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Mothership Kayaking Tours
in the Queen Charlotte Islands
(Haida Gwaii)

Gwaii Haanas
"Place of Wonder"
National Park Reserve & Haida Heritage Site

Explore Gwaii Haanas National Park
By Sea and Air

You’ll spend a full six days travelling in one direction only through Gwaii Haanas National Park & Haida Heritage Site, either southbound from Cumshewa Inlet to SGaang Gwaay or northbound from SGaang Gwaay to Cumshewa Inlet. Each trip will either begin or end with a spectacular seaplane flight over Gwaii Haanas from Queen Charlotte City to (or from) the M.V. Island Bay.

Why choose a one direction only “Fly In / Out” Mothership Kayaking trip?

You’ll spend more of your valuable trip time paddling, hiking and exploring.
You’ll enjoy calm waters and a higher safety margin. Travelling in one direction only means less distance to travel which means greater flexibility for choosing optimal sea conditions.
Spend more time in the remote, rugged and spectacular southern portion of Gwaii Haanas
Enjoy a great “flight–seeing” experience through the beautiful southern Charlottes.

See About Our Trips for more information.

Cost:
Full six-day mothership kayaking trip: $1,950.00
Seaplane travel to or from the MV Island Bay: $250.00 *
12% Harmonized Sales Tax: $264.00
Parks Canada User Fee: $117.70 (Discounts apply for seniors, youth & family)
Total cost: $2,581.70 (CDN$)
* Or other transportation to or from the vessel if required

This Includes:
Meals, a "night on the town" at Chez Susan’s in Rose Harbour, use of the kayaks and a spectacular seaplane flight over Gwaii Haanas while travelling to or from the vessel. (See Tour Prices for details and conditions)

From Our Logbook…

What an adventure this trip has been. You have made us comfortable, welcome, and deeply overwhelmed. Your respect and ease with the culture around you has made a warm and lasting impression. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Shirley Jensen, West Vancouver

The daily miracles kept coming one after another, and the memories will carry on for years. The halibut catch, the technicolor underwater tidal pools, the ancient villages, the whale pursuits, the yummy dinners, Susan’s Rose Harbour banquet, the magical hot springs, the great trees that stretched higher than imaginable, the moss covered fantasy world of forest walks, the jumping springs and pinks, listening to the whales breathing in the fog, the bears, eagles, deer and jellyfish. I so appreciate all your TLC, attention, energy and expertise. You appear so confident and comfortable in a world so far from my reality. The whole adventure has been a gift to be treasured for generations, as I can assure you the stories will be shared.

Anne and Frank Echols, North Vancouver

I know already that this last week will become one of the most memorable times in my life. You made us feel at home from the moment we stepped upon the Island Bay. Each experience has been so special it is difficult to separate them into an order of merit. Yet, for me, the walks through the rainforests stand out. The awesome beauty of the trees and the mossy undergrowth will be my central memory. Best wishes.

Don Fisher, Vancouver

Rob - you're a wonderful communicator. Your passion and humour has made this experience an amazing one. Thank you for the gift of these islands and your insights into them.

Tina Loo, Vancouver, BC

This week has been pure magic! We’re in awe of the islands and all that they hold - and your incredible set of skills that made this a perfect trip. Thank you!

Mark Stiles, Ottawa, Ontario

Can't believe our good fortune in signing on with you and the Island Bay. Love your style. Good luck with your future ventures.

Nancy Carroll
p.s. This beats the Galapagos hands-down!

view more client testimonials

Trip Details:
Nourish the body, mind and spirit with a six-day wilderness voyage aboard the M.V. Island Bay, fully licensed and equipped for touring and mothership kayaking in Gwaii Haanas National Park. Our trips focus on both learning and fun! Experience spectacular old-growth forests, riparian ecosystems, Haida cultural heritage, wildlife viewing, natural hot springs and fabulous kayaking.

Haida Gwaii from space You'll explore the spectacular marine and terrestrial environment of Haida Gwaii, formerly called the Queen Charlotte Islands located approximately 130 km off the northwest coast of British Columbia, Canada. Rising out of the Pacific and perched on the edge of the continental shelf, the Charlottes have developed in isolation since the last ice age receded some 12,000 years ago. Rugged west coast fjords, ancient temperate rainforests, natural mineral hot springs, cool mountain lakes, and spectacular alpine meadows provide the setting for an experience you will recollect for years to come. Distinct species of flora and fauna have evolved on these islands washed by the temperate and nutrient rich waters of the North Pacific Current - see The Natural History of Haida Gwaii.

The Haida people have flourished on these islands known as Haida Gwaii - "Islands of the People", for 10,000 years. An amenable climate and rich natural resources allowed them to develop a complex and creative culture in harmony with their environment. You will get to know the Haida Gwaii Watchmen - guardians and hosts at several long abandoned but still vibrant Haida villages, including the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nans Dins village on SGaang Gwaii (Anthony Island).

M.V. Island Bay

Travel in comfort aboard the M.V. Island Bay, a vessel with character and a long history of safe passage on the north coast. With kayaks, tender and fishing gear aboard, the Island Bay makes a great “mother ship” for extended cruising in remote wilderness areas. Built for the rigors of working year round on the north coast, everything about this vessel is well thought out and heavily built. Designed for stability in the manner of the west coast fishing vessel, the inside is warmly finished in teak and has most of the comforts of home. Please see About Us for more details about Archipelago Ventures.

Captains and Guides

Even given a spectacular setting such as Gwaii Haanas, the success of your trip will come down to the competence of your guide and your compatibility with him or her. I employ two other Captain / Guides to spell me off. This means that your guide will be fresh and enthusiastic. All of us have the required certification, have lived on the Charlottes for several years (me twenty-two, Karel seven and James was born here!) and of course, know Gwaii Haanas well.

Rob Pettigrew
Archipelago Ventures Ltd.

Mothership Kayaking Tours in the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii)

Gwaii Haanas "Place of Wonder" National Park Reserve & Haida Heritage Site

Explore Gwaii Haanas National Park By Sea and Air