• We apologize for the somewhat convoluted sign-up process. Due to ever-more sophisticated attacks by chatbots, we had to increase our filtering in order to weed out AI while letting humans through. It's a nuisance, but a necessary one in order to keep the level of discourse on the forums authentic and useful. From the actual humans using WCP, thanks for your understanding!

Gwaii Haanas

DarrenM said:
Has anyone here paddled Gwaii Haanas?
Got any helpful tips/suggestions?
Click to expand...
Five trips, totalling about 6-7 weeks on the water, all told. None in the last five seasons, however, so most of my beta is probably dated. I'd guess the Parks Canada red tape and fees are as obnoxious now as they were in 2000 ... and I'd guess that the principal kayak transporter/outfitter is still the best source of info and transport to the southern part of GH: Doug Gould, Moresby Explorers. Here's his site: http://www.moresbyexplorers.com/index.php

Here are some links to trips I've done there, to get you started:

http://www.kayakplace.com/essay/dkn/dkn42.htm

http://www.kayakplace.com/essay/dkn/dkn43.htm

http://www.kayakplace.com/essay/dkn/dkn14.htm

The last one, detailing a circumnavigation of Louise Island, was a particularly lovely trip, because avoiding the most popular part of the Park itself avoids the crowds and hassle of float planes and zodiac traffic.

If you have the cojones for it, edging around to the west side of Moresby Island, down by Ninstints, and/or the back side of Kunghit Island, will get you some amazing, wild full-on west coast paddling. Some of the points in those last two areas are as exposed as anything on the coast of North America. In contrast, the "highway" where all the tour groups go (Moresby Camp, Skedans, Vertical Point, Tanu, Windy Bay, Hotspring Island, Burnaby Narrows, Raspberry Cove, Ninstints) is pretty mellow, well-protected paddling, except when the SE blows, and then you should hide ashore! We were severely wind bound for three days in 1998.

Lovely place, and plenty of isolation to be had if you get off the highway. Just writing about it makes me long for it!
 
Great, thanks Dave!


Astoriadave said:
Lovely place, and plenty of isolation to be had if you get off the highway. Just writing about it makes me long for it!
Click to expand...


We still have space :D
 
Great write ups Dave....I've had the pleasure to visit Ninstints a dozen or more times over the years, it truly is one of those special places that you can't describe to anyone - you have to experience it for yourself.
 
Any one who feels parks Canada's fees are obnoxious would do well to stay at home. :wink:
 
fester said:
Any one who feels parks Canada's fees are obnoxious would do well to stay at home. :wink:
Click to expand...
Yeah, eight dollars a night for toilet service in the Brokens; ten bucks a night for something in the Charlottes ... and no concierge outside the tent, either!!!

Darren, when you going? Do I have to bring four gallons of wine, or can I just make do with my usual nasal whine? :lol:
 
We're just in the very early planning stages at this point. Last year we went to Broughton at the end of July, beginning of August to take advantage of a BC holiday weekend :p but the dates could change depending on everyone's availability.

Wine.....hmmm, maybe we should outfit a double with a special bladder, that may be enough!
 
Yup, as Dave said nothing is solid yet. So far he and I are the only "confirmed" people going, there are few more maybes....
 
Holy doodle!
I thought it was windy in Victoria tonight. The Queen Charlotte's are reportedly getting hurricane force winds tonight. 8O
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top