Small Ship Cruises - British Columbia

Overview

Join an adventure cruise by small ship in British Columbia through the Queen Charlotte Islands. We explore this part of the "Inside Passage" aboard the S/V Duen, a comfortable, historic eight-passenger yacht and an ideal base of operations to visit this unspoiled wilderness. From the S/V Duen, we'll explore surrounding waters by Zodiac inflatable craft and sea kayaks, and we'll make frequent onshore excursions. A knowledgeable captain, excellent chef and onboard naturalist accompany each trip.

   

• Trip Duration: 9 Days
• Intensity: Easy
• Season: June - August
• Closest Airport: Sandspit, British Columbia

Details

British Columbia Small Ship Cruise

The dramatic Queen Charlotte Islands, known as Haida Gwaii (Place of Wonder) to native Haida people, is an archipelago of hundreds of islands and islets about 65 miles off the northeast coast of British Columbia. Like the Galapagos Islands, the isolation of this archipelago has allowed many species of plants and animals to evolve with unique characteristics. To protect their ecological and cultural heritage, the Haida people, in partnership with the Canadian Government, designated the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve/Haida Heritage Site in 1987. Today visitors are welcome, in limited numbers, to visit this sacred place.

ROW's B.C. adventure cruise has plenty of time and opportunity to experience and learn from the Haida people. As we explore this incredible country, we'll learn about Haida culture, history and the natural wonders of their homeland. A highlight for many of our guests is the visits we make to ancient Haida village sites.

Weather and tides can impact our schedule, but our goal is to reach as many of these sites as possible, including the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site of SGaang Gwaii (Wailing Island) and the village site of Nan Sdins (more commonly known as Ninstints) where numerous memorial, frontal and mortuary (totem) poles still stand in the greatest display left on the islands.

Other village sites we typically visit include T'aanuu (Tanu), K'uuna (Skedans) and Hlk'yaah 'Llnagaay (Windy Bay). Each site is staffed by two to four Haida Watchmen, including one elder, who live at the site and serve as guardians, protecting their natural and cultural heritage. Our experienced guides have developed warm relationships with the guardians, which usually results in wonderful opportunities for conversation and further insight into the Haida culture and history. We explore these sites on foot and marvel at the remains of longhouses and totem poles, both standing and fallen.

This secluded wilderness reaches its peak of beauty as summer approaches. A coastal temperate rainforest dominates the land and some of the largest trees in the world grow here, including red and yellow cedar, Sitka spruce and western hemlock. We hike trails that wind through forest floors carpeted with dozens of species of mosses, ferns, salal and berry bushes. Bogs and meadows are decorated with herbs, grasses and brightly colored flowers.

Longer hours of sunlight on the plankton-rich waters attract an abundant and diverse display of marine life. Many species, from the tiniest zooplankton that feed intertidal life to the great marine mammals like the humpback whales and Orca, depend on this productive island habitat for their survival. As we explore by foot or by Zodiac raft, we'll find many varieties of sea stars (formerly known as starfish), crabs, snails, urchins, anemones, mussels and many other marine creatures. Onshore rambling lets you see tidal pools and a shoreline that's incredibly rich in marine life due to significant tidal changes of up to 22 feet.

Those who enjoy fishing might try their hand at catching red snapper, lingcod and other rockfish. We typically see many species of sea birds like the rhinoceros auklet, pigeon guillemot, tufted puffin, great blue heron, peregrine falcon, and dozens of magnificent bald eagles.

If the dates below don't fit your schedule or you have a large group, ROW can also book this adventure cruise on the 12-passenger, Coppersky.

Itinerary

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – From Sandspit you will be transported by land shuttle to Queen Charlotte and a local Bed and Breakfast or Motel. We will visit Skidegate’s ‘Qay’Illnagaay’ museum, its exhibits focus on the rich history, culture and art of the Haida. We conclude this day with a traditional Haida seafood dinner at Keenawii’s: Roberta Olson’s waterfront home.

Day 2-5 – We return to Sandspit and onward to board the s.v. Duen in Moresby Camp on the edge of Gwaii Haanas Park Reserve. We take our first glimpse at a lush temperate rainforest through Carmichael Passage as we glide through Louise Narrows. Rounding Talunkwa Island we make our first Haida village visit at Tanu: T’aanuu; a spiritual longhouse village site silenced by a luxuriant cover of mosses. T’aannuu was also homeland of the late world-renowned artist Bill Reid, where a small gravestone marks his final resting place.

