Cape St James - Windiest Place in Canada!

Cape St. James, located at the southern tip of the Queen Charlotte Islands is Canada's windiest spot. It holds the Canadian record for having the largest number of days each year (120 on average) with gale force winds. It is British Columbia's windiest location, with winds blowing 99% of the time. Things were no different when we showed up on our 70-foot sailboat. Hold on to your hats!

Praise from a Bluewater Adventures Client on a Haida Gwaii Nature Cruise

This British Columbia client travelling with Bluewater Adventures had nothing but praise for the staff, their ability to take advantage of wildlife viewing opportunities and the quality of the overall experience. The beautiful beach we all had a chance to explore near the southern edge of Gwaii Haanas National Park likely set the tone for her comments. These would equally be reflective of what the rest of the trip would be like.

Things that might land on a beach in Gwaii Haanas National Park

Debra Fontaine spends much of her time preparing meals as the chef aboard Bluewater Adventures' motorsailer Island Roamer. So when she gets a chance to walk on the beach and enjoy the simple pleasures of beach combing with Haida Gwaii nature cruise guests, their finds often originate from as far as Japan.

Susan Eaton Loves Snorkeling in Haida Gwaii - Bluewater Adventures

Going below the surface is an endless source of fascination for naturalist Susan Eaton, a professional geologist who has explored life below in some of the World's most remote wild places, through snorkeling. Haida Gwaii is yet another personal highlight for Susan, as she tells us.

Young at Heart Octogenarian from Saskatchewan Calls Haida Gwaii Experien...

Les Coleman is an octogenarian who has never lost his natural curiosity for active, meaningful experiences. A Professor Emeritus of Geology at the University of Saskatchewan who doesn't shy away from opportunities to explore Canada's diversity, his Haida Gwaii journey with Bluewater Adventures seems to have met his expectations.

Bluewater Adventures Trip Testimonial - Haida Gwaii

Later in our trip to Haida Gwaii, I started to record the impressions of the passengers we had been travelling with. Bob and his wife have travelleled extensively to the region. They are from BC, but had never spent time with the Haida, although they had travelled in the Pacific Northwest and journeyed to Alaska before. He notes how different the small vessel experience is from travelling on a cruise ship. He comments on how the small group journey is rewarding in ways a large cruise ship experience cannot aspire to be, because of the room for improvisation a Bluewater Adventures cruise implies, and because the small group makes for easier friendships among strangers. Overall, a great trip for him!

Going Below on Bluewater Adventures' Island Roamer

While passengers are having breakfast on our trip to Haida Gwaii, our valliant Captain makes his way to the engine room for his morning routine verifications. These will help ensure we enjoy yet another day of safe cruising aboard Bluewater Adventures' 68-foot ketch Island Roamer.

Evening Briefing Before Cape St. James and Kerouard Islands - Bluewater ...

This is our ritual each night after we moor for the night.. We gather in the wheelhouse. Captain Tom pull out the marine charts and goes over the day's journey, then he shares his thoughts on what tomorrow might bring. There is never a dull day, no matter what the day brings.

Sailing Along Formidable Hecate Strait - Bluewater Adventures

Asked about how remote Gwaii Haanas National Park is, this is what Captain Tom of Bluewater Adventures' Island Roamer has to say.

How a Bluewater Adventures Captain Found Shoes That Fit

Captain Tom wasn't born sailing, but just about, as he tells us how he came to find shoes that fit him, on the deck of the Island Roamer under sail on a fine evening in Gwaii Haanas National Park.

Sailor's Impression of Gwaii Haanas - Bluewater Adventures

Captain Tom takes a moment to reflect on the pristine nature of Gwaii Haanas National Park, as our vessel sails toward the southern tip of the Queen Charlotte Islands archipelago in British Columbia.

Island Roamer's Captain Tom Loves His Job - Bluewater Adventures

Passengers on Bluewater Adventures' Island Roamer are in good hands with Captain Tom and his crew as their host.

