SOUTHERN GWAII HAANAS EXPLORER – EXPEDITION KAYAKING
Correctly crowned as “the premier wilderness park destination in North America” by National Geographic, therein lies the power of Gwaii Haanas: there’s something about this place that can captivate even the most seasoned of adventurers.
However, it’s no secret what makes it so captivating: as you creep past mist-shrouded mountains lining the shore or glide over a vibrant tapestry of intertidal marine life, you’ll quickly grasp the charm of Haida Gwaii. This secluded archipelago, separated from the mainland by over 100 kilometers of the Hecate Strait, boasts a unique biodiversity with at least 39 subspecies of flora and fauna. Navigating through its rich waterways, you’ll find it’s the type of adventure that not only invites you to experience the wild beauty and rich culture of Haida Gwaii, but to forge a deeper connection with natural spaces all around us.
Our eight-day Southern Gwaii Haanas Explorer kayak tours offer an immersive experience in the heart of Gwaii Haanas, between Burnaby Island in the north and SG̱ang Gwaay (Anthony Island) in the south. You’ll be kayaking a coastline brimming with wildlife, dramatic landscapes, idyllic camping spots, and the Haida Cultural Site SG̱ang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the remains of the long houses and carved memorial and mortuary poles narrate the storied past of the Haida people.
Our kayaking journeys are expeditions of discovery: we keep our eyes (and ears!) peeled for humpback whales and the elusive transient orcas. At the same time, harbour seals and Steller sea lions find refuge on rocky islets, ever-alert to the presence of said orcas. Kayaking through Ḵ’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay at low tide allows us to see the abundant and colourful inter-tidal life. The shores provide glimpses of the unique Haida Gwaii black bear, while the air and water surrounding SG̱ang Gwaay teem with a diverse array of seabirds, including rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, and both tufted and horned puffins!
Our kayak adventure leads us to a new campsite every day—weather permitting, of course—with sites as varied as pristine pebble beaches to lush moss-clad rainforest, or the serene seclusion of small offshore islands. Our chosen sites often lie adjacent to ancient old-growth rainforests, with streams nearby for freshwater bathing, offering a blend of comfort and communion with nature. These pristine lands and waters are a testament to the cooperative management between the Council of the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada, under the stewardship of the Archipelago Management Board—the first agreement of its kind in Canada!
You might think it’s hard to put a satisfying end to eight days of coastal bliss, but we’ve partnered with Raincoast Breads in K’il Kun (Sandspit) to provide a memorable final dinner upon your return from your expedition. Raincoast Breads is a hidden gem: celebrated as Canada’s pinnacle of haute cuisine, they were the first restaurant in Canada authorized to forage wild ingredients. The result is an extraordinary, hyper-local, seasonal dinner-tasting menu, melding flavours from the forest to the sea. This exquisite dining experience is included with all Kingfisher Gwaii Haanas tour packages.
Join us on the Southern Gwaii Haanas Explorer kayak tour for an expedition that promises not just a voyage through breathtaking landscapes, but a journey into the heart of Haida Gwaii’s timeless beauty, cultural heritage, and a closing feast that will leave you with lasting memories of the archipelago’s richness.
Price: $3395 CAD per person plus 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). *additional charges for some dietary restrictions
Group Size: Maximum of eight guests and two guides.
Participants: This tour is adult-oriented but participants as young as 15 may be accepted.
Suitability: Previous multi-day kayaking and backcountry camping experience is required for this tour.
Departs: Sandspit, Haida Gwaii
We know organizing expeditions in remote locations can present its own logistical challenges—but that’s where we step in! With each of Kingfisher’s Gwaii Haanas Explorer tours, you can expect:
- A smooth start—meet one of your guides in Sandspit the evening before departure for an orientation and handing out gear
- A fully equipped tour: we provide tents, sleeping pads and bags, drybags, splash-proof paddling jackets, and all other essential kayaking, camping, and safety gear
- A fully catered menu and plenty of snacks—contact us here to discuss how we can meet your dietary needs!
- Smaller group sizes: at most, our groups consist of eight guests and two guides for a smoother, more intimate experience
- End your tour with an unforgettable meal at Raincoast Breads, the first restaurant in Canada permitted to forage wild ingredients. Their seasonal, hyper-local menus offer an unprecedented connection with the landscape through your taste buds!
