N.

Bowes

Gwaay Randy

July 312, 2016

Hellobc.com

Haida Gwaii: The Queen Charlotte Islands

Our Adventure Canada guide will lead this
incredible expedition to Haida Gwaii, focusing
on Canadas Haida Nation, one of North
Americas most culturally rich and developed
groups of indigenous people. Signs of the
ancient and living culture remain throughout the
islandslonghouses and intricately designed
totem poles tell a story of rich human history.
We are privileged to be able to visit these
ancient sites with Haida interpreters, sharing
stories, history, and archaeological marvels of
Canadas heritage.
Well travel creeks threading through oldgrowth forests and navigate the rugged
headlands and waterways between the many
communities of the islands. Well take in views
of incredible landscapes and search for the
elusive wildlifepuffins, auklets, and eagles
as well as stellar sea lions, and a variety of
whales. Indeed, the plethora of species that call
Haida Gwaii home have led to the affectionate
nickname Galapagos of the North.
The richness of the landscape and the
sophistication of Haida society allowed for the
development of a strong artistic outpouring
in visual arts and ceremonial life. We will
encounter both on our journey, for Haida
culture remains alive and vital. Guests will
have the opportunity to learn about the
customs and traditions of this great
peoplea people whose bond to the natural
world is enduring and reciprocal. This bond is
reflected in their unique art and reverent way
of life.
This reverence means that the cultural
landmarks are slowly returning to the land
from whence they cameancient totems and
dwellings are slowly slipping back to the earth

and before long will disappear entirely. See

these living, ever-changing markers of a cultural
epoch before they are gone forever.
Join us aboard the Island Roamer and take
a step through the living history of one of
Canadas true cultural treasures. Bring your
camera, journal, and sketchpadfor Haida
Gwaii is one of the worlds most inspiring
places.
MARINE WILDLIFE
Because the islands lie on the edge of the
continental shelf, a particularly robust plankton
base bolsters the food chain. This plankton
forms a rich feeding area for all manner of
wildlifeparticularly whales. Historically, blue,
sperm, minke, fin, humpback, and orca whales
have all called Haida Gwaii home. Though
whaling in the early twentieth century devastated
their populations, humpback and fin whales are
now on the rebound and are regularly spotted
by visitors. Harbour seals and Stellar sea lions
congregate in large communities on shore and
ply the waters for fish.
LAND ANIMALS
The Queen Charlotte Islands black bear is
the largest in the world. In isolation from their
mainland brethren these bears developed a
larger lower jaw to aid in shoreline foraging.
Both black-tailed deer and raccoons have
flourished on the islandproblematically.
Both species were introduced to the region,
and without natural predators their ecological
impact is becoming more pronounced
each year. Bird colonies are at risk from
the racoons and the local cedar forests
foundation of Haida cultureare suffering
from the over-browsing of the deer.

HAIDA CULTURE
The Haida name for the southern islands
is Gwaii Haanas, which aptly translates to
islands of beauty or place of wonder.
As a nation, the Haida were divided into two
social groups, or moieties, called Raven and
Eagle. Their mythology, like that of many other
coastal tribes, was based on the epic cycle
of Raven and his exploits. A trickster to the
core, Raven will set the universe in order at
one moment only to throw it into chaos at the
next. A greedy, mischievous lecher, Raven
nevertheless unintentionally teaches mankind
how to live well. He disguised himself to enter
the home of the Sky Chief, from whom he stole
the sun, moon, and stars to give to humankind.
Most Haida objects are decorated with
creststhe figures of animals, birds, sea
creatures, and mythic beings. These crests
are used to identify the moiety and often
the lineage of their owners. The precise
arrangement and interaction of various crests
and recurring motifs act as a personal signifier,
and much can be gleaned from an individuals
totem. The true text of a single totem pole
is impossible to read without a thorough
knowledge of the mythology involved.

