Louise Island Day Tour
Trip Overview
This full-day trip takes you all the way around Louise Island, the third largest island in Haida Gwaii. Louise Island is rich in history, from ancient Haida sites to World War II logging operations. It is also a great area to learn about the ecology and environment of Haida Gwaii, both terrestrial and marine. And, of course, if we're lucky, we might run across some wildlife!
The main stop on this trip is the ancient Haida village site of K'uuna Llnagaay Skedans. Although this site has been uninhabited since the 1880s, you can still see an array of poles standing in their original locations. Louise Island is outside the boundaries of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, but K'uuna Llnagaay Skedans is considered a Haida Heritage Site, and if they are available, you will get to meet the Haida Watchmen who stay at the site throughout the summer. We usually make at least one other stop on land to explore beaches or other historical sites. A hearty home-cooked lunch is included.
We begin the day by picking you up in our van and driving you approximately one hour down a gravel logging road to Moresby Camp, a boat launch close to Louise Island and the most southerly road access in Haida Gwaii. By launching at Moresby Camp, we are able to avoid the rough, exposed waters around the northeastern coast of Moresby Island.
Trip Highlights
A guided walking tour through K'uuna Llnagaay Skedans, an ancient Haida village where a handful of poles still stand.
If they are available, conversations with Haida Watchmen, who live at the sites over the summer, sharing their knowledge about Haida sites, history and tradition.
A hearty home-cooked lunch on the beach.
Opportunities to explore the forest and beach on short walks.
A chance to search for wildlife and marine life.
Price: CAD $380 including tax and fees
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Because we travel on an open Zodiac boat, you must be prepared to dress warmly and be ready to face all the variable weather that the islands are famous for.
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We provide raingear, gumboots and lifejackets so there is no specialty equipment that you need to bring.
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We have limited dry storage under the boat seats (about 22cm or 10in wide) and ask that guests travel with minimal luggage in soft baggage.
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We travel through some exposed waters, so it is very important to discuss any back or neck problems with us in advance to be sure this tour is right for you. While on land, we don't do any long hikes, but we do walk on rough beaches and forest trails with tripping hazards, slippery areas, and difficult footing.
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We collect the Parks Canada user fees for Gwaii Haanas on your behalf and we provide the mandatory orientation required by Parks Canada as part of our tour. If you wish, you can also attend the orientation session offered by Parks Canada at the Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate.
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If you stay in Sandspit the night before the tour, we will pick you up at your accommodation shortly after 7:30. If you stay on Graham Island the night before, you will need to catch the 7:30 ferry from Skidegate Landing as foot passengers and we will pick you up at Alliford Bay when it arrives. At the end of the day, we will return you to Skidegate Landing via the ferry or a water taxi we provide, or back to Sandspit, both usually arriving between 6:00pm - 7:00pm.
“We were recently on a day tour of Louise Island and had a blast, a great trip, great lunch and a great guide! Thanks!”
Looking for something else?
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Gwaii Haanas Two Day Tour
This tour explores the northern half of Gwaii Haanas and the Louise Island area, with an overnight at our floating lodge.
We stop at several important Haida cultural sites and fill out our days with a mix of Haida cultural history, pioneer history, marine ecology, and beautiful scenery.
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Gwaii Haanas Four Day Tour
This tour takes you all the way to the remote southern end of Gwaii Haanas and includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay Ninstints. We also explore other cultural sites, visit hidden bays and inlets, and search for wildlife. Overnights stay at our floating lodge and Rose Harbour Guesthouse
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Kayak Services
We offer all the services and equipment you need to organize an independent kayaking trip into Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. Whether you need rental kayaks, transportation or just trip planning advice, we're here to help!
