Transfer Option:

Day 1   Arrival in Sandspit by ferry or by air. Overnight in a local Bed & Breakfast (included).



Day 2   An early morning shuttle will take you to your float plane for your journey south to our launch site within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. Our guides will meet you here and provide instruction and preparation for the upcoming paddling adventure.
What to wear on the float plane / boat for transfer: There will be some options with regard to your transfer to the boat. You may be transferred by loat plane or boat. Your transfer will be based on weather and logistics. For all options please have warm clothing including rain gear available and wear your paddling shoes.
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner



Day 3 – 8   You will be traveling by sea kayak to areas full of coastal beauty and excitement, coupled with a rich natural and cultural history. In the plankton rich waters you may see minke, humpback, and fin whales, as well as orca. On the islets, there are colonies of sea birds, such as tufted and horned puffins, auklets and petrels. The snorkeling in the area is superb and the seals and stellar sea lions are abundant.
Sgan Gwaii (Anthony Island), a small island sitting a mile off the West Coast, is the focal point of this particular area. There are Haida Watchmen to educate and protect the Haida Cultural Sites, as well as designated ecological reserves. There are large colonies of seabirds, outstanding sub-tidal and intertidal marine life, as well as breathtaking seascapes and enchanting forests. Sgan Gwaii also contains the remnants of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Haida village of Ninstints. It is set in a protected cove, and displays the largest collection of totems on the West Coast that are still standing in their original locations. The poles display splendid artwork in their representation of the crests of native clans. Along with the collapsed remnants of the great longhouses, the poles provide a memorable connection to the past and to this remarkable culture.
If time and weather permits, we may explore the West Coast of Kunghit Island, also spectacular yet seldom visited, with its coves and beautiful sand beaches. In addition some trips may venture northwards through Houston Stewart Channel.
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner



Day 9   A float plane will return the group to Sandspit. Overnight at B&B in Sandspit. Remainder of day is at your leisure.
Meals: breakfast / lunch



Day 10  After breakfast depart by ferry or by air from Sandspit or continue your journey exploring more of the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Meals: breakfast 

This itinerary is a sample only - the exact itinerary of your trip will be dictated by factors such as weather, tides, and group interest, with the guides working within the parameters of safety, time, and the highlights of the area.
Note: Some departures will use boat charters from and/or returning to Sandspit. This is determined on the trip logistics, flight schedules, and of course the weather.

Travel without trace
Leave nothing, take only memories.
Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife seekers alike cherish this archipelago. While the temperate climate results in moss-covered forests and village sites, the people who live here seem to have been shaped by the land and the sea, savoring what these exceptional islands have to offer. All this and more make you feel as if you entered a different world. We ask you to please help preserve the uniqueness of Gwaii Haanas by practicing no-trace behavior and by treading softly upon intertidal zones and forest floors. Please leave all the places and sites the way you found them and how you would like to find them again in the future.

Weather in the Queen Charlotte Islands can be very variable. Summer months are generally quite mild, ranging from 16°C to 22°C (63°F to 75°F). Please keep in mind that the sea breeze can have a cooling effect though and that evenings are chilly. Also extended periods of rain are a possibility.

The following is a list of the clothing and equipment you will need on your expedition. It is of utmost importance that you follow this list accurately for your own comfort and well-being. Proper preparation is a vital ingredient in your enjoyment of the program and in an expedition’s success.
When selecting your clothing, keep in mind the following principles about staying warm and dry:

Layering
It is very effective to wear layers of clothing to stay warm, as the air trapped between the layers acts as an insulator. Layering also allows you to regulate your body heat by adjusting the number of layers, depending on the temperature and your activity level. There are 3 main layers: ‘Transfer’ which is the layer next to your skin; ‘Insulating’ which is the main warmth layer(s); and, ‘Protective’ which is the outer layer to protect you from wind, rain, and other elements.