Although the Haida have almost seventy crest

figures, less than twenty are in general use. The
orca whale in particular endures as a symbol of
power, intelligence, cunning, and skill.
Permanent Haida villages consisted of one
(or more) rows of houses along a beach.
Generally, the house belonging to the town
chief was larger and located near the centre
of the settlement. According to myth, the
house was one of the main contributions that
Raven made to Haida life (after stealing the
idea from Beaver). These houses formed the
centre of Haida social, political, and economic
life. They were built out of western red cedar
with a framework of corner posts and massive
structural beams.
Like their houses, the Haidas canoes were
hewn from red cedarthey were exquisite
craft and widely praised by the chiefs of other
nations along the coast. Like their totems,
houses, and tools, these craft were intricately
adorned with crests, symbols, and motifs to
identify their owners and their stories.

Your Guide: Heather Beecroft

Heather has worked to promote Indigenous artists and their work
during a lengthy teaching career and within the cooperative system.
For the past fifteen years she has marketed directly to her clients via
lectures and art shows. Travel is her passion, which she shares with
fun and vigorous enthusiasm in her connections with all adventurers. A
champion of culture, Heather works with Adventure Canada to develop
innovative programming and partnerships.

Highlights

Explore the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and the National Marine Conservation area
Enjoy a traditional Haida meal hosted at the home of a tribe elder
Visit Haida Gwaii Museum and the Qayllnagaay Heritage Centre
Explore villages in old-growth forests and destinations inaccessible by land
Tour SGang Gwaay Linagaay, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Embrace quiet moorings and free time to sketch, photograph, and explore
Seek out multitudes of seabirds and marine mammals in their coastal habitats

Details
Guide: Heather M. Beecroft
Cost: $5,595 usd + hst or by credit card $5,818
Max: 14 adventurers
Fitness Level: moderate
Date: July 312, 2016

usd

Included:

All meals from lunch July 3 to breakfast July 12

Hotel night in Vancouver at Skwachys Lodge
Hotel night in Sandspit
All museum and park fees
Passage aboard the Island Roamer
All ground transportation

hst

Not included:

Flights from home to Vancouver and

Vancouver to Sandspit
Mandatory emergency medical
and evacuation insurance
Personal items
Any expenses incurred due to
changes beyond our control
Gratuities to Island Roamers crew

Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver
Arrive in your own time in the morning to
begin our program in the afternoon. Guests
arriving the day prior to departure will have
the opportunity to tour the University of British
Colombias Anthropology Museum with Heather
Beecroft. In the evening we will gather at
Skwachys Lodge for a welcome dinner as well
as an opportunity to meet an artist in residence.
Day 2: Sandspit
We fly to Sandspit today to begin the Haida

Gwaii expedition. Upon arrival, we have a short

walk to accommodation in Sandspit, where we
will spend the night. Our guide will point out
highlights of the area and you will have the
evening to relax and get to know your fellow
travellers. Sandspit is home to a wide array
of activities, including beach combing , sports
fishing, crabbing, bird watching, rock hounding,
wilderness camping, boating, photography,
sight-seeing, hiking, sea kayaking, canoeing
and golfing, but we suggest having a quiet
dinner and resting up for the adventure ahead.

5
Day 3: Graham Island
Begin your day with a hot breakfast
prior to your departure for the
Island Roamer. Our guide will keep
you up to date on all departure and
check-out times. Please be sure to
keep luggage on hand as you leave
the hotel.
We will be enjoying a shuttle
land tour of the area before being
transported to the ferry landing
at Alliford Bay. There, we will
be ferried across to Skidegate
Landing on Graham Island, a trip of
approximately twenty-five minutes.
Our first stop is the Haida Heritage
Centre, Kaay Llnagaay, for a guided
tour; afterward, we will enjoy a traditional Haida
lunch and then return to the ferry. We will move
onward to Moresby Island and head to Moresby
Camp to rendezvous with the Island Roamer and
her crew.
After boarding, introductions will be made; a
safety orientation and cabin assignments will
take place shortly thereafter. Dinner will be
served, and we will spend our first evening at
anchor, departing early the following morning
into the waters of Southern Moresby Island to
explore the Gwaii Haanas Park Reserve.
Day 4-9: Moresby Island
We will spend these days exploring the eastern
and southern shores of Moresby Island. Daily
activities include wildlife watching and shore
excursions to a wide variety of sites including
ancient villages, old growth forests, beautiful
creeks and shoreline intertidal zones. We hope
to spot humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins,
sea lions, and orca whales. A plethora of
seabirds including puffins, auklets, and eagles
call this area home.
We also hope to catch sight of the mighty Gwaii
Haanas black bear foraging along the shoreline

