Waters of the Haida - Ninstints to Swan Island (36.152)

Itinerary

• Day
  1

  Our trip begins in Sandspit with a short drive to the floatplave base. Our scenic Twin Otter flight will take us to our starting point in Louscoone Inlet near the World Heritage site of the abandoned Haida village Ninstints or Skaang Gwaii in the Haida language. Once we have established our camp we begin a comprehensive introduction to the kayaks. Topics include safety, handling, paddling technique, packing, group travel, adjustments to maximize comfort and environmental considerations. No previous experience is required as our two person kayaks are extremely stable and can be safely handled by beginners, our primary goal being a safe and comfortable tour. To this end we plan our moves conservatively, maintain safety as our first consideration, build in beach breaks and plan to arrive at camp by mid-afternoon. All of our campsite selections are chosen on the basis of guest comfort, esthetic quality, safety, ease of access and the facilitation of the general route for the week. Once familiar with our boats we set out for an afternoon paddle around the scenic waters of the inlet. After our shakedown paddle we return to camp for a delicious meal meticulously prepared by our guides with after dinner hot drinks and the relaxing calm of a sunset over the South Moresby to complete our day.
  
  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  2

  The day begins with a savoury breakfast of smoked salmon eggs benedict, tea and coffee, after which we head out to explore the picturesque landscapes surrounding us. Prior to paddling for the day we go over the charts with guests and offer a warm up stretch to ease the muscles into the activity ahead. To further increase group comfort our overall itinerary has extra days built into it to allow for maximum flexibility and as many two-night camps as possible. The general paddling destination is a move toward Ninstints at the Southern end of South Moresby Island. This area of the Charlottes is quite exposed to the Pacific weather systems and again our itinerary will be strongly influenced by the weather. This trip has the wildest flavour and some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery to be found in the Charlottes. Keep your eyes open for Puffin and other under-water flyers.
  
  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  3

  Due to its inaccessibility, the village of Ninstints is the best preserved of all the Haida villages, with the greatest number of standing mortuary and memorial poles , and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We plan to spend the better part of the afternoon on the island allowing time to visit with the Haida watchmen, wander amongst the poles and soak up the magic of this enchanted place. After a relaxing and informative visit to Ninstints we venture east past picturesque islands and into more sheltered waters. The small islets of this area are nesting ground for several types of seabird including the tufted puffin and the ancient murralet as well as the hunting grounds for Peregrine Falcons. We may also see harbor seals and Stellar sea lions hauled out on the rocks enjoying a midday siesta. These waters are also home to number of different species of whales. Bring binoculars.
  
  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  4

  After spending time in the area of Skaang Gwaii we travel towards Rose Harbour . This area borders Houston Stewart Channel, offering more sheltered waters and excellent day paddle options. Once in this area we are well set up to venture north into Hecate Strait, a body of water which now covers the pre-existing land bridge which once connected the Haida Gwaii to the mainland. Dinner this night may be sun dried tomato pesto on linguini with fresh salad or chili rellenos soufflé, a returning guest’s favorite.
  
  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  5

  The route northward offers many fantastic paddling features and camping options, weather being the main determining factor regarding the days plan. Possible campsite areas include Carpenter and Collison Bay, north of Benjamin Point, the eastern most point on the tour. Breakfast this morning may include a fresh fruit salad with hot raisin scones and jam accompanied by the infamous Pacific Rim Paddling coffee, cocoa and a selection of teas.
  
  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  6

  Our second day of paddling on the western side of Hecate Strait should bring us past Ikeda Point and into the more sheltered Skincuttle Inlet, and island filled bay home to numerous Haida Villages at the time of European contact. This area often affords fantastic sunset options with the Southern terminus of the San Christoval being viewed over the island landscapes. Having reached the quiet confines of Skinkuttle Inlet we can now slow down and enjoy the pace of a potential two day camp.
  
  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  7

  This area affords fantastic day paddle options and is of historic significance to the Haida, home to many villages prior to the time of European contact. Although few examples remain, one can feel the past activity of the numerous bustling villages as the first peoples moved about the area gathering food in preparation for the long winter ahead. The winter was for feasting and potlatching when the Haida would confirm status and totem symbols, pay tribute to their past, the spirits above and below and spend time around the fire passing along their oral history to the next generation.
  
  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accomodation: Camping
• Day
  8

  With our week long adventure still fresh in our minds we take a relaxing morning to soak in the views of Skinkuttle Inlet, pack our gear and wander out to the intertidal islet with a warm drink to watch the day unfold. Our scenic Twin Otter flight is scheduled for mid-day allowing for ample time back in Sandspit to clean-up for dinner and have a stroll around.
  
  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  Accomodation: Accommodation by Customer