Keeping Dry
Wetness increases the loss of body heat and is uncomfortable, so it’s important to stay as dry as possible. Some clothing is hydrophobic, and therefore, stays dry (i.e., synthetics such as polypropylene, polyester, capilene, and natural fibres such as wool and silk). Clothes made of these materials make great expedition clothing. Be careful of other materials (e.g., cotton and down), because they are absorbent and stay wet. Also, avoid overdressing as it can cause excess perspiration and therefore wetness. (Please avoid Cotton clothing, including jeans, if possible. Once it is wet, cotton takes a very long time to dry in this coastal environment).

Clothing List
Footwear
1 pair shoes to be worn during the day while kayaking – e.g. pair of quick drying running shoes, or neoprene wet suit boots; some guests wear sturdy water sandals with or without a pair of neoprene socks. Whichever you choose, we recommend to watch out for a strong, thick sole as well as ankle support.
1 pair sturdy hiking or walking shoes for wearing around camp and on short walks
1 pair rubber boots (optional)
3-4 pairs of wool or thermal socks

Headwear
1 wool/fleece hat
1 sun hat or visor (ballcap)
1 rain hat (sou’wester), not needed if you have a hood on your raincoat

Handwear
1 pair of wool or polypropylene mitts with waterproof shell that closes tightly around your wrists, or kayaking pogies. These are to be worn on bad weather days while paddling or to cover hands that need protection from the salt water and sun.

Upper Body
2 long sleeved synthetic fabric shirts (1 lightweight, 1 medium-weight)
2 synthetic fabric t - shirts
1 long-sleeved shirts with collar for wearing around the campfire
1 fleece zip-front jacket or pullover (for cool evenings and mornings)
1 coated nylon or rubber waterproof raincoat with sleeves that close tightly (make sure that it’s durable)
lightweight windbreaker or paddling jacket (optional)

Lower Body
1-2 pairs shorts (light/fast drying nylon is best)
1 pairs synthetic long underwear
1 pair of heavier pants (for cool evenings around the campfire)
1 pair quick drying light nylon (or nylon blend) pants for paddling or warmer evenings
1 pair waterproof rain pants (Note: A full length coated nylon cagoule can be substituted for rain coat/pants)

Duffel Bag / Pack
1 duffel bag for carrying gear to trip departure point (e.g. from your home to Sandspit, from B&B to floatplane/boat, from kayak to tent etc.) – make sure that it packs small as it will be carried along in the kayak (see “Packing for a Kayak Trip”)
1 small sturdy nylon daypack or fanny pack

Sleeping bag, sleeping pad etc.:
1 COMPACT 3-season sleeping bag – synthetic bags (e.g. polarguard, hollofil, or quallofil) are preferable
1 sleeping pad – CLOSED cell (e.g. ensolite pad, Therm-a-Rest or Ridge-rest mattress). Do not bring sponge or air mattresses because they do not adequately prevent the loss of body heat to the ground, and puncture easily.
1 sleeping bag liner (optional – silk, fleece or cotton)

Additional gear
1 pair sturdy, dark sunglasses with neck cord
1 pair extra prescription glasses/ contact lenses
1 neck cord for prescription glasses while in kayak
1 water bottle w/strap to fasten to kayak – min. 1 litre size, with widemouth
1 cup, 1 bowl, 1 spoon, 1 fork – heavy plastic recommended
1 Swiss Army style knife attached to a neck cord
Some waterproof matches or a lighter
1 toiletry kit - biodegradable soap, (bar soap does not work well in salt water, any clear liquid soap works well, or “seasuds”), toothbrush and small tube toothpaste, toilet paper, small container moisturizing cream, etc.
1 tube waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15+ or higher recommended)
1 tube lip salve (with PABA recommended)
1 tube mosquito repellent
1 small towel & washcloth
1 flashlight or headlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
Lots of extra garbage bags (for waterproofing)
1 bathing suit
1 bandanna