and can expect to be amazed by the myriad

intertidal creatures found in these nutrient-rich
areas.
We visit the ancient Haida village of SGgan
Gwaay, a unesco World Heritage Site. There,
we will see the totem poles in their solemn
watch along the shoreline.
Each evening we will anchor in a different
secluded bay, with time for relaxing and
reflection as well as enjoying the food aboard
the Island Roamer. While at anchor, there are
ample opportunities to explore the shoreline by
kayak.
Day 10: Sandspit
The voyage will finish mid-morning with
disembarkation at Moresby Camp and a
transfer via charter bus to Sandspit airport. This
trip takes approximately one hour and you may
expect arrival at midday. Prior to your return to
Vancouver, you will have the opportunity to do
any last-minute shopping at the park office and
souvenir vendors within the airport. Lunches
may be purchased from local restaurants or at
the airport.

The Island Roamer

Originally built as a luxurious private yacht in
1984, the Island Roamer completed a major
renovation in 2003 to update the cabins and
all safety systems. She features eight private
cabins (double occupancy), three heads with
hot showers, and a comfortable salon with
a natural history library. On deck, the large
deckhouse provides a comfortable spot to
watch for wildlife.

the safety equipment, electronic navigation aids,

and features you would expect from a vessel
of her standard. All cabins have adequate
storage space for your bags, personal items,
and jackets. Coat hangers and life jackets are
stowed in every cabin for your convenience.
There is electricity in each room, so you can
charge your camera batteries and enjoy a
reading light in the evening.

A certified Canadian Ministry of Transport

passenger vessel, the Island Roamer has all of

Island Roamer Particulars

Designed by Stan Huntingford
Built by Cooper Yachts in 1983
Canadian Ministry of Transport certified
for 18 passengers
Length 68
Beam 17 10
Displacement 45,300 kg
Draft 2m
Sails: - 1,682 square metres of sail
area - Cruising Spinnaker 181
square metres

Fuel 3,785 litres

Water 3,785 litres
Engines twin Perkins turbo-charged diesels
Generator Onan 7.5 KW 120 V
Cruising speed 8 knots
Two double and three single sea kayaks
4.5-metre Polaris inflatable tender

Skwachys Lodge Vancouver

A unique Aboriginal art experience, this stunning boutique hotel in the heart of Vancouver is the
result of a partnership between six of the citys best hotel designers and six Aboriginal artists.
Together, they produced eighteen installation piecesone for each room. The hotel also
features a traditional sweat lodge and smudge room, as well as all the comforts of high-scale
lodging.

