"To all – a dream come true – I thought ‘trip of a lifetime’ but instead realize it’s just the beginning! How much we’ve learned, experienced, enjoyed, marvelled over during this trip – thanks to the calm, passion, competency and whimsy of Captain James and crew. Lila’s skill in the ship’s kitchen is amazing! And the workings of this beautiful ship went so smoothly in the capable hands of first mate Tavish and Ashley and many thanks and many hugs! Also to Sherry for her knowledge and good humour!"
- Ann Schau, Victoria

"Maple Leaf Adventures – we certainly had one this week! Having arrived with no expectations, never having been on board such a ship for such a trip, our brains and all senses are reeling from everything that we have seen and done over these days at sea. Having Sherry on board to share her vast knowledge – and delightful humour – with us has been enriching, to say the least.

"Curious about Haida Gwaii and its secrets for decades, we were infected by the enthusiasm and passion of Capt. James, First Mate Tavish, Chef Lila, and Everything Ashley, who individually and together added so much to our experiences both on board and off. Thanks so much to Kevin and Kimberly for sealing our decision to explore the nooks and crannies of HaidaGwaii and the culture that went before and is now."
- Ian and Lynne Davis, Richmond, BC

"We have experienced the serenity and spirituality of the Haida sites which are truly breathtaking on a human scale, just as the Pyramids are on a gigantic scale. All of this provided by an enthused, caring and hardworking captain and crew, and shared with amusing and knowledgeable guests.

"Thanks to Tavish for helping me catch the biggest fish of my life; thanks to Sherry for the knowledge and the way in which she communicated it. It was truly the trip of a lifetime."
- Clive and Ali Northeast, United Kingdom

"I enjoyed the well-run adventure trip. We took advantage of excellent weather and visited places that were ‘far away’. Looking north at Tow Hill and south from the Cape of St. James weatherstation acted as bookends to a visit to a land both mysterious and full of energy. I plan to study more about Haida Gwaii’s past and present as a result of this trip."
- Mikkel Schau, Victoria, BC

"Thank you for a truly great trip which exceeded expectations. So many mini adventures make for great memories when back in the UK. Limestone Island and the prospect of more Maple Leaf beer are now on my bucket and spoke list."
- Pat Keeling, UK

"Thanks to all of you: James, Tavish, Terese, Lila and Briony. You have been so generous with your expertise and made this trip a wonderful experience and an excellent birthday for me! From delicious and beautiful meals to zodiac adventures, well planned shore trips and the many opportunities to slow down and spend time looking, smelling and hearing the natural world, each day has been packed with interest. I may not have seen a sea otter but I have the beautiful card (thanks Briony!) and a pair of birthday whales and thirteen eagles as an early morning gift!"
- Catherine Fuller, Calgary AB

"To our stellar crew, James, Tavish, Terese and Lila and Briony: Many thanks for making this truly a trip of a lifetime for us. With everything from walks in ancient forests, multiple sightings of birds, sea lions and whales, visits to the old Haida Villages, including SGang Gwaay and Tanu, and a complete journey from Masset to Cape St James. Your competence, friendliness, and superb food and adventures will be long-remembered."
- Caroline Penn and Jeremy Carpendale

"James, Tavish, Lila, Terese – this trip will always be remembered by me as one of the great joys and experiences of my life. Thank you. You are all such amazing and talented people which made the journey for Madi and I a truly fantastic ride. Briony, your knowledge of the birds, the trees and all the living things brought this experience to life for me…also loved your stories."
- Dan Donovan, Ontario

"Thank you so much for this amazing trip! It was absolutely mind-blowing how beautiful the island was. Lila, Terese, Tavishand James you were all so nice and you really made the trip for me! Thank you times a million!"
- Madi Donovan, Ontario

"Well, I can’t think of a better place to be for my 60th! Thank you James, Tavish, Terese, Lila and Briony for making this one of my most memorable holidays. I always felt safe, informed and appreciated. You’re a great crew!"
- Michael Wall, Salt Spring Island

"Thank you for letting us experience a different world and enjoy such great services by a wonderful crew."
- Peter and Madeleine Rufenacht, Aldergrove, BC

"Amazing meals, sites to visit, scenery…thanks to the crew who so cheerfully looked after our safety and comfort."
- Rowena Bradley, Vancouver, BC

