An Immersive and Authentic Cultural Experience
Explore Historic Haida Art & Culture
Robert and Terri-Lynn, esteemed artists and cultural ambassadors, share their unique perspectives, offering a deeper understanding of the art, music, and stories that define Haida culture. Witness their storytelling firsthand, and gain invaluable insights into the enduring legacy of Haida art.
Learn MoreRoute 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 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
Top level Resource Guides
Immerse yourself in Haida culture and history through story, art, and music with renowned artist, Robert Davidson & historian/ musician Terri-Lynn Davidson.
A Birder’s Paradise
Binoculars at the ready to spot the many special winged species that call the islands of Gwaii Haanas home.
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
Robert & Terri-Lynn are joining us for only one sailing this year. All prices are listed in CAD and are subject to a $200 sustainability fee and 5% GST tax.
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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 FAQsRobert and Terri-Lynn are Haida Resource People who are talented and renowned artists that showcase Haida storytelling and art. Robert works in various mediums and Terri-Lynn is a Haida Knowledge Keeper. You will experience Haida Gwaii with your senses and you are immersed in Haida history through visual art, music, and oral history throughout your trip.
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.
