Little Silver Fish

Eulachon and herring are all small, anadromous (spend part of their life in both fresh and salt waters)silvery fish found in Pacific North West waters, but there are some differences between them. While eulachon and herring share some similarities, they have different distributions, uses, and ecological roles. Eulachon are most known for their high oil content, herring for their commercial and ecological importance, and smelt for their popularity as a food fish.

 

Eulachon 

The Eulachon, also known as the candlefish, or Hooligan is a small, oily fish found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. This species has played a significant role in the diets and cultures of indigenous communities for thousands of years. The fish’s unique properties made it highly valuable as both a food and trade item for many coastal nations in the region.

 

Eulachon are primarily found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the estuaries of large rivers along the coast, such as the Columbia and Fraser rivers. They are known for their high oil content, which made them a valuable source of energy for coastal communities. The fish’s body is also unique in that it can be dried and burned as a candle, hence the nickname “candlefish.”

 

The eulachon run occurs in the spring, and indigenous communities have long celebrated the return of the fish with festivals and feasts. During the run, eulachon are caught using a variety of methods, including dip nets, traps, and weirs. They are often fileted, then smoked, boiled, or roasted before being consumed. The oil from the fish was also extracted and used in cooking, as a condiment, and as a medicinal treatment for a variety of ailments.

 

The value of the eulachon extended beyond just its use as food. The fish were also highly prized as a trade item and were used to facilitate economic and social relationships between indigenous communities. The grease from the fish was a highly valuable item, and it was often traded for goods such as blankets, cedar bark, and other resources that were difficult to obtain in coastal regions.

 

Eulachon were also used as a bartering tool with inland communities. For example, the Nisga’a people in what is now British Columbia used the fish to trade for goods from interior communities, such as obsidian and chert used for making tools. This trade created an intricate network of relationships and economic systems between communities that spanned the Pacific Northwest region.

 

The eulachon’s cultural significance extends beyond its economic value. The fish is an important part of the oral traditions of many indigenous communities, and stories about its origins, behavior, and cultural importance are passed down from generation to generation. The eulachon is also a symbol of resilience and survival, as it has faced numerous threats over the centuries, including overfishing and habitat destruction. Despite these challenges, the fish has remained an important part of indigenous culture and a vital resource for coastal communities.

 

However, in recent years, the eulachon populations have declined dramatically. The reasons for this decline are complex and include factors such as climate change, habitat degradation, and overfishing. In response, indigenous communities and conservation organizations have worked together to implement a variety of conservation measures, including habitat restoration, fishing regulations, and community-based monitoring programs. These efforts aim to protect and preserve the eulachon for future generations and ensure that this vital resource remains a part of Pacific Northwest indigenous cultures.

 

The indigenous cultures around Skagway and Haines, Alaska, also utilized the eulachon fish. These communities are located in the traditional territory of the Tlingit people, who have a long history of harvesting and using eulachon.

 

Historically, the Tlingit people caught eulachon in the Chilkoot and Chilkat Rivers, which are both located near Skagway and Haines. The fish were an important food source, and the oil from the fish was also used for cooking and lighting. The Tlingit people also used eulachon oil as a trade item, exchanging it for goods such as furs and cedar bark.

 

In addition to its practical uses, the eulachon was also an important part of Tlingit culture and spirituality. The Tlingit have a rich mythology surrounding the eulachon, and the fish play a role in many Tlingit ceremonies and rituals. Today, the Tlingit people continue to harvest eulachon, although the fish populations have declined in recent years. Efforts are being made to restore eulachon populations and protect the fish from further declines, in partnership with the Tlingit people and other stakeholders. The eulachon continues to be an important part of Tlingit culture and a vital resource for the people of Skagway and Haines, as well as other communities in the Pacific Northwest region.

 

 

 

Herring

Herring are found in abundance along the Pacific coast of North America, including in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. These fish have played an important ecological and cultural role in the PNW for thousands of years, with indigenous communities utilizing them for both subsistence and trade, and with commercial industries emerging after first contact.

 

Indigenous cultures in the PNW have long relied on herring as a food source, using them in a variety of ways. Herring are known to spawn in large numbers in the spring, which provides an abundant and predictable food source for coastal communities. Indigenous peoples of the PNW developed various techniques for harvesting herring, including using nets, traps, and weirs to capture them. Once caught, herring were typically preserved by being smoked, dried, or fermented. Fermented herring, known as “hooligan” or “hooly”, was a particularly important food source for indigenous communities. The fish were placed in baskets and allowed to ferment for several weeks, producing a pungent and flavorful food that could be stored for long periods of time.

 

In addition to their importance as a food source, herring were also used by indigenous communities for trade. Herring were often exchanged for other goods, such as dried fish, furs, or baskets. The trade in herring was an important way for communities to access resources that were not available in their local areas, and to build relationships with neighboring groups.

 

After the arrival of European explorers and settlers, herring continued to be an important resource for indigenous communities, but their use also expanded to include commercial harvesting. European settlers brought new technologies for harvesting herring, including large nets and purse seine boats. These technologies allowed for large-scale commercial fishing of herring, which quickly became an important industry in the PNW. Herring were caught not only for human consumption, but also for use as bait for other commercial fisheries, such as salmon and halibut.

 

The commercial fishing of herring had both positive and negative impacts on indigenous communities in the PNW. On one hand, it provided new economic opportunities and increased access to food and other goods. Many indigenous people found work in the commercial fishing industry, and some became successful entrepreneurs. On the other hand, commercial fishing also had negative impacts on herring populations, and on the traditional practices of indigenous communities. Overfishing and the use of new technologies led to declines in herring populations, making it more difficult for indigenous communities to rely on them as a food source. Additionally, the commercialization of herring fisheries led to the displacement of indigenous fishing practices, as commercial interests often took precedence over traditional harvesting methods.