Photography by Craig Minielly at Aura Photographics

Important Information
HOW TO REGISTER
To register for an Adventure Canada expedition each participant
must complete the registration form and return along with a
$1000 USD deposit. THE REGISTRATION FORM IS DOUBLE
SIDED AND YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED ON BOTH
SIDES. By returning the registration form and deposit you are
acknowledging and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions and
release required for participation on any Adventure Canada
excursion. All cheques must be made out to: Adventure Canada.
Full payment by credit card is subject to credit card pricing.
ITINERARIES
Weather, sea, and government regulations may require changes
to be made to the itineraries and/or the cancellation of certain
shore excursions. Every attempt, within the limits of law, time
and safety, will be made to adhere to the itineraries described.
There may be a planned alternate for your route, please inquire
at the time of booking. In the event of changes, passengers are
not entitled to any refund or other compensation. Expedition
fees are based on group participation. Should you choose not
to take part in any activity or make use of services provided, no
refund will be given. Vessels and dates are subject to change.
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Prior to your tour we will send you a pre-departure package
including a statement of account, log in details to access your
online profile, a booklet describing life aboard the ship, reading
list, packing suggestions and other useful travel tips.
ONLINE PROFILE
Adventure Canada collects personal information from our
passengers via a secure online account. You will be required
to provide select medical and personal information and
acknowledgement of select liabilities. Online accounts are set
up by booking reservation. This means that all passengers on
a given reservation will have access to each others information.
You will be asked to acknowledge this process on our reservation
form by checking off the box I/we agree that all passenger details
will be viewable by all persons on this registration/reservation. If
you prefer to have individual access to the online account please
do not check this box on the reservation form and advise your
Adventure Specialist by calling or communicating your request
by email. If you prefer to provide your personal information to
Adventure Canada by mail or fax please contact us and we will
send you paper copies. We ask that your personal information
be completed at your earliest convenience, but at least 120 days
prior to departure. You will not receive your final documents until
these forms are completed and submitted.
INSURANCE
Adventure Canada strongly advises all passengers to obtain
travel insurance at the time of deposit. If you have not yet
purchased your commercial airfare you may increase your
insurance coverage afterwards. By not purchasing coverage

at the time of booking you are not fully covered. Adventure

Canadas cancellation terms apply to all passengers. Emergency
Medical and Evacuation Insurance is required for participation in
all Adventure Canada expeditions.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Adventure Canada expeditions are intended for people in
reasonably good health. Zodiac cruises and transfer times can
be lengthy. On the Island Roamer you must be able to climb
stairs between decks. You must also be able to climb the external
ladder in order to transer to the Zodiac landing craft. Our guides
and crew are available to assist you in and out of the Zodiacs.
Adventure Canada expeditions may involve extensive walking in
variable weather over sometimes hilly, uneven terrain.
ZODIAC CRAFT
Zodiacs are the favoured means of transportation for all our
expeditions and, indeed, wherever shallow waters and beaches
ring the shoreline. They are stable, versatile craft which cruise
at an approximate speed of four knots, and in windy weather
can make for rather splashy rides. We therefore recommend
wearing wet weather gear for Zodiac transfers. Life preservers
are absolutely compulsory. Zodiac landings will generally entail
disembarking onto rocky or gravelly beaches. The beach
landings may be wet, meaning that there may be some spray en
route to shore, and that you may have to step into water up to
25 cm/10 inches deep. Rubber boots are highly recommended.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
This expedition is intended for persons in good health.
Passengers who are not fit for long trips for any reason,
including disability, heart or other health conditions, are advised
not to join the tour. Should any such condition become apparent,
we reserve the right to decline embarkation. Our vessel is not
equipped to handle serious medical conditions. Medical and
Emergency Evacuation insurance is mandatory and may be
purchased through Adventure Canada at the time of booking. All
passengers must carry a minimum of $75,000 USD per person
emergency medical and evacuation coverage. This may not
cover the full cost of a medical emergency. Additional expenses
are the full responsibility of the passenger
GRATUITIES
Our crew works hard and tips are heartily appreciated. In fairness
to all of those who work together to make your cruise enjoyable,
tips are collected at the end of the voyage and distributed
equitably among the crew. Although we leave tip amounts to
your discretion, in the past many passengers have asked for a
recommended amount. We suggest a rate of $15USD per day,
per passenger, as a kind and generous offering.

GROUP SIZE AND TRIP COSTS

In keeping with Adventure Canadas philosophy of small group travel, most of land-based programs
operate with 2-30 passengers. If Adventure Canada does not get the required number of passengers
and cancel the tour, you will be notified as soon as possible. In the event of a cancellation, tour fees
will be refunded without further obligation on the part of Adventure Canada, including, but not limited
to the payment of interest accrued thereon. Adventure Canada recommends that the participant
obtain full travel insurance coverage and purchase fully refundable air tickets.

Decisions to alter the itinerary/program as aforesaid shall be made in the best interest of all
passengers. Adventure Canada, expressly reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel the
reservation of, or remove from the tour, any participant at any time.