Optional Items
Camera (insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended) with extra memory card (or film) and batteries
Waterproof box or bag for storing camera (see ‘Packing for a Kayak Trip’)
Small binoculars (also insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended)
Lightweight reading material
Journal and pencil / pen
Sketch pad for drawing
Small musical instrument
A candle lantern
Compass and chart of the area (see ‘Maps & Charts’ in Further Information package), laminate your charts or cover them with waterproof vinyl (e.g., Mactac)
Favourite ‘goodies’ or spirits to enjoy around the campfire
A bivouac bag (this outer shell is an expensive item, but protects and enhances the insulating quality of your sleeping bag)

First Aid
Your guides will carry an extensive wilderness first aid kit, however, you should bring the following items for your own personal use:
Band-Aids (elastoplast or fabric type are best)
1 roll gauze
blister kit (moleskin or ‘second skin’)
tensor bandage
adhesive tape, small gauze or telfa pads
topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., Polysporin)
antacid
mild analgesic (e.g. Aspirin, Tylenol)
mild anti-inflammatory (e.g. Ibuprofen)
motion sickness medication (e.g., Gravol, Transderm patches);
any personal medication (bring extra!)

Equipment
Group equipment such as tents, paddles, sprayskirts, PFDs (lifejackets) are all provided. We pride ourselves in the quality of the equipment we have selected for your use. However, if you would prefer to bring your own tent please clear its performance with the office and then confirm that you will bring it.
Do not be hasty in buying new equipment – talk to experienced kayakers to ensure that you purchase durable equipment that you will continue to use!

Packing for your sea kayaking expedition ~ waterproofing (very important information)
The object of packing for a kayak trip is to have all your equipment and clothing organized in many small waterproofed bags. Stuff sacks (nylon bags with drawstring closures) in various sizes (available at any outdoor supply store or easily made yourself) lined with the garbage bags are helpful in organizing and waterproofing your gear. Use small to medium size bags as they will be easier to fit into the kayak storage areas. Your sleeping bag stuff sack, measuring no more than 18" x 10" (compression straps help squeeze the air out of your bag) should be the largest sized bag you pack. Divide the rest of your gear into the other stuff sacks in some logical order. For instance, pack one bag with things you will need for evening/camp - e.g., camp shoes, jacket, long pants, etc.). In another bag, pack your extra clothing (clothing that you will need only in an emergency or extremely bad weather). Continue dividing gear in such a manner.

To ensure that your gear is waterproofed, line each of the nylon stuff sacks with three large garbage bags, put in your gear, then twist each bag’s top individually and tightly and tuck it into the stuff sack. Alternatively, you may opt to buy stuff sacks that are guaranteed to be 100% waterproof, however, these bags are more expensive, often do not keep gear 100% dry, and can develop holes. If you do use these bags, bring along some extra plastic garbage bags. All your stuff sacks should fit inside your large duffel bag. It, too, should be lined with at least one garbage bag to keep out water. Please arrive with your gear organized and waterproofed as described above.
Your camera gear deserves special attention. First, before you leave home, make sure it is insured for any accidental damage as well as loss or theft. On the trip, it is best kept in a waterproof box such as a Pelican box, or some other commercially made waterproof and dustproof hard shell case. Check with your local diving stores and larger camera stores for the various models available.

Islands in the Mist is a moving camp and expedition style sea kayaking trip. Here is what you can expect from us with regards to equipment:

spacious tents (Hammerhead 3 or similar)
brand name fibre glass kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts and life jackets
all cooking utensils

Our guides have years of experience in preparing expedition food, often over a driftwood fire and always skillfully prepared.
For breakfast you may expect bread, yogurt, cereal, hot cereal, and of course eggs, etc. For lunch our guides pack cold cuts with fresh vegetables and fruit and crackers. Dinners can include burritos, pesto pasta, fish chowder, curried rice, asian stir fry and even a greek dinner. If we paddle in allowed fishing area, your guides will further try to integrate fresh fish into dinner if possible. We will provide snacks for on the water during longer paddles, however, we do suggest you bring some of your favorite snacks along as well. Fresh water can be fetched along the way.

With enough advance notice we are happy to accommodate a wide range of dietary requests including those from vegetarians and individuals with allergies.

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognised for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.