A Kingfisher tour is an all-inclusive experience—all you need to bring is your personal clothing, toiletries, and a smile! A guest information page is provided with a guest handbook, that includes a list of suitable clothing and other items, plus videos on how to pack, waivers, and participant detail forms.
- Expect a 2-4 hr open Zodiac water taxi transit at the beginning and end of the tour.
- Paddle a fully loaded single and/or double kayak for 4-6 hours per day for multiple days.
- Expect to spend time in a double kayak during your tour. With advance notice, we can often accommodate guests who want to spend their entire trip in a double kayak but we cannot accommodate guests who want to spend their entire trip in a single kayak.
- Paddle in wind, current, and waves
- Kayaking in winds up to 20 Knots can be expected
- Currents of 3 Knots
- Swell of 1 to 2 metres (6 feet)
- Wind waves of 0.3 to 1 meter (1 to 3 feet)
- Climb on and off our zodiac water taxi to the beach at the beginning and end of the trip.
- Assist with loading and offloading of gear and supplies from water taxi. If you have physical limitations that may make this difficult contact our office before booking to ensure this can be accommodated.
- Carry heavy kayaks and gear up and down the beach (this is often the most physically demanding part of the trip)
- Beaches vary from sand, to pebble, to small boulders, to jagged rocks. At low tide, beaches can be covered in slippery seaweed. The upper reaches of the beach are often covered in logs and seaweed Some beaches may require landing through small surf. This is often the most physically demanding part of the trip.
If you have physical limitations that may make this difficult contact our office before booking to ensure this can be accommodated.
- Back-country camp for seven consecutive nights
- Please note that while rain usually does not affect our ability to change camps, wind can prevent us from paddling and require us to spend multiple days at one site.
- Break-down, move, and set-up camp most days
- Use the inter-tidal area for low-impact toilet use. This is a wilderness area and there are no facilities, including outhouses, in the areas we visit.
- Recognize that wildlife does not operate on our schedules. Our guides are very knowledgeable and attempt to provide as many wildlife viewings as possible. However, there are no guarantees when it comes to viewing specific species.
- Stay upbeat and positive in various conditions. We are in a rainforest and over eight days, we may encounter all kinds of weather imaginable.
- We pride ourselves on the wholesome hearty meals we provide on our tours. The effort that goes into planning, organizing, and executing our wilderness menus is quite extensive. We are happy to accommodate many dietary restrictions on our tours but each restriction adds to the complexity of this planning and adds additional costs. Below are some of the common restrictions we can accommodate on our base camp tours and any additional costs associated with it that you will be charged.
- No red meat – no additional cost
- No seafood – no additional cost
- Vegetarian – no additional cost
- Vegan +$150
- Gluten intolerant +$150
- Lactose intolerant +$150
- If you have dietary restrictions not listed above (for example, you hate onions and are unwilling to pick around them in a meal), or have allergies or medical conditions (like celiac disease, egg, soy or peanut allergies) that prevent certain foods from being enjoyed by other guests on the trip, please contact our office to discuss whether we can accommodate your needs.
- Some dietary needs that we cannot accommodate include nightshade allergies (potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers) or keto and paleo diets.
- View our guest handbook for more information on preparing for this tour.
- If you wish to discuss your suitability for this or any of our other kayak tours contact us at info@kingfisher.ca or phone 1-866-546-4347 in North America or +1-250-856-4617 internationally.
Exact kayaking routes may vary depending on currents, tides, weather, and possible wildlife sightings.
Please note: Some of the Southern Gwaii Haanas Explorer kayak tours start at or near Burnaby Island in the central part of Gwaii Haanas and travel south as outlined in this itinerary. However, some tours travel in the reverse direction, starting near Rose Harbour in the south and kayaking north to Burnaby Island.
Day 0: Arrival and Pre-Trip Briefing
- Location: K’il Kun (Sandspit); pre-trip meeting at Moresby Explorers’ Office, adjacent to the Seaport B&B.
- Schedule: Guests should arrive in K’il Kun (Sandspit) a day before the tour begins. A meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM with a Kingfisher guide to cover essential details about the adventure ahead. This session includes a comprehensive overview of the trip, a mandatory orientation for Gwaii Haanas, the distribution of dry bags for gear packing, and a Q&A session for any inquiries.
