ATLAS Ocean Tours

Atlas Ocean Tours has a mighty powerful name for a company that is the smallest QuirkyCruise ship operator we have covered thus far. One-week trips explore the southern part of Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands) in a patch of Canadian wilderness about 100 miles off the mainland of British Columbia.

The region has recently become a UNESCO World Heritage site known as Gwaii Haanas, a move which spares the wilderness here from logging and vandalism.

Explore the beauty of an old-growth forest, ancient Haida Village culture and wildlife on land, sea and in the air. Cruises operate one-way, so there is no backtracking, between Queen Charlotte Village and Rose Harbour. A seaplane flight returns to your originating point.

Sail the Inside Passage on a biggie that carries more passengers and crew than the population of the ports themselves, OR … choose a maximum of a mini-ship carrying just six paying passengers — that’s six more than a ghost town!

Getting to the Atlas can be a trick. Flights originate in Vancouver, B.C. and Prince Rupert B.C. to Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Island), and BC Ferries operates between Prince Rupert and the island carrying cars and passengers. Local island transport is by taxi, and the cruise company provides connections from where you are staying to and from the boat.

An overnight pre- and post-cruise hotel stay on the island is required, in case of air delays. It may seem complicated if you do not know the local geography, but then you are booking a trip in a relatively remote island area of British Columbia. The Atlas Ocean Tours office can assist.

Fleet

MV Atlas (built TK & 6 passengers) — British Columbia

Atlas Ocean Tours Passenger Profile

Mostly Canadians. Agility helps to board the skiff and kayaks, expanding your horizons on trips off the MV Atlas.

The charming little Atlas.

Price

$$ Expensive; the MV Atlas is a great option for full-boat charters for family and friend groups.

Included Features

All meals & snacks
Use of kayaks
Excursions
Seaplane flight to or from the vessel

Atlas Ocean Tours Itineraries

7-night cruises operate on a one-way basis between mid-May and mid-September. A seaplane flight, included in the fare, operates in the opposite or return direction. The scenic overview from the air is an integral part of the cruise.

Deep forest on Gwai . * Photo: Jason Shafto

Sample Itinerary

Operating between Queen Charlotte Village and Rose Harbour, the voyage makes stops at very remote places, including K’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans) and T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu), sailing through Echo Harbour and Hlk’yah GaawGa (Windy Bay) to Gandll K’in Gwaayaay (Hotspring Island) and Bischof Islands, to Yatza Mountain overlooking Island Bay, and through the Burnaby Narrows to SGang Gwaay Llnagaay, Gordon Islands, Cape St. James and Kerouard Islands.

Why Go?

The British Columbia island area explored on these cruises is virtually inaccessible without a boat and that adds to the sense of remoteness from the outside world, while you take in the natural surroundings and the local Haida culture from the cruise vessel, skiff, kayaks, on foot and in the air.

Sunset off Haida Gwaii. *Photo: Jason Shafto

When to Go?

Cruises operate between mid-May and mid-September, and the season usually sells out. First to go are the dates in the height of the summer, and the line’s website shows up-to-date availability. The early season dates will have cooler weather and lingering snow on the highest elevations.

Atlas Ocean Tours Activities & Entertainment

There is kayaking, complete with safety gear. If you are planning to fish, a recreational saltwater license is required, and all the fishing gear is then provided. A skiff takes all passengers ashore, and on exploratory coastal trips and outings to seek wildlife on the shore and marine life at sea.

Sightings on land and sea will likely include bears, eagles, humpback whales, orcas, dolphins and sea lions. A Portuguese bridge allows access to the covered side decks and the bow. The pilothouse is also open to passengers for a chat or to learn about navigation and local sights.

The 6-passenger MV Atlas. * Photo: Jason Shafto

Atlas Ocean Tours Dining

Everybody aboard helps prepare the meals, and the passengers serve as sous chefs and do the washing up (and sometimes even help catch dinner!). Fresh vegetables, fruits and baked goods are brought aboard at the outset. The fish and prawns are freshly caught.

Fishing is part of the fun! * Photo: Atlas Ocean Tours

Ship

MV Atlas

A rugged pilothouse trawler with three decks (and no elevator!), Atlas is pretty throughout.

The interiors are paneled in mahogany with the big-window salon serving as a lounge and dining area. A selection of books includes guides to the birds, animals, plants and Haida culture, plus simply good reads.

Dinner! * Photo: Jason Shafto

There’s also plenty of deck space (both open-air and canopied). The two cabins have three bunks and they share a recently renovated head — washroom and stall shower.

A cabin. * Photo: Jason Shafto

Special Notes

If unfamiliar with the geography, the company website and the booking agent will help you get there and back. Cruises sell out quickly!

Kayaking off Haida Gwaii. *Photo: Jason Shafto

Along the Same Lines

At present, this firm with its small 6-passenger vessel is the only one of its size and type on our site. Adding additional lines is an ongoing process.