Ninstints, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Culture & Wildlife in Haida Gwaii

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

12 Days

Prices Start from

£8,510pp (ex. flights)

Sail the remote waters of Haida Gwaii, uncovering the ancient culture of the Haida First Nations people and exploring the nooks of this dazzling island chainset that protrudes from the western coast of British Columbia.

With just enough time to amble around Vancouver and take in an ice hockey match, this navigation is an in-depth voyage around a little-visited haven of wildlife and culture.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, Canada 1

Time in Vancouver

Explore the seaport city of Vancouver and cross Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Pure Lake, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada 2

Explore Haida Gwaii

Cruise the wildlife-rich archipelago of remote islands and temperate rainforest.

Naikoon Park, Mossy Logs, Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, Canada 3

Gwaii Haanas Reserve

Explore the remarkable Gwaii Haanas Reserve with its plethora of elk, blacktail deer and eagles.

Swell, Haida Gwaii, Canada 4

Sail the Archipelago

Look out for humpback whales and dolphins while sailing around Haida Gwaii.

Why we like it

The Gwaii Haanas Reserve is one of the most important national reserves in North America and is strictly licensed – few are permitted to travel here, so to visit this area is a real privilege. Combining the ultimate bragging rights of having explored what National Geographic rated “the top National Park in North America” with days spent sipping your way through the local craft beer breweries, intrepid travellers embarking on this unique sailing are rewarded with a jam-packed archipelago exploration. Offering everything from thriving Haida aboriginal culture to walks through ancient forests, this voyage exposes passengers to an extremely dense congregation of the nation’s coveted gems. Nature-loving wayfarers are able to gain a comprehensive and intimate knowledge of this region, benefiting from the comparatively minimal time spent travelling. Using our years of experience and extensive personal travels through Canada, we can curate entirely hand-picked and customised extensions to the sailing that are suitable for everyone from solo travellers to honeymooners to families with young children.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Canada on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Vancouver

  • Days 2-3

    Vancouver

  • Day 4

    Vancouver - Haida Gwaii - Masset

  • Days 5-11

    Haida Gwaii

  • Day 12

    Haida Gwaii - Vancouver

Day 1

Vancouver

Vancouver harbour, Canada

A relatively compact, scenic metropolis with a mild climate boasting an extraordinary mix of environments.

Days 2-3

Vancouver

Day 4

Vancouver - Haida Gwaii - Masset

Days 5-11

Haida Gwaii

Pure Lake, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Within the archipelago of the national park, Gwaii Haanas protects a range of historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural events, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.

Day 12

Haida Gwaii - Vancouver

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Swell £££££

Built in 1912 for service in the Victoria Tug and Barge Company, Swell is a well-known and popular boat that navigates off the coast of British Columbia. At 80-foot-long, the tug boat accommodates up to 10 guests in five double cabins and offers passengers remote access into Canada’s rugged wilderness. A comfortable vessel with a large wood panelled lounge, Swell also boasts a hot tub on the upper deck as well as kayaks, fishing gear and state of the art equipment such as hydrophones.

View Boat

Cascadia £££££

  • Canada

A charming 138-foot-long steel-hulled catamaran that accommodates up to 24 passengers in 12 spacious and comfortable cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom, Cascadia was purpose-built for luxury cruising. With a shallow hull that allows her to explore the most remote passages, there is nothing quite like Cascadia currently operating on the British Columbian coast. There is a cosy lounge area to relax after a day of adventures, a dining area serving up fresh delicacies from the Pacific Coast and an outside terrace that can be used for al fresco dining on warm evenings or for morning coffee. All itineraries include guided excursions by zodiac or on shore, and the more adventurous can take to the waters in a kayak for a close encounter with marine life.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £8,510 Per person

When to travel

Canada in January

January is an undoubtedly cold time of year in Canada, with temperatures reaching negative daily. However, visiting during this time can be a good chance to avoid the overwhelming busy times of the festive season and school holidays.

Canada in February

Winter in Canada offers an array of sporting and cultural events both indoors and out. Banff, Whistler and Jasper offer phenomenal ski resorts or perhaps be a spectator of an ice hockey match, arguably the country’s favourite sport.

Canada in March

While March can be a good off-peak time to visit, it is worth being prepared for drastic weather changes. However, this also means lower costs and fewer crowds. The mountains are still open for the ski season and cities are ideal as they are fewer tourists.

Canada in April

April marks the start of spring across Canada, a time to avoid crowds and discover all that the country has to offer with comfortable temperatures on average.

Canada in May

May is a favourable time to visit Canada, with temperatures rising, avoiding school holidays and off-peak rates.

Canada in June

For many travellers, June is the ideal time to visit Canada. Just before peak season, the weather is favourable and most of the trails and seasonal activities will have opened.

Canada in July

Summer in Canada calls for longer days to explore the natural beauty that awaits outdoors whether it’s hiking, fishing or camping. Temperatures average around 25, making cities quite warm but head into the wilderness or by the coast and enjoy the open air.

Canada in August

Summer is considered the peak season with warm temperatures and all attractions open. It is worth noting this time of year can be quite busy as it is school holidays.

Canada in September

As autumn rolls in and temperatures lower, September is a great time to avoid massive crowds and experience all that the country has to offer in comfortable weather. September is also the beginning of the salmon run, a peak time to see the bears fishing.

Canada in October

Temperatures continue to drop in October, also bringing cloudy days and rain. The autumn foliage is in full bloom across the countryside. This can also be a good time to take advantage of off-peak rates, however, it is worth bearing in mind that the weather can vary and some coastal towns will have started to close for the season.

Canada in November

November is a good time of year to visit the cities of Canada. It is too late to view the foliage and a bit too early to skiing yet, but a good time to explore cities across the country, in temperatures averaging 5 degrees.

Canada in December

The build-up to the festive season is in full swing across the country. Snow may have already started, making the perfect scene for ice skating and markets.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

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