At the edge of the world, this storm-battered area is an ecologically and archaeologically significant landscape of 100 islands, old-growth forest, rugged headlands, and protected passageways sandwiched between towering mountains. Setting sail with the Wild Women on our Haida Gwaii Sailing Adventure is the perfect way to reset and feel restored in the west coast wilderness.
Haida Gwaii is home to the resilient Haida, whose name for the southern islands, Gwaii Haanas, appropriately translates as “islands of beauty” or “place of wonder”.
The archipelago is also known as ‘Canada’s Galapagos’ as the islands are bursting with life above and below the giant Sitkas and cedars. More than 500 archaeological sites are found here–the longhouse remains and ghostly carved poles wooed celebrated Canadian artist Emily Carr long ago.
Guided by Haida Watchmen who play an instrumental role in the stewardship of the Coastal First Nations (ensuring sustainable tourism and protection of precious natural resources), we’ll journey into the mystical wilderness and remarkable history of the ancient Haida villages that dot the shoreline of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. Small ship travel through this unforgettable landscape allows us to voyage to intimate places only accessible by boat or charter float plane.
Theories suggest that parts of Haida Gwaii escaped the last ice age, creating a glacial sanctuary for plants and animals. This enlightened thinking helps explain the presence of plant species and subspecies of birds, fish and mammals found nowhere else in the world. We will have eight beautifully suspended days to explore the evolution, oddities and marvels of Haida Gwaii.
These islands are an isolated archipelago, difficult to reach and rarely visited. We will anchor in secluded bays and via inflatable Zodiacs, pull up to the shoreline to walk on footprint-less beaches. We might find a few Japanese glass fishing floats that have washed ashore after years of drifting.
If you’re seeking a powerfully educational, spiritual, cultural, biodiverse experience, the Haida Gwaii Sailing Adventure is custom designed for you. Don’t let this ship sail without you!
