Haida Gwaii - The End

After 3 fabulous months and paddling 797 miles in the Queen Charlotte islands, we are now back on the main land at Prince Rupert. We met wonderful people and paddled many parts of the islands. What a great experience!

Masset to Langara

August 18 to 23, 2009

Distance: 89 miles

We experienced a whole new culture on this trip. It is all about the "Sporties" (The Sport Fisherman). Not quite remote, as all we could see were boats, boats and more boats. All along the North Coast, there are float planes and helicopters flying people in and out of Langara's fishing lodges. Catching the big one has its price!

It is interesting to interact with these people, especially when they offered us hot breakfast sandwiches in the morning when we launched and treats at the end of the day when we needed an energy burst. Add to that, Roger, the "on water" security guard for Queen Charlotte Lodge keeping an eye out for our safety on water and on land...as there were heaps of bears roaming the shoreline.

For some, this may have been a turn off but for us, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. On top of this, we stayed 4 nights in a cabin and only set up our tent one night...talk about roughing it!

Gwaii Haanas - The return -

August 3 to 13, 2009
Distance: 165 miles

Patti and I wanted to paddle around Graham Island. Since the weather was so great, it also brought a lot of wind and therfore, a NO GO for the West Coast. Around the same time, our friend Michel Guerard with a group from Victoria also tried but had to bail at Rose Spit. So here we are, the three of us (Patti, Yves and Michel) looking for a place to paddle. We decided to take Michel on a trip to Gwaii Haanas. We paddle 165 miles in 11 days from Moresby Camp to Burnaby Narrows and back. A good time was had by all!

Masset Inlet

July 24 to 29, 2009
Distance: 82 miles

We paddled Juskatla and Masset Inlets parking our vehicle at Port Clements. In Juskatla Inlet, we had more current and wind than on the west coast. We went as far west as Dinan Bay and then back to Port Clements. We spent 6 days paddling this area... A best kept secret as it is not paddled very often. Kayakers seem to skip this part of the island as they don't have the time. As for us, we discovered a great place to paddle. Do not miss it!