ITINERARIES
The itineraries/programs described are subject to change or cancellation at the discretion of
Adventure Canada. These are tours to remote parts of the world. Adventure Canada, reserves the
exclusive right, in its sole discretion, to alter, omit or cancel any part of the itinerary or change
any reservation, staff member, feature and/or means of conveyance without notice and for any
reason whatsoever including but not limited to weather conditions, availability of transportation,
force majeure, government regulations, political conditions and other factors beyond the control
of Adventure Canada and without allowance or refund and with any and all extra costs resulting
therefrom paid by the passenger. In the event of changes, passengers are not entitled to any refund
or other compensation. Fees are based on group participation. Should the passenger choose not to
take part in any activity or make use of services provided, no refund will be given. Accommodations,
vessels and dates are subject to change. Adventure Canada, expressly reserves the right to cancel,
without prior notice to the passengers, any tour prior to departure, in which case tour fees will be
refunded without further obligation on the part of Adventure Canada, including, but not limited to the
payment of interest accrued thereon. Adventure Canada recommends that the participant obtain full
travel insurance coverage and purchases fully refundable air tickets.

The passenger hereby certifies that he/she does not have a mental, physical or other condition
or disability that would create a hazard for him/her or other passengers. The passenger agrees to
honestly complete the personal information request from Adventure Canada via its website or by
requesting paper copies, prior to departure. Adventure Canada reserves the right to request further
information from the passengers physician.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These Terms and Conditions (terms and conditions) are entered into between 750207 Ontario Inc
operating as Adventure Canada (Ontario Registration No. 0400 1400) (Adventure Canada) and the
passenger (as detailed on the Registration Form). Certain itineraries are operated by Tour Providers
(including but not limited to: Eagle Eye Tours, Bluewater Adventures, Frontiers North Adventures,
The Human Nature Company and Wildland Tours) (Tour Provider). Please read the terms and
conditions carefully as they contain, among other things, a release of Adventure Canada and the
Tour Provider and provisions limiting the liability of Adventure Canada and the Tour Provider. The
delivery by the participant of the deposit together with a signed copy of these terms and conditions
to Adventure Canada shall constitute the participants consent and agreement to all of the provisions
contained herein. Certain Tour Providers will require passengers to sign the Tour Providers
Passenger Ticket in addition to these terms and conditions

Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance is not mandatory for participation in Adventure
Canadas small group tours. However, the participant recognizes that there are inherent risks
travelling to remote regions, Adventure Canada strongly advises Emergency Medical Evacuation
Insurance for all passengers. Adventure Canada is not responsible for any medical treatment or
repatriation costs.

INSURANCE
Due to the nature of the tour in which the passenger will partake, the passenger should have in
place prior to departure, comprehensive insurance coverage including without limitation medical,
emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, accident and baggage insurance.
Adventure Canada strongly advises all passengers to obtain travel insurance at the time of deposit. If
the participant has not yet purchased his/her commercial airfare the passenger may increase his/her
insurance coverage afterwards. Adventure Canadas cancellation terms apply to all passengers. Any
losses sustained by the passenger as a result of the passenger failing to obtain proper insurance
coverage shall be the sole responsibility of the passenger. For full coverage, including cancellation
coverage prior to departure, passengers are strongly recommended to obtain insurance at the time
of deposit.

DELAYS
In the event of a delay, passengers will be responsible for all costs and expenses associated
therewith, including, without limitation, any additional food, lodging or transportation costs resulting
from such delay. Adventure Canada recommends that the participant obtain full travel insurance
coverage and purchase fully refundable air tickets.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Upon Adventure Canada receiving a written
notice of cancellation at least 120 days prior to the scheduled date of departure, the passenger
shall receive a full refund of its tour fees, less an administrative penalty of $500 per person. If a
written notice of cancellation is received by Adventure Canada between 91 and 120 days prior to the
scheduled date of departure, the passenger shall receive a refund of 35% of its tour fees. Please
note that within the 90-day limit, all fees, deposits and tariffs received by Adventure Canada are
forfeited. For these and other reasons mentioned below, passengers are strongly advised to obtain
trip cancellation insurance at the time of deposit. No refunds shall be made to passengers who do
not participate in any part of, or otherwise do not complete, the tour for any reason whatsoever.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS
Single rooms, if available, will be provided on request for an additional fee as outlined in the program
literature. For passengers travelling alone, but wishing to share, Adventure Canada will arrange for a
shared room if possible. If a roommate is not available, a single supplement will be charged.

