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Place
of Wonder
Sea Kayaking in British Columbia's Queen Charlotte Islands
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
 Known
as Canada's Galapagos, the Queen Charlotte Islands are located
off British Colombia's northwestern coast on the Pacific Continental
shelf. The region is a large archipelago that hosts the Gwaii
Haanas National Park. The Haida phrase Gwaii Haanas means islands
of wonder. South Moresby, also part of the Queen Charlottes, is
famed for its temperate marine zone which is known to be one of
the richest in the world. This is a coveted place for sea kayakers
with hidden coves, little islands and Haida history.
It is recommended
that you visit this area in the spring because the wildlife viewing
and weather conditions are much better in this season. You should
be an experience kayaker and the use of a guide is encouraged.
You must register your trip with the Canadian Coast Guard and
notify them of you return. You should also have a good deal of
experience with navigation, paddling, and wilderness skills. Some
of the islands are remote and one cannot rely on passers by to
help if you are in trouble. There are also several day trip opportunities
for paddlers who lack experience.
There are
many options including taking a kayaking expedition where you
are dropped off and then picked up a few days later. There are
also "mothership" adventures where you travel on a larger
vessel with amenities and explore the area by day, staying on
the "mothership" at night. The east coast of the islands
is more sheltered than the west coast.
Gwaii Haanas
is the breeding area of over three quarters of a million sea birds.
Peregrine Falcons breed here more than anywhere else in the world
and it is the only known breeding site for Horned Puffins. Sea
life includes whales, porpoises, and seals. There are rainforests
throughout the area and an abundance of wildlife.
The Haida
people inhabited these islands for more than 10, 000 years and
the Haida still provide services to people in the region. The
Haida Gwaii Watchmen are a group of volunteers who camp at heritage
sites throughout the Queen Charlotte's. They ensure that visitors
respect the fragility of the area. They also provide important
information on safety and marine conditions.
 You
will glimpse the haunting images of weathered mortuary poles carved
by the Haida from solid cedar. These poles have a small cavity
near the top of the pole which was for the entombment of a chief
or wealthy individual. The sacred poles serve as a fine example
of Haida art. On Anthony Island you will see a large number of
totem poles that are surprisingly standing in their original positions.
The longhouse ruins at T'anuu 'Ilnagaay are amidst the rainforest.
At one time there were 31 mortuary poles at this site. Eel grass
grows nearby and the village name translates to Eel Grass Town.
Visiting the Haida villages is an interesting and cultural experience.
From the haunting
beauty of ancient Haida totems to the colorful marine life, sea
kayaking in this archipelago has an almost magical appeal and
provides challenges for the experienced sea kayaker.
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