A Watchman explains Haida Worldview on Matriarchy and Sucess as a Society

At SGang Gwaay Llnagaay (Ninstints), Haida Gwaii, in Gwaii Haanas National Park, a Watchman takes our small group of visitors around the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and shares insight into how the village came to be named Ninstints, the name of the Haida chief that traders enjoyed doing business with most. My video dispatch shows the remains of his massive house and some of the magnificent 26 last standing poles at SGang Gwaay Llnagaay.

Aside from their rich build heritage and artistic traditions, Haida people were tall, strong warriors who lived well, thanks to a bountiful diet provided by the seas intertidal resources.

We also learn in this dispatch how Haida society was founded on principles of matriarchy. We discover how these were weakened during past centuries of trade with Europe, which tended to favour more male dominated negotiations. We also learn how matriarchy has enjoyed a resurgence in more recent times, which has lead to healthier governance within Haida communities, and to more prosperous development practices on social, economic and environmental fronts.

Haida Gwaii's Crab Whisperer at Work

Bluewater Adventures mate Dustin sets out to check the crab pot in the morning, which delivers a fine catch. Male crabs only are kept and Dustin shows us how to tell males and females apart. A lighthouse, pointed motif on the underbelly indicates a male, and crabs with beehive patterns on their belly are females. We also learn how to gently "put to sleep" these fine specimen.

The Untapped Marketing Power of Equestrian Chronicles

I will admit quite upfront that I am very partial to horses. I have always loved them and, in general, they don't mind me being around them. It is therefore with great anticipation that my daughter and I made our way to Bridlewood Farms in White City, Saskatchewan, last weekend. A haven for English riding, Bridlewood Stables hosted about 60 or so horses - and their riders - on the occasion of the annual equestrian show it puts on for friends and eager competitors.

First of all, one may not think of Saskatchewan instinctively as a centre of excellence for English riding classes, but I was pleasantly surprised not only by the caliber of the competitors, but most importantly perhaps also by the conviviality, the spirit collaboration among competitors, who often also happen to be friends in all things equestrian. Riders who might be found one day sitting pretty in a Western saddle, checking cows in the pasture might be here at Bridlewood the next, vying for a much coveted ribbon.

Children and adults are all dressed-up for the occasion.

 

There is no better seat than that which takes you to your class.

 

 A sunny day broken up by the occasional shower is a lucky day.

A day when friends and relatives show-up to support and cheer for you  is a perfect day.

There is much to chronicle on a day like this one... as there is on any given day at Bridlewood Stables.

Images and sounds are able to convey atmospheres and impressions better than words. So, sit back and watch this short video that I produced this weekend on a simple family outing just outside of Regina, at White City's Bridlewood Farms.

The Red and the Assiniboine Rivers deliver an impressive performance in Winnipeg at The Fork

With memories of the 1997 flood etched forever in my mind, I was rather anxious to see for myself where water levels were at last month on a family weekend trip to Winnipeg.

Well.. so much has changed in Winnipeg since the Great Flood.

Much preventive work has ensured a repeat of 1997 would not occur again. The City opened the floodway that very same weekend, to put suspicions of yet another Winnipeg flood to rest.

Knowing that all that water - at least that which flows into the Assiniboine - originates in part from the Qu'Appelle Valley in Saskatchewan - did not ease the weighy witewaterish notions back home that inspired colourful references to Regina's Mighty Wascana.

 

It was somewhat reasuring in the end to see disaster averted in Winnipeg. 

We are all hoping here in Saskatchewan that Brandon and Manitoba will make it through current challenges relatively unscathe.

Sailors' Storytelling in Gwaii Haanas

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At the end of every sailing day starts a new phase on our Gwaii Haanas nature cruises. It is time to take in our surroundings in a secluded bay, to discuss the day's discoveries with our sailboat companions. It is time to relax, eat and get into the sailing lifestyle at a deeper level, helping out preparing great meals or cleaning up with the crew. Eventually, we gather and settle in to learn about new Haida Gwaii legends and stories in that most meaningful of ways... by simply listening.

Learn to Sail in British Columbia

Our nature cruises are definitely immersive. Partcipants can get as involved in the sailing activities as they wish on our 68-foot ketch. Putting out the main sail is always exciting for guests on one of our Haida Gwaii trips last summer.

Miracle Catch in Haida Gwaii... Almost!

