British Columbia: Haida Gwaii by yacht

Spend the day exploring the delightful waterfront city of Vancouver. You may wish to watch the seaplanes taking off as you enjoy a cup of coffee, bicycle around Stanley Park, or visit historic Gastown or vibrant Chinatown. Of course, there are also fabulous restaurants, superb shopping and many ways to explore this dynamic and beautiful city.

Fly from Vancouver Airport to Sandspit in Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands). You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for the night. The afternoon is free to explore this little town.

After breakfast, you will meet your fellow passengers as you are transferred to Skidegate for a tour of the Haida Heritage Centre, which provides a fascinating insight into Haida culture. Then, after a traditional Haida lunch, you will be transferred to Island Roamer. After embarking, the yacht will depart, and shortly afterwards, dinner will be served.

Haida Gwaii, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is one of the richest biological and cultural areas in North America. This remote archipelago provides unparalleled wilderness cruising and exploring. Aboard Island Roamer you will see ancient native Haida villages, an incredible abundance of wildlife, and outstanding scenery. You will primarily voyage to the eastern and southern shores of Moresby Island and along the islands and inlets of Gwaii Haanas National Park.

During your stay on Island Roamer, her naturalist and crew will point out wildlife and help passengers identify different species. They will also lead some fascinating talks on the history, flora and fauna of this wonderful area. Each day you will go ashore to visit old Haida villages, walk through old-growth rainforests and explore the low-tide shoreline. There will be excellent opportunities to see humpback whales, orcas, Queen Charlotte Islands black bears, and numerous species of birds including bald eagles, puffins and peregrine falcons.

Specific planned highlights of your cruise include Tanu, Burnaby Narrows, Rose Harbour, the United Nations' World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay, Ikeda Cove, Hot Springs Island and Windswept Skedans (K'uuna). Depending on time, the crew will show you many other fascinating highlights of the islands.

Enjoy another full day exploring Haida Gwaii.

Enjoy another full day exploring Haida Gwaii.

Enjoy another full day exploring Haida Gwaii.

Today, after breakfast, it is time to disembark Island Roamer and say farewell to the crew. You will be transported back to Sandspit Airport in time to board your return flight to Vancouver. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the city.

The morning is free to relax, or go shopping or sightseeing. Later on, make your way to the airport for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.