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**s/v Beth** · 20-05-2015, 15:36

Do you know the way to Haida Gwaii... bum bum bum da bumm
I've got a lot of friends in Haida Gwaii
Or so the song should go. I want to get there from Vancouver Island- Port Hardy area. How would you go? Straight up? or along the coast to Prince Rupert and then across?
And what would you see while you are there? Old Massett, Queen Charlotte? Are the totums still up in Ninstints? Where is the hot springs?
Thanks!

Sorry I am so needy!

DeepFrz · 20-05-2015, 16:16

You can go outside or inside. There are basically only two routes all though there are lots of side trips you could take. I would love to visit Tasu Sound on the west coast for one.

**s/v Beth** · 20-05-2015, 18:58

Deep, I guess the outside is straight up from Port Hardy? How is that trip in the summer?

cwyckham · 20-05-2015, 19:02

I would go up the inside and back down on the outside.

The hot springs went cold after the earthquake. I'm not sure if they've warmed back up.

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**s/v Beth** · 20-05-2015, 19:24

Thanks Chris, would you go across just before Dixon Channel? Or somewhere below?

DeepFrz · 20-05-2015, 19:43

You wont be doing much sailing going up. Going up is mostly motoring. Coming back down should be better. I have only been down the inside passage twice and that was a long time ago and both times on the ferry from P.R. The first time down Queen Charlotte Sound was a mill pond, the second time not so much. You need to pick your weather. If you get good south winds there are a few places that you can duck outside and sail up. If you go up be sure to stop at P.R. One of my favorite places for some reason although I'm sure its changed a lot since I was last there. The inside passage is a busy place and I wouldn't make the trip without good radar. A heater would be nice although you could get lucky and not need it. It rains a lot up there...but again you could get lucky.

billburr · 21-05-2015, 08:50

On the way up, we planned to go inside, but when we got to the south end of Main Island the weather looked good so we headed straight across Hecate Straight to Queen Charlotte City - motored all the way. After touring the islands we left the most southern island and sailed straight, downwind to Port Hardy. Great weather the whole trip. This was in June 2010.

acceptance · 21-05-2015, 09:04

the way is north. I,m sailing(johnson9.9- wwpotter 19) north from Bellingham 6/1.. no destination and no time to get there. just before the last long channel to PR to the east is Bishop Bay === Hot springs.. smooth waters gh

acceptance · 21-05-2015, 09:10

bishop bay 53-28.209 128-50.186 google

Stu Jackson · 21-05-2015, 09:13

Waggoners Guide

Dreamspeaker Guides

charts???

...or are you asking for somebody elses "preferred route?"

...or are you asking for somebody elses experiences?

partingclouds · 21-05-2015, 11:01

Having lived on Haida Gwaii for twenty-plus, I am in favor of the inside going up there, and the outside coming back. There are lots of beautiful
spots inside, and this time of the year northerly winds kick in predominantly, making for a great crossing of the Hecate Strait from Prince Rupert. Poles still stand at Ninstints, and Hot Springs Island (in Juan Perez Sound near All Alone Stone) is where the pools used to have hot water in them. Anyway you go, it will be an amazing journey. The islands are still pristine and unique.

cwyckham · 21-05-2015, 11:14

The real gem is Gwaii Hannas park. You'll need to do a familiarization presentation either up in Sandspit or before you go. They do them in Vancouver and Victoria in the spring (may be too late now for this year).

We were amazed by the abandoned Haida villages in the park. Absolutely beautiful and haunting. Each one has resident Haida caretakers who will be your gracious hosts while you're at the village.

cal20dennis · 21-05-2015, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwyckham

The real gem is Gwaii Hannas park. You'll need to do a familiarization presentation either up in Sandspit or before you go. They do them in Vancouver and Victoria in the spring (may be too late now for this year).

We were amazed by the abandoned Haida villages in the park. Absolutely beautiful and haunting. Each one has resident Haida caretakers who will be your gracious hosts while you're at the village.

https://vimeo.com/105791990

August and September best crossing months. Watch weather as Hecate straights can be very dangerous. Excellent harbor/ marina in Queen Charlotte City. GO SEE the Islands,,,fabulous sights to see!