Queen Charlotte Islands Cruise

 

Vancouver	The Wedgewood Hotel	2 nights
Cruising	The 'Island Roamer'	7 nights

11 days from £2930

excluding international flights

This natural history sailing trip explores the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, in the southern Queen Charlotte Islands. These islands form a unique archipelago situated 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Prince Rupert on British Columbia's northwest coast. Often referred to as Canada's own "Galapagos", the Queen Charlotte Islands have a unique vegetation, wildlife and cultural history that has evolved in relative isolation over the last several thousand years. Evidence suggests that parts of the islands remained unglaciated during the last 10,000 years, offering refuge for animals and plants. The area is geologically active and has seen massive fluctuations in sea level. The islands are the epicentre of Haida culture, and Gwaii Haanas has been declared a United Nations World Heritage Site. On this unique cruise you will have the opportunity to visit sacred sites, feel the solitude of the wilderness and experience the wildlife and Haida culture.

DAY 1 - Fly from UK to Vancouver.

Recommended flight from London: Air Canada from London Heathrow. On arrival in Vancouver you will be met by a representative of World Discovery who will take you to your hotel.

DAY 2 - Vancouver.

A day of leisure in Vancouver, one of the most spectacular cities in the world. Attractions include the UBC Museum of Anthropology, with its displays on native culture, and the Vancouver Aquarium. A visit to the North Shore home of Capilano Suspension Bridge, which spans the Capilano Canyon, and next door the Skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain for panoramic views over the city, are highly recommended. Vancouver enjoys a superb setting on the Pacific Ocean against the backdrop of the Coast Mountains.

DAY 3 - Fly to the Queen Charlotte Islands and board the 'Island Roamer'.

In the morning transfer to Vancouver Airport for the flight to Sandspit, gateway to the Queen Charlotte Islands. You will be met in the Arrivals area and will then travel one hour by charter bus to join the "Island Roamer" alongside the dock at Moresby Camp. Upon boarding, guests are assigned cabins and receive an introduction and safety orientation. You will then set sail out of Cumshewa Inlet.  The ship's naturalist and crew will point out wildlife along the journey, help participants identify different species and lead some fascinating talks. You will go ashore daily to visit old Haida villages, walk “old-growth” forests and explore the low-tide shoreline. There is an excellent chance of seeing humpback whales, orcas, the Queen Charlotte Islands black bear (pictured: cub in a tree), and numerous species of birds, including bald eagles, puffins and peregrine falcons.
Meals included: Lunch, dinner.

DAYS 4 to 9 - Cruising.

Over the next 6 days you will enjoy a series of different highlights: Tanu – the old Haida village where famous Haida artist Bill Reid has his headstone; Burnaby Narrows – where the ship's two zodiac boats and sea kayaks will be used to float above a garden of colourful starfish, anemones and urchins just below the surface; Rose Harbour – the site of one of Canada’s last whaling stations; the UN World Heritage Site of Ninstints - this old, unoccupied, Haida village holds the largest number of original standing totem poles anywhere on the coast: Ikeda Cove – the remains of a Japanese hand-mining operation; Hot Springs Island – for a soak in the natural mineral pools with a view of the San Cristoval Mountains: Windswept Skedans (Koona) - once a major Haida village where now the totems are starting to fall.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner each day.

DAY 10 - Fly to Vancouver to connect with your homeward flight.

Early morning departure at Moresby Camp. The charter bus will meet participants and return them to Sandspit Airport to catch flights back to Vancouver. In the evening depart on your homeward flight.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 11 - Arrive home.

Arrive London Heathrow in the afternoon.

NB. The order of sightseeing may be changed to accommodate the weather or other unavoidable circumstances.

Flights.

We recommend the services of Air Canada from London Heathrow. Onward flights to Sandspit on the Queen Charlotte Islands can be booked in conjunction with the international flights. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Vancouver. Depart at 10.05; arrive Vancouver at 12.05
Vancouver/Sandspit. Depart at 12.10; arrive Sandspit at 14.09
Sandspit/Vancouver. Depart at 14.55; arrive Vancouver at 16.45
Vancouver/Heathrow. Depart at 20.15; arrive Heathrow at 13.50 (next day)

Queen Charlotte Islands Cruise (Tour Reference: WDCA005)
2010 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Day of the week varies	Price
6 May*, 14 May*, 22 May*, 31 May*, 8 Jun*, 16 Jun*, 14 Aug*	£3080
25 Jun, 2 Jul, 9 Jul, 18 Jul, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug	£2930

* These tours spend an additional night on board the Island Roamer, with additional breakfast, lunch and dinner. The overall tour duration is 12 days.

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Hotel and cruiseship accommodation as listed above. In Vancouver the hotel has twin-bedded rooms with private facilities; on the Island Roamer, cabins are private but there are no private bathrooms - there are 3 'heads' (cubicles) with showers available for guests
• 7 full breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners as shown in the itinerary
• Full sightseeing programme during the cruise, including Parks Canada user and permit fees
• The services of a naturalist guide during the cruise

Not included in the price:

• International flights and domestic flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance
• Airport taxes
• Optional sightseeing

A deposit of £400 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.