication should be clearly labeled.
• If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wools or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
• Good raingear is essential on this trip! Your raingear should be able to repel a full day of rain without leaking. It should have taped seams and preferably an attached hood. 
• Rubber boots should be comfortable. Knee high boots will ensure dry feet. Expect daily use stepping ashore from small boats at the ocean’s edge and walking in west coast rainforest.
• Storage is limited! The cabins on board are small and storage space is limited. Also, please be aware that there may be weight restrictions for floatplanes.