Haida Gwaii cruise includes first monumental pole raised in over 130 years in Gwaii Haanas

Orcas-MapleLeaf (Photo by Kevin J. Smith/Maple Leaf Adventures)

Boutique Canadian expedition cruise company Maple Leaf Adventures is including visits to the new Legacy Pole in Gwaii Haanas in its Haida Gwaii tours in 2014. The 42-foot, carved monumental pole is the first raised in 130 years in Gwaii Haanas, the protected southern third of Haida Gwaii.

Haida Gwaii (formerly known as The Queen Charlotte Islands), is an archipelago of approx. 150 islands, along the continental shelf, 70 miles from the British Columbia mainland, in Canada.

It is renowned for its Haida village sites, cathedral-like, ancient rainforests, its abundance of whales and seabirds, and its spectacular geography of mountains, islands and sea. The Haida, who have lived here so long that ancient, flooded settlements are being discovered under the sea, developed a spectacular monumental art and building style.

Maple Leaf Adventures’ 9-day expedition cruises here include northern and southern Haida Gwaii. Step aboard a classic coastal schooner, and explore ashore frequently on remote beaches, in the rainforest, and in spectacular Haida village sites, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, SGang Gwaay, as well as Windy Bay, the site of the new Legacy pole.

Maple Leaf’s expert local crew and naturalist make the world come alive, and Haida interpreters teach guests about the Haida culture, poles and villages. Gourmet food, sailing a classic tall ship, and camaraderie between guests and crew are other highlights.

The Legacy pole was raised to celebrate 20 years of co-operative management of Gwaii Haanas, the 138 islands that were protected by an agreement in 1993 between the government of Canada and the Haida people, following years of conflict over logging there. Gwaii Haanas has since become a beacon for culturally respectful ecotourism. Maple Leaf’s trips here are rated one of Canada’s “Signature Experiences” by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

Dates & Price: May 14-22, May 22-30, May 24-Jun 1, May 30-Jun 7, Jun 1-9, June 8-16, Jun 9-17, Jun 18-26

• 9 days / 8 nights Cdn $4850, includes all accommodations on ship and 1 night in a lodge, all meals and snacks, all beverages including wine and beer, all cruising, guiding, shore excursions and use of gear onboard including kayaks. Info: www.MapleLeafAdventures.com or 250-386-7245
  

 About Maple Leaf Adventures
Selected for Canada’s “Signature Experiences Collection” by the Canadian Tourism Commission, Maple Leaf Adventures has provided conservation travel experiences aboard a classic sailing ship since 1986. 

With a reputation as one of Canada’s top sustainable tour operators, its multi-day excursions give guests one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the most beautiful and rare places in the world, often in areas that were once under threat of destruction or in dire need of protection.

In 2012, Maple Leaf was awarded the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award, for promoting the appreciation of Canada’s natural, cultural and aesthetic heritage, while also protecting them. National Geographic Adventure has rated Maple Leaf one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”. For more information, visit www.MapleLeafAdventures.com