Members of the Coast Tsimshian First Nation have lived on this coast for thousands of years. At one time before contact, thousands of people lived at their permanent winter village sites along a narrow, protected passage near Prince Rupert. Over two days, we explore some of these remarkable archeological sites by kayak as we paddle towards our campsite on an uninhabited island called Laxspa'aws (the place of sand and gravel) near Metlakatla.

Over their long, continuous possession of the Passage, the ancestors of the modern day Tsimshian accumulated an incredible record of their life here including dozens of permanent villages, house depressions in the hundreds, huge numbers of petroglyphs and pictographs, stone tool factories with abrader grooves, fish traps, shell middens over three metres deep, canoe skids and much more. This is truly the most amazing ancient site in B.C.

Laxspa'aws has a large shelter to camp under in case of rain, a fire pit, compost toilets and a nice trail system as well as 2 abandoned village sites, petroglyphs, fish traps, a re-created long house and much more. We'll make a salmon and seafood dinner that night.

On the second day, we'll paddle back to Rupert stopping at another site for lunch on the way back. We run this trip when we get at least 4 people but we can take up to 8. Either get a group together or call us and we'll make the group up.

Blackfish has agreements with both the Metlakatla First Nation and the Hereditary Chiefs of the Allied Tsimshian Tribes to paddle in Tsimshian Traditional Territory and to overnight on Laxspa'aws. $225 per person. Prices are in Canadian dollars and include all permits. Blackfish does not collect G.S.T. or P.S.T. for tours on First Nations' land.

Contact Paul or Gina at 250-638-1887 or Toll Free 1-877-638-1887 - email paddle@telus.net