Trip Overview
Departures
Coming Soon
Duration
10 Days
Activities
Cultural
Hiking
Sailing
Wildlife Viewing
Physical Rating
Easy–Moderate
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Sailing Through Serenity
At the northwestern edge of Canada, this storm-battered area is an ecologically and archaeologically significant landscape of over 200 islands, old-growth forest, rugged headlands and protected passageways sandwiched between mountains. Setting sail in the waters that split Vancouver Island and southeast Alaska with a crew of Wild Women is the perfect way to reset and feel restored in the West Coast wilderness. We spend each evening in different secluded anchorages and explore the sheltered coastlines by sea kayaks as well!
Explore “Canada’s Galápagos”
Walk on Footprint-less Beaches
The islands of this isolated archipelago are difficult to reach and rarely visited. We anchor in secluded bays, and via Zodiac boats, we pull up to the shoreline to walk on footprint-less beaches. Known as “Canada’s Galápagos,” the islands are bursting with life above and below the giant Sitkas and cedars. More than 500 archaeological sites are found here including the longhouse remains and ghostly carved poles of Haida villages that wooed celebrated Canadian artist Emily Carr long ago.
This adventure exceeded my expectations. The crew was amazing and knowledgeable about the wildlife we encountered. The food was great. It was a pleasure to have shared this adventure with such wild women!”
Janie S.
Photo Credit: Kyra Dahlke
Photo Credit: Kyra Dahlke
Photo Credit: Val Shore
Photo Credit: R. Burke
Photo Credit: E. Boyel
Itinerary
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Day 1
Sandspit
Red Sky at Night
Plan to arrive in Sandspit, Moresby Island, BC, on July 16th, 2024. A taxi transfer and tonight’s accommodations at Northern Shores Lodge are included in your trip package.
There is a restaurant conveniently located at the lodge or you may opt to make use of the on-site BBQs and picnic area. There is a Super Valu grocery store 1.2 miles (2 km) from Northern Shores Lodge, where you can pick up fixings of your fancy. Or, simply stretch your legs and wander down to Sandspit Harbour (1.4 miles/2.2 km). There are very few restaurants in this area, so be sure to check their hours online upon arrival!
Accommodations
Northern Shores Lodge
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Day 2
Graham Island & Moresby Island
Anchored Under the Stars
Grab an à la carte breakfast and meet in front of the Northern Shores Lodge for a short local land tour before we board the ferry at Alliford Bay to Skidegate Landing on Graham Island, the largest island in the archipelago.
We stop at the renowned Haida Heritage Centre Kay Llnagaay for an insightful guided tour followed by a traditional Haida lunch hosted by a local family at Keenawii’s Kitchen. Following lunch, we walk along Spirit Lake before catching the ferry to Moresby Island. By shuttle, we travel to the ferry dock along an active (and bumpy) logging road.
At Moresby Camp, we board the Island Odyssey and meet the seasoned crew. Cabins will be assigned, and we have an introductory and safety orientation with dinner to follow. We spend our first evening anchored under a chandelier of stars.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Island Odyssey
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Days 3–9
The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
Supernatural Sailing
Hugging the eastern and southern shores of Moresby Island, we are on high alert for humpback whales, porpoise, sea lions and orcas. For the birders on board, we can check off dozens of species like the rhinoceros auklet, ancient murrelet and tufted puffin.
With our expert onboard naturalist, we investigate intertidal areas in search of cool creatures like sea stars, giant barnacles, sponges and sea cucumbers. We may also encounter a pine marten or river otters at play.
We visit the old Haida village and iconic totem poles of SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. If weather permits, we will visit Windy Bay (the name says it all). Among the southern islands are many ancient villages—K’uuna (Skedans), Cumshewa, T’annu and SGang Gwaay (Ninstints). These sites contain the remains of the great longhouses and the best remaining examples of carved poles in the world.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Island Odyssey
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Day 10
Sandspit
Dreams Take Flight
The trip will finish late in the morning with a big sigh. We disembark the vessel before noon at Moresby Camp. From here, our Wild Women crew will be shuttled back to Sandspit Airport (YZP).
We can expect to arrive in Sandspit by midday which allows for time to reminisce and swap stories a little longer at the Sandspit Airport’s Shingle Bay Bistro before our flight to Vancouver.
Included Meals
Breakfast
Take a Deeper Dive
Want all the details in one handy package? Download the full itinerary here.
What’s Included
- Accommodation: one night in Sandspit (hotel) pre-trip, seven nights aboard the Island Odyssey
- Transportation to Skidegate by charter van and ferry
- Engaging tour of the Haida Gwaii Museum and Qay’llnagaay Heritage Centre
- Traditional Haida lunch and all meals from breakfast on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
- Seasoned Captain, talented chef, awesome crew and expert naturalists
- Applicable permit and park fees
- Sustainability fees
Please Note:
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Details
Know Before You Go
Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.
This trip starts from the community of Sandspit, BC, Canada and can be accessed by plane, train or automobile; however, a ferry will be required for those not flying directly from Vancouver, BC (airport code: YVR). You can book a flight from Vancouver into Sandspit airport code: YZP.
The Wild Women Way
If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we embark on a multi-day sailing expedition. Yes, it can be a challenge, but you’re never alone. Like thousands of women before you, you’ll draw on strength you didn’t know you had and come out feeling like the goddess you are.
Like all our trips, this trip can be scaled to suit different abilities and comfort levels. If you have concerns or reservations about your ability to complete or enjoy this trip due to any physical or medical reasons, please contact us and let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
- Maneuvering around in tight spaces
- Walking on uneven terrain
- Climbing up and down steep stairs into the ship and stepping into Zodiac-style tender (with the help of the the crew)
- Physical Rating: Easy – Moderate (Trips typically involve 3 to 5 hours of daily activity.)