SIGNATURE REQUIRED

EXCLUSIVE GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These terms and conditions and any actions and proceeding brought hereunder shall be governed
by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein without regard
to conflict of laws principles. Any action or legal proceeding to enforce any provision hereof, or
based on any right arising out of, these terms and conditions shall be exclusively in the courts of
the City of Toronto, in the Province of Ontario, and all of the parties hereto hereby consent to the
exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and of the appropriate appellate courts in any such action or
legal proceeding and waive any objection to venue or jurisdiction in connection therewith.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

Passengers are responsible for obtaining personal Visas, passports, health certificates, other
required documents and inoculations if required at their own expense. Entry to another country may
be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.

IMAGES AND PRIVACY

During the tour, images, likenesses and personality may be captured on photograph, video, sound
recording, live action internet transmission and on other media (the Personal Image), and that
Adventure Canada or the Tour Provider may wish to use these Personal Images for promotional and
other business purposes. The passenger relinquishes and forever waives the rights relating to the
content of the Personal Images and their being captured, reproduced and used (whether or not for
profit) on any such media form(s), including any privacy rights or any moral rights or any other rights
that may be found in the content of use of the Personal Images.

BAGGAGE
Baggage is solely at the participants risk and expense. Commercial airline luggage allowance is
typically one piece per passenger and one piece of carry-on luggage, subject to weight restrictions,
but please check with the airline for current standards. Excess baggage is not permitted on charter
flights. Any excess baggage charges for commercial flights are the responsibility of the passenger.

SIGNATURE REQUIRED

DATE: DD / MMM / YY

RELEASE AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The passenger clearly understands that the liability of Adventure Canada and or the Tour Provider
is definitively limited as aforesaid. The passenger has carefully read the terms and conditions set
out herein as well as the materials regarding the tour provided by Adventure Canada or the Tour
Provider and is aware that such tour involves the risk of personal injury or death and damage
or loss of property. The passenger acknowledges that tours are conducted in remote areas, not
always on established road/waterways, and that there are significant risks inherent in the tour. The
passenger also acknowledges that risk and dangers may be caused by the negligence of Adventure
Canada and or the Tour Provider, its owners, directors, employees, contractors, officers or agents
or the negligence or participation of other passengers. The passenger acknowledges that risk and
dangers may arise from foreseeable and unforeseeable causes, including weather and other acts
of nature. The passenger acknowledges that the aforementioned risks, dangers and hazards are a
potential in connection with recreational activities which may take place during the passengers tour.
In consideration of the benefits to be derived from participation in the tour, the passenger voluntarily
accepts all risk of personal injury or death and property damage or other loss arising from participation
on the tour and hereby agrees that he/she and his/her dependents, heirs, executors, administrators,
legal personal representatives, successors and assigns, do release and hold harmless Adventure
Canada and or the Tour Provider, and its owners, employees, officers, directors, agents, contractors,
trustees and representatives from any and all claims, including claims of negligence, illness, personal
injury, death or property damage or loss, however caused, arising from or related to this tour. The
passenger has read carefully these terms and conditions, and will abide by the conditions set by
Adventure Canada and in the terms and conditions hereof or elsewhere published. The passenger
affirms that he/she has not received or relied on any oral or written representation of Adventure
Canada as a basis for agreeing to the release contained in these terms and conditions.

CONTACT:
Adventure Canada
14 Front St. S.
Mississauga, ON, L5H 2C4
Phone: 905-271-4000
or 1-800-363-7566
info@adventurecanada.com
Web: www.AdventureCanada.com