"Thank you all for a wonderful, adventure-packed journey on the Maple Leaf. My best Christmas present ever – thank you Garry."
- Ricki Vikanes, Delta, BC

"The magic of ancient culture in majestic nature – that was what we came for and we experienced it in a fantastic way! But there was much more to this wonderful trip: a beautiful ship, a fantastic crew, fascinating landscapes, whales, bears, stellar sea lions, eagles, ancient murrelets, great food and lots of fun.  We thank the crew and the whole team for this wonderful experience!"
- Brigitte Strahm and Dirk Bassler, Germany

"Thank you very much for everything. For the adventures, the hospitality and the fun this trip has been.  One of the best parts, to me, was the new friends that came. Everyone was so fun to be around, it was like you really got to know everyone on the boat. I thank you from all my heart, for giving me this once in a lifetime chance to see beauty in a whole new way."
- Adrianna Loewen, Mississauga, ON

"To the amazing crew of the Maple Leaf, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I cannot imagine visiting Haida Gwaii without the Maple Leaf – the two are intertwined for me. Every day on board has been blessed – by good weather, earth-rich beauty and the simple every day kindness of the crew.  I will be savouring this trip and its wonderful memories for a long time to come. With deepest gratitude."
- Jenny Loewen, Winnipeg, MB

"What an amazing adventure this has been! The trip has far exceeded any expectations I may have had. The crew has been exceptional – everyone has seen to it that we can experience our dreams. Thank you for encouraging and helping me kayak – what fun. I really hope that I will travel with the Maple Leaf again."
- Myrna Loewen, Mississauga, ON

"Mere words cannot do justice to the wonderful week we have experienced.  So many new adventures, sights, sounds, tastes and information you so readily shared with us.  Your love for the ocean and the BC wilderness was contagious.  May the Maple Leaf sail for many more years and I wish all of the crew all the best in the years to come.  I will definitely spread good reports of this trip to all who will listen!"
- Dawn Porteous, Calgary, AB

"It was truly the most amazing trip of my life, and a real gift to see the secluded islands from a comfy boat with all the paper work (and etc) looked after, and knowledgeable people to share their long experience. I have no idea how they managed the good weather, but they did that too!"
- Wendy Mitchell, B.C.

"A wonderful, gratifying, satisfying trip. So much more than I could have hoped for."
- Eric O'Higgins, B.C.

"What an experience! The wildlife encounters were very exciting as the animals appeared sometimes as if on cue! The crew was outstanding. Kevin's talents are truly impressive. Bristol was most impressive as an asset to be referred to frequently. I enjoyed the stories from the other visitors. It was a memorable week and I look forward to further Maple Leaf experiences." - Bill Badger, Edmonton, AB

"I'll be back. With even more friends."
- Sarah Richardson, United Kingdom

"Just wanted you to know how rich and replenishing (sprit-body-mind) my five days were sailing with you...I greatly anticipate another opportunity to travel to Alaska and the Charlottes [Haida Gwaii]."
- Betty Anne Smith, British Columbia

"Judy and I felt it was the best vacation we ever had. The Charlottes reached into our souls and touched us deeply."
- G. Gardiner, Toronto

"Whales, whales and more whales. I can still feel the totems in my bones."
- Chantelle Tucker, British Columbia

"Surrounded by the rugged beauty of growth and decay. Cared for and kept safe by the professionalism, competence, kindness, knowledge and patience (and sense of humour) of captain and crew - I return nourished in body and soul. With thanks, respect, appreciation and love."
- Judith Peavey, Victoria, BC

"Thanks Kevin, Paul, Sherry, Sean, Steve for the great trip. Enjoyed it all. Thanks for having all the whales gather on our second to last day! You know it is a great trip when the book you bring to read stays at the bottom of your suitcase. I enjoyed it all but must go on deck and take another photo!!"
- BJ McElroy, Calgary, AB

"Each day surpassed the wonderful experiences of the previous day: from Tanu, Windy Bay, a variety of beaches, the hike on Cape St. James, SGang Gwaay, Burnaby Narrows, bear, humpbacks, dolphins, beautiful weather, sailing, awesome meals...Thank you captain and crew! "
- Barb and Ken Davidson, Kelowna, BC

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