Aug 20, 2011

North Beach – Tow Hill – Naikoon Provincial Park – Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands

Well it didn’t only rain, it poured today. The inlet were covered in a light fog, the islands only appeared as light silhouettes in the distance. Along the drive up coast we enjoyed a bit of storm watching. The beauty and power behind huge waves crashing along the beaches and shoreline is like nothing else.

We had two women visiting from the Vancouver area who joined us on our tour today. Margaret and her aunt also named Margaret. Aunty Margaret is 98 years young! She is so optimistic and full of life, she was such a pleasure to have on our trip.

Our arrival at Tow Hill seemed to be timed with a break in the storm. A short forest walk brought us to the beach and the highlight of the day, the blow hole!

Aug 18, 2011

Yakoun Lake – Rennell Sound – Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands

We had a couple from Vancouver join us for our tour today, their names are Ann and Arthur. A local business owner Cecile and Gradey the dog also made an appearance.

 As always any sunny day here on Haida Gwaii is noticed and greatly valued. I think our local enthusiasm rubbed off on Ann and Arthur. The first stop of the day was at Yakoun lake, the forest trail opens to a beach, a crystal clear lake and panoramic mountain views. Gradey entertained everyone while we stopped for a break and a quick snack.

We had a lunch break and beach combed at Gregory beach, then headed off to Bonanza beach to explore the long sand beach. Some of our finds included; starfish, sand-dollars, coral, olive & scallop shells. Animals sighted today: Bald Eagles and Sitka Black Tailed deer.

Aug 10, 2011

North Beach – Tow hill – Naikoon Provincial Park – Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands

Today we had Suzanne and Veena joining us from England. Suzanne is a teacher and Veena works with her at the same school. Veena is originally from South Africa, it is great meeting people from all over the world.

Our usual restaurant “Trout House” was closed today. We made a stop at “the Hidden Island Resort” instead and enjoyed some homemade clam chowder and a beef dip. This is a cozy out of the way camp ground and restaurant. Our guests today fell in love with the private forest camp sites.

On our way to Tow hill we saw a family of Racoons, a mother and three little ones. We also saw a huge group cycling to the park instead of driving. Way to go you guys! Agates were found at Agate beach, a hike was enjoyed up to Tow hill and a leisurely walk along the sands of North Beach. A jam packed day and a last here on the islands for Suzanne and Veena. Have a great trip to the Rockies you two!

July 30, 2011

Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands – Moresby Island

A Dip Into History

Today we took a local family and their friends who were visiting from out of town on the Moresby Island tour. We enjoyed a hike up the Dover trail then a relaxing walk to onward point. We savored our lunches and hoped to spot a passing whale at the little gazebo overlooking the ocean. At mosquito lake signs of the logging during WWII are still evident and a trestle crossing is still somewhat intact. Mosquito lake is also quite bustling in the fall as hundreds of people arrive to pick local Chanterelle mushrooms. The last stop of our day is Gray Bay, everyone enjoyed a bit of beach combing before heading home.

July 25, 2011

Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands – Rennell Sound

Rennell Sound is always a highlight for those who visit Haida Gwaii. It is the only vehicle accessible area to the west coast. Today we had Michael and Tanya visiting from Australia and we went to Yakoun lake, Gregory and Bonanza beach. There were an abundance of Sitka black trailed deer out today. At one point we had 4 running down the road in front of the vehicle. A lot of fawns are still being seen, they seem to be growing rapidly from week to week. Coincidently as soon as we arrived at our first beach, so did the rain! It put a slight damper on our beach combing but we made the most of it. Starfish, Sand dollars, clams, oysters and unique shaped driftwood were just some of the treasures found.

July 20, 2011

Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands – Naikoon Provincial Park – Pesuta Tour

Into The Park We Go

Getting out the door “on time” this morning was a bit of a challenge with Gradey the dog factored into the equation. I swear I have never met a dog quite so lazy. He’ll never let you down if you need a cuddle partner on the weekends but early departures just aren’t his style.

After a quick stop at Balance Rock, we enjoyed a scenic drive up to Tlell. There was a slight drizzle at the start of our walk, but it soon subsided. We had a peaceful but brisk walk thru the forest and a cool breeze welcomed us along the beach portion of our walk. I have to say, I remember this trail being a lot longer. Am I in better shape now, or is it just the good company that made the time go by so quickly? I am so fortunate to meet so many amazing people in this line of work.

We had 3 people join us today for our tour. Kristin, a family friend and new resident of Haida Gwaii. This is her third trip with us, she is making sure she gets out this summer to see all the sites here on Haida Gwaii. Although after today’s 10km walk, and some sore legs, I might be hard pressed to get her on our next trip up to Sleeping Beauty mountain. Nathan & Sarah are the other couple, they have traveled here from Fernie B.C. They flew into Masset and have done a fair bit of exploring themselves. After today’s trip they have one more day, then they are headed back home. Have a safe trip you guys!

Join us for our next adventure to Rennell Sound July 25, 2011

July 18, 2011

Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands – Skidegate – Haida Heritage Centre

Today we partnered with Queen Charlotte Safaris, a local fishing lodge. They had a large group arriving that needed to get out of the lodge and have some fun. We traveled from Moresby Island via ferry over to Graham Island. A custom tour was arranged for our group and we enjoyed a very informative and insightful tour on Haida history and culture!

A leisurely walk thru Spirit Lake trail introduced everyone to local plants and Haida traditional uses of them. A stop at Balance Rock and a local gallery completed our afternoon. These guys are off to see an eagle feeding tonight, put on by their lodge then a day of fishing tommorrow. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their stay here on Haida Gwaii!

July, 12, 2011

Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands – Rennell Sound Tour

All I can say is, “what an amazing day!” Our group went out to Rennell Sound today. The sun was out the entire time and we really couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect. We saw some Sitka Black Tailed deer with fawns in tow, a Bald Eagle, and some red Squirrels. At Yakoun lake, beautiful mountain views were reflected upon the glass calm water. At Gregory beach driftwood was found in all shapes and sizes. Then we went on to Bonanza beach where seashells and sand beaches met us. Joining us on this tour, Art and Donna from Arizona and Jan an artist from Gibsons B.C.  What an amazing group!

July 9, 2011

Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands – Naikoon Provincial Park

A Birding We Will Go

Haida Gwaii is on a migratory path of many bird species. Populations can increase seasonally by 1.5 million birds and over 130 species have been identified locally. I myself have just started to appreciate the hobby of birding but have much to learn. David and Sharon, two guests who chartered a tour for the day are very serious when it comes to bird watching. The birds that were spotted include; Bald Eagle, Winter Wren, Townsend’s Warbler, Red Breasted Sapsucker, Sandhill Crane, Black Oystercatcher, Steller’s Jay, European Starling, Northwestern Crown and the Common Raven.

We enjoyed a beautiful sunny day up at Tow Hill, the Blow Hole and Agate Beach. Lunch was once again savored at, “The Trout House.” Many Sitka black tailed deer were spotted. the fawns are still arriving, possibly late due to the cold winter of 2010. There was a memoriald

June 28, 2011

Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Islands – Naikoon Provincial Park

I had an amazing group booked on the North Beach Excursion. On this fine summer day we experienced a little bit of everything when it came to the weather here on Haida Gwaii. That’s why it’s always a good idea to come prepared with layers.

We’re partnered with a local restaurant on Tow Hill road called, “The Trout House”. It is an amazing building. Build as a community effort and hosting some amazing food. When available our tour groups on the North Beach Excursion will enjoy their lunch here!