(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, January 22, 2014 ) SALEM, ORE. – Tofino Expeditions, a veteran commercial sea kayaking company since 1988, is announcing their 2014 summertime sea kayaking tours to Canada’s Haida Gwaii---formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking historical agreement that formed Gwaii Haanas National Park . The park agreement was formed between the Haida aboriginal group and the government of Canada and aimed at jointly managing and preserving an ecologically and culturally unique area.
In a recent article in the New York Times titled “Raising a Pole on the ‘Islands of the People’”, writer Bruce Kirkby tells of his 3-day kayaking expedition in Haida Gwaii along with the fascinating history of the formation of this park through an agreement that is now being used as a model in other parts of the world.
Tofino Expeditions, who has been offering commercial kayaking trips to this park now for 20 years, takes travelers on an exclusive exploration of this fascinating landscape on their 8 day Haida Gwaii Kayaking tours. Often called “Canada’s Galapagos,” because of their diverse ecology, Haida Gwaii were home to one of North America’s first native civilizations, the Haida. Descendants of the Haida people still live on the island and some serve as caretakers of Skung Gwaii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to many of the Haida’s ancient totems. Paddlers will visit Skung Gwaii on the Tofino tour, and will spend time with the Haida Watchmen, who oversee the land.
The tour offers travelers a truly authentic wilderness experience with plenty of creature comforts. Paddlers spend glorious nights camped on sandy beaches under the stars, and are treated to gourmet backcountry meals that are expertly prepared by Tofino’s professional guides. Guests will also have an up close and personal view of wildlife that is native to the area like sea lions, humpback and orca whales, fascinating birdlife, and more. Other highlights include hikes to see the Haida’s ancient totem poles, soaking in the naturally heated pools of Hotsprings Island, unforgettable photo opportunities, breathtaking views, and much more.
Tofino Expeditions was one of the first sea kayaking companies to take travelers to this region and their professional guides have led tours in the Queen Charlotte Islands for 20 years. The 8-day trips depart in July and August, when the weather in Haida Gwaii is best. Price is $1995 per person.
About Tofino Expeditions
Founded by veteran adventurer Grant Thompson, Tofino Expeditions has guided commercial sea kayaking tours since 1988, making them one of the most experienced companies in the business. The company was among the very first to provide guided paddling tours of Vancouver Island’s west coast, which is now a destination on the life list of paddlers around the world. The company guides trips along the world’s finest coasts in Baja, British Columbia, Croatia, Brazil, Vietnam, Italy, and the Galapagos Islands.
