June 21, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Kayaking & Canoeing
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Summer solstice has arrived and we can officially call it summer now! What better way to enjoy the waters here on a calm day then to launch a canoe or kayak.
The photo on the left is of the most common area in Queen Charlotte City where kayaks and canoes are launched. Located right next to Spruce Point Lodge on the beach, this area allows for tourists and locals to hop in and explore the inlet. With many islands littered throughout, you can stop and have lunch, dinner or enjoy that sunset at any of the beaches!
I went out on a small river kayak that my parents own with my friend yesterday. It was quite calm and it was very light rain, so I was able to just throw on a sweater. We kayaked around Robertson Island, and landed on the beach there near a couple of tourists. They were planning a trip further down Skidegate Channel, out to the west coast. My friend, being very knowledgable about kayaking and the dangers of the area, gave them pointers and showed them where open cabins were located. I was able to tell them the 7 day forecast that we print daily at the Visitor Centre!
We spent the rest of the afternoon travelling to different beaches. Most were the same, but the further we got, the more isolated we were. It really was a great experience! We were able to sit and watch the sunset when we got back onto Robertson Island, with a little bit of daylight left to allow us to paddle back to the launch!
I highly recommend kayaking on Haida Gwaii if you can. If you have no vehicle to transport kayaks, this launch is great! The kayaks can be rented right there and carried easily to the beach. Happy kayaking!