The moment our valiant captain Tom spotted a floating Pacific red snapper, he rushed out to get the "miracle" catch in our sailboat's zodiac... a magnificent yelloweye rockfish specimen... a potentially very tasty meal. These can grow to 1 meter in lenght and to a weight of 23 kilograms. They also have been known to live to the ripe old age of 114 years.

Explore Poole Cave - Haida Gwaii

Exploring Poole Cave by boat is one of the highlights of sailing to Gwaii Haanas National Park with Great Excursions.

The Art of Whale Viewing - Humpbacks, Haida Gwaii, BC

Viewing marine mammals is always a priority on our sailboat nature cruises. There usually are many opportunities to view whales in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia. This travelogue features choice moments on one afternoon spent cruising in Gwaii Haanas National Park and Marine Reserve.

Producer: Claude-Jean Harel

Moving the sailboat to anchor in Haida Gwaii - BC

For observing passengers, there is a bit of awe in moving a 68-foot ketch to its anchoring location for the night. The skipper picks a sheltered location. One senses right away that winds have dropped as the engine turns more quietly until the right depth is reached. The anchor is dropped. It drags on the bottom, then hooks and the chain pulls to complete stillness.

Rainforest Tour in British Columbia - Windy Bay, Haida Gwaii

Exploring British Columbia's rainforest at Windy Bay on Haida Gwaii is a very special experience. This rainforest was at the root of the legendary Haida stand-off in 1985 which led to the creation of Haida Gwaii National Park, now also a marine reserve, recognized internationally. The ancient trees that make up the immense worth of fascinating Moresby Island - now co-managed with Queen Charlottes Haida communities - are very precious indeed. Windy Bay rainforest tours led by Haida watchmen are quite the meaningful journey for seasoned and new visitors alike.

Birding and Volcanic Geology in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

It may not be the most stable surface for birding and volcanic geology observation, but our sailboat proved manoeuvrable enough for our eager Gwaii Haanas sailing cruise guests off Tuft Islets, on the edge of Lyell Island. The spectacular basalt columns which crystallized eons ago to form Tuft Islets never cease to fascinate, as do the bird sightings we are lucky enough to come across as we exit Laskeek Bay and head southeast along the western slope of Hecate Strait.

Visiting K'uuna Llanagaay with Watchmen - Skedans, Gwaii Haanas

After a night moored at McCoy Cove, we sail toward K'uuna Llanagaay, formely know as Skedans, where we get our first exposure to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. Although this ancient village is technically outside the boundary of the reserve, is is staffed by Haida watchmen, in partnership with Parks Canada. The watchmen, often seen atop Haida poles in groups of three, were traditionally those who kept watch for unwanted visitors to the village, giving warning when undesirable company showed up at K'uuna Llanagaay. Today's watchmen have pretty much the same role as they had when this was a thriving Haida village with hundreds of inhabitants.

Before we go to shore, we must radio ahead to the watchmen from our sailing vessel and ask permission to come to shore. The watchmen are keepers of the material remains on behalf of the Haida. They do not have to give tours, but will open up for honoured guests such as us, with whom a well-established relationship has been built over time. We meet watchman Paul Rosang of Skidegate today.

Apparently visited by famed artist Emily Carr in 1912 at a time when many glorious poles were still standing, a counscious decision has been made in recent years to let the village's remains go back into the land over time. This is what the Haida see as the most natural and desired outcome. Today many poles covered with moss are virtually indistinguishable from other logs laying on the ground. Howewer, the foundations of majestic long houses are easily made out all around us at K'uuna Llanagaay.

Travel to Moresby Island - Haida Gwaii Sailboat Cruise

Travelling on Moresby Island is always a bit of an adventure. It seems the old-fashioned school bus remains the ideal people mover to travel across the old, bumpy logging roads. Moresby Camp is our destination. Our sailboat awaits and dispatches one of its zodiacs to first haul out our luggage, then our Haida Gwaii nature cruise participants. A Coast Guard vessel watches as the boarding process unfolds. Our eager adventurers will soon get to set foot on their inviting sailing residence for the next 8 or 9 days. They will soon find out why soft-sided luggage makes life much easier when travelling on a 68-foot sailing vessel such as ours.

