Rooted in the Rainforest: Ethnobotany and Ancestral Wisdom with Linda (Gaajiiaawa)
An Immersive Journey into the Heart of Haida Gwaii
Experience the “Land of the People” through the eyes of Linda (Gaajiiaawa), a matriarch of the Skedans Raven clan whose life work has been the protection and celebration of Haida culture. This curated expedition moves beyond simple sightseeing, offering a deep, sensory connection to the rainforest, the language, and the living history of the archipelago.
Route and Notable Stops
We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more. Below is a sample of the route you may take on this incredible Haida Gwaii expedition.
Begin Your Haida Culture Learning
Meet early morning to take part in what Bluewater calls the ‘Land Tour’ of Haida Gwaii prior to boarding the boat; expanding your understanding of Haida culture and allowing a deeper appreciation and comprehension of the land and incredible pre-contact sites we will see during the trip. The land tour includes a visit to the Haida Heritage Centre, traditional Haida lunch, and if time allows, an interpretive walk at Spirit Lake. In the afternoon, guests are transferred by shuttle van to Moresby Camp where you will meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel, enjoy dinner onboard, and set sail south for Gwaii Haanas.
The islands of Gwaii Haanas offer an ethereal landscape of sandy beaches, lowland rainforest, and boggy plateau. The archipelago also provides a remarkable evolutionary showcase. Theories suggest that parts of Haida Gwaii escaped the last ice age, forming a refuge for plant and animal life. This helps to explain the presence of unique plant species and sub-species of wildlife – hence its description as the “Galapagos of the North”.
Gwaii Haanas & Historic Village Sites
Haida Watchmen welcome us to historic Haida village sites including T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu), K’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans), and SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island) – a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Haida Watchmen share their knowledge of traditional culture and bring their ancestors’ villages to life under weathered monumental poles and amid the remains of multi-tiered longhouses. Weather permitting, we may visit Hlk’yah GawGa (Windy Bay) on Lyell Island, the site of the first pole raised in 130 years. There may also be a chance to visit G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island) for a refreshing hot soak.
In addition to these incredibly special historic Haida sites, guests can anticipate days filled with flora and fauna, shore excursions, and the potential for morning and evening kayaking. A vast array of seabirds and marine life such as whales and sea lions will keep us company at sea; while floating through K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay (briefly known as Burnaby Narrows) gazing down at the rainbow of intertidal life is always another highlight. Haida Gwaii also offers excellent opportunities to raise the sails and give guests the thrill and serenity of sailing.
Heading Home
Guests will disembark around mid-morning back at Moresby Camp where the shuttle bus will be waiting to return them back to the (Sandspit) K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay Airport. Guests can plan to catch the afternoon flight back to Vancouver or explore the area further on their own.
To request a full trip itinerary, contact us
Cultural Resource Guide
Experienced Group Leader and knowledge keeper, Gaajiiaawa,
Linda Tollas, guides us through Gwaii Haanas, sharing her passion for the Haida culture and secrets of ethnobotany.
Foraging Whales
Binoculars at the ready! Anytime we are underway to our next shore visit, keep an eye out for the massive blows of foraging humpback whales.
Micro to Macro Wildlife
From the small shell home of the abalone to the metric tonne sized sea lion, Haida Gwaii offers a plethora of wildlife viewing potential.
Raise the Sails
Enjoy the steady silence as your crew unfurl the sails and set course along the coast.
Moss Laden Forestscape
Tread lightly through the mossy undergrowth as cedars and spruce tower above, having stood sentinel in these places for millenia.
Single Sailing Available
Linda Tollas is joining us for only one sailing this year and space is limited. All prices are listed in CAD and are subject to a $200 sustainability fee and 5% GST tax.
Book Now| Date | Start / Finish Location | Days | Vessel | Price | Trip Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 31 – Aug 7, 2026 | Sandspit (K'il Kun) | 8 | Island Solitude | $9,985 CAD | Open |
Prepare for Your Adventure
Feel ready and equipped for traveling to and living aboard our vessels. Learn more about guest expectations, amenities onboard, and what to bring along to make the most out of your once in a lifetime eco-tour.
Get ReadyYour Nautical Accommodation
An aquatic home away from home
Island Solitude is an 82-foot sloop motor-sailor. There are 6 double occupancy ensuite guest cabins with hot showers. In addition to a comfortable salon with an excellent natural history library, the large wheelhouse above deck provides comfortable seating with 360 degree views.
Island Solitude
Haida Gwaii FAQs
Find more in depth information specifically on our Haida Gwaii itinerary below. Should you have more questions surrounding your Bluewater Adventures experience at large, please visit our general FAQ page to learn more.
Explore ALL FAQsTraveling with Linda (Gaajiiaawa) is a rare opportunity to see Haida Gwaii through the eyes of a woman who is both a formal scholar and a traditional lineage holder. While many guides can recite history, Linda’s perspective is rooted in the Skedans Raven clan and sharpened by decades of professional interpretation for Gwaii Haanas. Her transition from a lead educator for university programs to a dedicated student of the Haida language at SHIP gives her a unique “insider-outsider” clarity; she understands how to bridge the gap between complex Indigenous worldviews and the curiosity of a visitor. To walk the cedar forest groves with Linda is to move beyond mere sightseeing and enter a living classroom of ethnobotany and ancestral storytelling, led by a matriarch who is actively weaving the past into the future for her own great-grandchildren.
We operate tours from mid-May to mid-August every year in Haida Gwaii, so the weather can vary! Earlier trips may experience some cooler evening temperatures, so we recommend packing a few layers to throw on. Into July & August, summer temperatures are to be expected. Regardless of the month, it can be windy on deck while underway, so we always suggest a warm, light jacket!
This itinerary offers a lot of opportunities for shore excursions, whether it be to Haida Watchmen sites, a rainforest walk, or even some beachcombing. For any shore excursion we take, guests will need to be able to get in and out of the zodiac – both into/out of the zodiac from the boat as well as in/out of the zodiac onshore, which is usually from a pebbly or rocky shoreline. The walks we take onshore will vary both in length and terrain, though will usually be minimal in elevation gain or loss.
There are parts of a few days on this itinerary where we will be in more exposed water. Captains always front load heading into exposed water to guests so folks are aware and can prepare as needed. Exposed waters can be glassy, calm or wavy depending on the day, so it’s anyone’s guess what conditions one may get!
Yes! Haida Gwaii is one of our better itineraries if one is looking to take part in sailing. While we cannot guarantee sailing on any itinerary – that’s up to the weather to decide – we are set up well for that opportunity on this tour.
The walks we take onshore will vary both in length and terrain, but one can expect to experience a mix of both dirt path trails and traipsing around the forest with no path which may include uneven footing and/or stepping over fallen logs. We recommend bringing hiking poles if you need support with stability!
Further Reading on Haida Gwaii
Browse through our collection of blog posts reflecting information, thoughts on, and experiences relating to experiences in Haida Gwaii – written by our seaworthy and knowledgeable staff & crew.