 

Today, the harvesting of herring in the PNW is regulated by both indigenous and governmental organizations in order to protect the ecological and cultural importance of these fish. Indigenous communities continue to use herring for subsistence and cultural practices, and some have become involved in the management of commercial herring fisheries. The commercial fishing of herring is subject to quotas and other regulations in order to protect herring populations, and to ensure that the ecological and cultural value of these fish is preserved for future generations.

 

 

 

Duration
3 days
Group Size
2 to 6

3-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands

Join us for an all-inclusive multi day sailing tour of the most beautiful marine environment in the world!

Prices start at $1999 USD per person. Early and late season discounts available. Gratuities are welcome, but not included in cost of trip.

2024 Dates for 3-Day Tour:

Please note: THE DATES BELOW DO NOT REFLECT CURRENT RESERVATIONS. Please use the "Check Availability" button on this page to see a real-time calendar.

May: 5/10-5/12
June: 6/7-6/9
September: 9/7-9/9, 9/13-9/15, 9/18-9/20

If the dates you want are not listed above, please contact us. We are very flexible, and can often adjust the sailing schedule, and can create tours of any duration.

Our multi-day, all-inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land-based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

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$1,999
Duration
3 to 6 days
Group Size
2 to 6

Sail & Paddle Tour

New this year!

Hey there, avid kayaker or paddle boarder! Think you've seen and conquered it all? We invite you to paddle the mystical waters of the San Juan Islands, while you return each evening to the safe, warm and cozy confines of our luxury 55' sailboat.

Aboard Sailing vessel Nawalak, you'll be treated to 3 luxury meals per day by our on-board chef to fuel your kayaking journeys, as well as a warm, dry berth aboard. No need to pitch a tent, or haul heavy gear - keep it all on the boat!

This tour blends the elegant simplicity of sailing with the intimacy of near shore kayaking, utilizing our vessel as a mother ship for your San Juan Islands kayaking adventures. This is a bring-your-own-kayak adventure where we board, our luxury 55' sail boat and sail deep into the majestic waters of the San Juan Islands. By sailing to these highly sought after kayaking destinations, we eliminate the hassle, and danger of paddling across large bodies of open sea to get to our coveted kayaking destinations. Tour durations are from 3-6 days, and are fully customizable for duration, skill levels and dates. Give us a call to learn more.

Our multi-day, all-inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land-based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

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$1,999
Duration
5 days
Group Size
2 to 6

5-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands

Join us for an all-inclusive 5-Day sailing tour of the most beautiful marine environment in the world!

All inclusive prices start at $2499 USD per person. Early and late season discounts available. Gratuities are welcome, but not included in cost of trip.

2024 Dates for 5-Day Tour:

Please note: THE DATES BELOW DO NOT REFLECT CURRENT RESERVATIONS. Please use the "Check Availability" button on this page to see a real-time calendar.
If the dates you want are not listed, please contact us. We are very flexible, and can often adjust the sailing schedule, and can create tours of any duration.

May: 5/3-5/7, 5/17-5/21, 5/31-6/4,
June: 6/18-6/22,
July: 7/2-7/6, 7/16-7/20,
August: 8/1-8/5, 8/16-8/20, 8/31-9/4,

Our multi-day, all-inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land-based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

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$2,499
Duration
6 days
Group Size
2 to 6

6-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands

Join us for an all-inclusive 6-Day sailing tour of the most beautiful marine environment in the world!

All inclusive prices start at $2699 USD per person. Early and late season discounts available. Gratuities are welcome, but not included in cost of trip.

2024 Dates for 6-Day Tour:

Please note: THE DATES BELOW DO NOT REFLECT CURRENT RESERVATIONS. Please use the "Check Availability" button on this page to see a real-time calendar.
If the dates you want are not listed, please contact us. We are very flexible, and can often adjust the sailing schedule, and can create tours of any duration.

May: 5/24-5/29
June: 6/11-6/16, 6/25-6/30
July: 7/9-7/14, 7/24-7/29
August: 8/8-8/13, 8/23-8/28

Our multi-day, all inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

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$2,699
Duration
6 hours
Group Size
2 to 6

San Juan Islands 6-hour Day Sail

Climb aboard and immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of the San Juan Islands.

All inclusive prices start at $229 USD per person, check dates on the right. Please note: If the dates you want are not listed, or another tour is designated, please contact us. We can often adjust the sailing schedule.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

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$229
Duration
12 days
Group Size
2 to 6

INSIDE PASSAGE - Desolation Sound, Broughton Archipelago & Great Bear Rainforest

We will be offering this tour again in late August/early September 2025.
Please use the contact form on this page to let us know you have interest, or have any questions.
Prices are yet to be determined, but will probably be around $5999 per person all inclusive of food and beverages.

Sail with us to where civilization gradually fades astern. Northwest is where we're headed, underneath a golden sky as we begin to get a taste of the wilder side of the North American coast. Natural Hot Springs, 10,000 yr old protected First Nation villages, ancient totem poles, pods of leaping dolphins, Orcas, Humpbacks, Bears, Rain Wolves. These are just some of the highlights on our farthest north tour. This is a true adventure, but with all the creature comforts and safety we've developed from over 20 years of experience with this route.

We pass north through the Inside Passage roughly retracing the route that Captain George Vancouver did in 1792. Much of the area looks the same now as it did then. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land based life melt away.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

27 Reviews verify
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$5,300