Traditional Haida Feast in Skidegate British Columbia

Before boarding our sailing vessel we are hosted by Roberta Olson, a Haida Matriarch, in her house in Skidegate not far from the Haida Heritage Centre.

Roberta is helped on the occasion of our visit by two young Haida who welcome us into her home with a song. The food is amazing: herring roe on seaweed, different kinds of salmon prepared in traditional fashion, halibut, salads, edible flowers, chowder and lovely tomatoes. The experience is very rich.

Like other First Nations elsewhere in Canada, Haida society is matrilineal. This means that the house, property and many other cultural elements are passed on to the next generation through women.

Skidegate Days generates community pride and celebrates Haida Gwaii living

What perfect weather for Skidegate Days, one of the Queen Charlottes most awaited summer events.

Families, friends and visitors from around the world who happen to find themselves in the viccinity of Skidegate around that time in July, are naturally drawn to this day of festivities and pride, whose ultimate objective is to raise funds for local projects.

Skidegate is one two major Haida communities in the Islands, which have been losing population over the years, especially among the young, who often must look off the Island to find employment opportunities.

Creating more jobs locally and harnessing the potential of the tourism industry, which is increasingly in the spolight, certainly is one of the best possible ways to encourage the people of Haida Gwaii to keep calling the Charlottes home.

When you grow up in this, a most exotic Island paradise on the edge of the continent, making the call to move away is always a heart-wrenching one.

Top 10 Canadian Adventures by Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet has come up with a great list of Top 10 Canada activities: "No matter your ability, no matter your taste, Canada has an adventure tailored to you, in accessible locations. From rank beginner to seasoned veteran you can find your thrills on the edge of, and sometimeswithin, city limits."

You will find here a few ideas that Great Excursions can help you with!

Basalt and waves mystery at Tow Hill, Naikoon Provincial Park - Haida Gwaii

Like mysterious creatures from a distant era, beached at the end of a long journey across the sea, the preserved basalt rocks on display in the Tow Hill area of Naikoon Provincial Park are as beautiful as they are intriguing.

Wave after wave, the surf yields the sounds, lights and the feelings that emerge from finding oneself in a remote part of British Columbia where humans can still experience what it is like to be mere guests in nature's domain.

How sweet it is to take in the sense of place emanating from this magical spot on northern Graham Island; how sweet indeed it is to know that is only one of many others on Haida Gwaii.

Canada Yukon Husky Dogs Hit the Playground

It’s time for a little fun and games for this team of Yukon huskies just happy to fool around at their favourite playground between training sessions. If the pack instinct makes the team on the trail during Canada’s winter mushing season, it is also at the heart of the chemistry between dog team members. Watching them play is an endless source of entertainment for us mere humans.

Canadian Husky Dogs Fishing in Yukon Stream

Huskies are born to play. Few games fascinate them more than fishing in a stream. This Yukon wilderness moment will charm any husky lover - a prelude to countless endearing moments awaiting mushers when winter sets in from November onwards.

Yukon Huskies heading to the spa

All of nature’s creatures deserve a break once in a while - Yukon dog sledding huskies as well...especially during the off season. Watch as these fine distance athletes enjoy a well-deserved dip at their favourite local spa. Their choice offers no special treatments or massages - just the simple pleasure of soaking it up at the local creek. 

Yukon Husky Adventure Wilderness Camp

There is an air of serenity about getting ready to hit the trail after an overnight stay at a wall-tent camp in the Yukon wildernesss. Dog sledding is not only about the trip itself, but also about the wisdom gained while journeying with huskies -- and our companions who may have come all the way from Australia, New Zealand, the United KIngdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland or from elsewhere in Canada.

Travellers experience a sense of getting back to the basics here, in an environment with conditions that may differ from what participants might experience where they usually live. Nature and its rythms rule here. In the winter, daylight is certainly more scarce around mid-December than in other more southerly parts of the world. The dogs... they just want to play with us, with the knowledge that they are well looked after even in the wilderness. They are well-fed, their paws are groomed, the huskies are kept healthy because they need to be kept happy if the trip is to be enjoyed by all.

So... on we go...to the next destination for the day!