We sail scenic Darwin Sound towards De La Beche Inlet and Sac Bay. Here we will hike in the alpine landscape of the San Cristoval Mountains and enjoy a spectacular view of Juan de Perez Sound and our next destination at Hot Spring Island: Gandll K’iin for a relaxing soak in one of three natural hot spring pools set against a scenic background.

Onwards through Burnaby Strait, Dolomite Narrows reveals one of the riches intertidal and diverse collections of sealife in the world. We closely observe colorful sea creatures like the giant sun star, purple sea urchins, Dungeness crab, or sea cucumber. At the South side of Dolomite Narrows we will experience a magnificent temperate rainforest in Bag Harbour and marvel at lush mosses clinging to giant spruce, and laden branches spreading beneath the dense forest canopy.

Along the waterway of Houston Stewart Channel we will visit the old whaling station at Rose Harbour. We then travel west of Kunghit Island for a glimpse at the colorful tufted puffins, or a pod of resident Orcas or Humpback whales that may transit the area. We set anchor at Anthony Island for a most spiritual journey through Unesco’s World Heritage Site of Ninstints: SGaang Gwaii. Here we view an ancient burial cave, and the greatest display of Haida poles guarding the spirits of its magical surroundings.

Day 6-9 – Northbound, we travel to the Copper Island group for an opportunity for a zodiac or kayak drift in a small sea cave, and revisit Hot Spring Island: Gandll K’iin for another relaxing soak. Weather permitting, we will journey east of Lyell Island for a visit to a traditional Haida longhouse at Windy Bay: Hlk’yaah ‘Llnagaay and a walk through the peaceful giants, another beautiful example of a temperate rainforest.

Continuing northbound we set compass for Reef Island and a visit to the small gathering of sea lions often found basking on the rocks, and nearby cormorants nesting by the cliff-side.

We will sail for Limestone Islands on our way to Skedans: K’uuna, here we view a spectacular site with the remains of the Haida’s original poles.

We conclude our journey in Cumshewa: HLKiinul – a silent and spiritual site found on the outskirts of the park. Here we will have the opportunity to view a magnificent Bald Eagle’s nest found on the adjacent Haida burial island. This last day we transit back to Moresby Camp and board the return land shuttle service to meet the return flight to Vancouver.

ROW Difference

Highlights

A highlight for many is our visits to ancient Haida village sites. Weather and tides directly affect our schedule, but our goal is to reach as many of these sites as possible, including the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site of SGaang Gwaii (Wailing Island) and the village site of Nan Sdins (more commonly known as Ninstints) where numerous memorial, frontal and mortuary (totem) poles still stand in the greatest display left on the islands. Other village sites we plan to visit include T’aanuu (Tanu), K’uuna (Skedans) and Hlk’yaah ‘Llnagaay (Windy Bay). Each is staffed between two and four Haida Watchmen, including one elder, who live at the site serving as guardians to protect the natural and cultural heritage. Our guides have developed warm relations with these people, usually resulting in wonderful opportunities for conversation and further insights into the Haida culture and the history of the village sites. We explore these sites on foot and marvel at the remains of longhouses and totem poles, both standing and fallen.

The Guides

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 twenty-five 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 thirty 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.

FAQ

HOW DIFFICULT IS THIS TRIP? 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. We 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. We 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.

SEA CONDITIONS: Most of the time you’re in sheltered water in tight inlets. We try to sail as much as possible, though most of the time we operate under motor power. It is a rare occurrence for us to experience high winds and rough seas. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring medication just in case. Though changeable all year round, rainfall occurs mostly during the winter months. Summer boating is considered quite good. Air temperature in the summer ranges from 60-75 degrees. Extended periods of rainfall are not expected during the summer months, but high overcast and misty days may be experienced.

SEA KAYAKING: 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. Our intent is to sea kayak in calm weather in protected harbors. We cannot guarantee these conditions all the time however. Aboard our comfortable ship we can always enjoy the view from the interior wheelhouse cabin.

ABOUT S/V DUEN: Our 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 4 cabins each with a wash basin, 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. We will sail when the wind is blowing in the direction we need to travel and weather conditions allow. Duen under sail is a dramatic sight and experience. Normally we’ll only be able to sail once or twice during the course of the trip.