Haida Gwaii Eco-Photography Tour

• Price $4365 per person (subject to change)
• Prices are based on double occupancy (We will try to pair up single travellers with a roommate. Single rooms may be possible in some of the accommodations but cannot be guaranteed. Space is very limited on this tour)
• Deposit is $650 and is due at time of registration to secure your spot on the tour. Deposit payments can only be refunded in the event that the College has to cancel the tour because of low enrolment. Should the standard $650 deposit not cover the non-refundable deposits that the College needs to make to supplier's, we reserve the right to ask for a higher deposit amount or a 2nd installment prior to the final payment. (depending on e.g. hotel selection).
• Balance of payment date and booking deadline 2 months prior to departure for domestic tours

Costs Include:

• Program registration
• Pre-trip orientation meeting(s)
• Local group transportation in private mini-coach and zodiak boat
• Basic accommodation based on double occupancy
• Most meals included; see itinerary for details
• Group excursion fees including park entrance fees as identified in the itinerary
• Langara College instructor/ group leader for duration of tour

Costs Exclude:

• GST
• Transportation to/ from Haida Gwaii (tour starts in Sandspit, ends in Masset)
• Insurances (see Important Information)
• Photography equipment and supplies
• Meals & snacks not indicated as included in the itinerary
• All personal items and services
• Gratuities

Registration Procedures

• Apply early to avoid disappointment
• Fill out a Confidential Registration Form (PDF)
• Submit a deposit for $650 (full payment due for bookings within two months prior to departure)

Cheque made payable to Langara College Continuing Studies.
Payment by Credit Card, call us on 604.677.0198.

Submit the above to:

Janinah Jansen, Program Coordinator, Educational Travel
Langara College, Continuing Studies

West Broadway Centre Unit L9 - 601 West Broadway, Vancouver BC V5Y 4C2

(Or submit your application by email or fax: 604.323.5899)

General Travel Information

Passports are not necessary for Canadian citizens travelling to this domestic destination.  However, it is advisable to carry one, as photo identification is mandatory for air travel within Canada.

Travel, Flight and Health insurances are highly recommended and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Check with your health plan, family physician or local travel clinic for advice about traveling.

All participants will be required to sign a release form prior to departure which allows Langara College, Instructors, Staff, Tour Leaders and Contract Services Employees to be free of liability with respect to this Travel Program.

Program itinerary and dates are tentative. Program costs are based on a minimum number of participants and are subject to change without notice. If you do not have a traveling companion we will be happy to make arrangements for you to pair up with another member of the group. Langara College reserves the right to cancel any program prior to departure without penalty or liability.

Cancellation policies vary per tour and tour company used; please contact us for up to date details.

Important Information:

• Tour starts in Sandspit, ends in Masset (daily direct flights from/ to Vancouver to/ from both locations).
• Accommodation on Haida Gwaii and on our tour is very basic (lodges, guesthouses, motels). Bedrooms and Bathrooms may be shared in some of the accommodations. Not all accommodations have Internet, power, phone access, flushing toilets or showers. (should you have concerns or questions we would be happy to provide detailed information on request).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION on the Gwaii Haanas portion of the tour (provide by tour operator Moresby Explorers):

How you should dress
We use open boats and therefore, it can be very cold and often wet. You should wear warm, layered clothing, preferably synthetic (like fleece), or wool, and if possible, avoid cotton as it is very cold when wet. We suggest you bring all the warm clothing you have as you can always leave some in the van if your guide thinks you have too
much. You should also bring a warm hat, sunglasses and gloves. You may bring your own rain gear, but we also provide heavy rain gear and gumboots for everyone. A good idea is to wear your own raingear (jacket at least) underneath the heavy rain gear we provide. Then you can take off the heavy raingear while on shore, but still have some protection from the rain.

Gear List
We have very limited dry space in the boat, so all your gear should fit in a small soft pack or duffel (less than 35L).
– Warm Clothing
– Warm Hat
– Sunglasses and/or ski goggles
(for the wind and sun)
– Gloves
– Scarf or face buff
– Water bottle
– Towel and Face Cloth (if you use one)
– Personal effects for three nights
– Camera (optional)
– Binoculars (optional)
– Sunscreen (optional)
– Snacks (optional)
– Sandals (to wear at the lodge and in Rose
Harbour, optional)
– Alcoholic beverage (to have with dinner, optional)
– Gratuities (if our staff exceed your expectations,
optional)

Baggage Note
There seems to be an ongoing issue with "bumped" bags for people flying into Sandspit which has caused some difficulty for guests. If you are planning to arrive in Sandspit on the plane the day before your tour starts, we highly recommend bringing the bag you plan to bring along on the tour as your main carry on bag, with any items in it that would be absolutely necessary for your overnight trip with us. That way if your checked luggage does not show up when you get off your flight you will still be able to join us for the tour without too much stress.

On the 4-day Gwaii Haanas portion of the tour we travel on fast, stable Hurricane Zodiac boats, perfectly suited to the variable weather and sea conditions around Haida Gwaii. These vessels are open to the elements, which means that visitors must dress in warm clothing and wear heavy rain gear and gumboots (provided). The ride can be bumpy at times and it is very important to discuss any health or fitness concerns with us before booking. However, compared to other speedboats or whale-watching boats, the ride in a Hurricane Zodiac is relatively smooth and it is rare for anyone to suffer from motion sickness (even if you typically get seasick).

We normally spend one to two hours in the boat and then get off to walk around, stretch and explore. We rarely spend more than two hours in the boat at once, but occasionally we might be in the boat for as long as three hours if rough weather forces us to slow down. We do have some dry storage under our seats, but it is quite narrow (about 11 inches) and gear stored under there is not available while the boat is in motion. If you are an avid photographer, we recommend having a dry bag to keep your camera equipment dry and accessible. If you have a smaller camera, you can also just put it in a plastic bag in an inside pocket of your jacket.

On Tour: Our home for two of the 3 nights is a small floating lodge with cozy double occupancy rooms, a sitting and dining area, and a large covered deck. There are two bathrooms, with flush toilets, hot and cold running water - everything except a shower. We have a float camp cook that stays at the lodge for a few weeks at a time, hosting the trips and cooking for them. This tour also spends one night at the Rose Harbour Guesthouse. This very basic, rustic hostel style (single bed) accommodation is situated on the abandoned Rose Harbour Whaling Station property where a few people make their homes pioneer style, with outhouse to match. This guesthouse may not not be to everyone's taste, however it is in the very south of Gwaii Haanas, only half an hour from SGang Gwaay. Staying here allows us to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site without too long a day in the boat. The food is excellent and there is a wood fired shower here for you to use in the evening.