- Meals Included: None.
Day 1: Journey to Gwaii Haanas
- Pick-up: Approximately 7:30 AM from your accommodations.
- Activities: The adventure begins with a scenic van ride through the forest, followed by an exhilarating three-hour zodiac journey to our initial campsite. Here, we’ll conduct a kayak and safety briefing before launching our kayaks for an exploratory paddle.
- Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner.
Days 2 to 7: Exploring Gwaii Haanas
- Highlights: Our journey takes us through the enchanting waters around Burnaby Island and the marine-rich Ḵ’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay. We’ll paddle past sites like the deserted Haida village of Haigi and the abandoned whaling station at Rose Harbour, at the southern end of Haida Gwaii at Kunghit Island. The pinnacle of our journey is the crossing to SGang Gwaay (Ninstints) on Anthony Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a haven for an array of seabirds.
- Daily Routine: Weather permitting, we relocate camp daily, offering a fresh perspective of the archipelago’s beauty each morning. The route and activities are tailored to the group’s abilities and conditions, ensuring a unique and memorable experience for all.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8: Reflection and Return
- Morning: We spend the morning reflecting on our shared experiences over a leisurely breakfast.
- Departure: Midday, the zodiac will return us to K’il Kun (Sandspit), with an anticipated late afternoon or early evening arrival.
- Farewell Dinner: In partnership with Raincoast Breads in K’il Kun (Sandspit), we celebrate our expedition with a tasting menu showcasing local delicacies, encapsulating some of the region’s finest culinary treasures. This farewell dinner is included in your tour package.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Our Guest Handbook contains details on preparing for your kayak tour. Included in the handbook is travel and accommodation information, a list of what to bring, what you can expect while you are kayaking, wildlife viewing etiquette, participant detail form and release forms. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any specific questions you may have that are not covered in the Guest Handbook. Some of the dry bag sizing may differ from what is shown in the videos.
The climate in Gwaii Haanas is typical of British Columbia’s outer west coast – cool and wet virtually any time of the year. The best weather is usually between mid-June and mid-August. During July and August the average temp is about 15°C with an average daily minimum and maximum of 12°C and 17°C.
Suggested reading
All of our tours carry a small library of field guides and local history books. Some of the books listed below are larger “coffee table” books that are too big to fit in our kayaks. If you wish to learn more about the area prior to your trip these books provide a great narrative with stunning photographs. Each title is linked to Amazon.com and open in a new window.
The Queen Charlotte Islands Book 2: Of Places and Names
Ninstints: Haida World Heritage Site
The Golden Spruce: A True Story Of Myth, Madness, And Greed
Raven’s Cry
Islands at the edge: Preserving the Queen Charlotte Islands Wilderness
To The Charlottes – George’s Dawson’s 1878 Survey of the Queen Charlotte Islands
A Guide to the Queen Charlotte Islands
Chiefs of the Sea and Sky: Haida Heritage Sites of the Queen Charlotte Islands
Charts
Your guides have charts of the area and will review them with guests each day. If you wish to bring your own chart(s) they are listed below. Each chart is linked to the corresponding page on the Canadian Hydrographic Service’s website and you can search where to buy these charts locally (links will open in a new window).
Chart 3808 – Juan Perez Sound – 1:37,500
Chart 3809 – Carpenter Bay to/à Burnaby Island – 1:37,500
Chart 3825 – Cape St. James to/à Houston Stewart Channel – 1:40,000
The below chart covers the entire area of this kayak tour but not does provide the same level of detail as the above charts
Chart L/C3853 – Cape St. James to/à Cumshewa Inlet and/et Tasu Sound – 1:150,000
We provide high quality three season tents. For couples we provide three person tents, and for solo travelers a slightly smaller 2 person tent. Therm-a-rest sleeping pads, and warm mummy-style sleeping bags with liners are all provided to ensure a good night’s sleep. A small library of natural history books is on every trip.
On the water we use stable single and double fibreglass kayaks and lightweight carbon/vinyl paddles. Waterproof kayaking jackets, personal floatation devices, and neoprene kayaking mitts are provided to keep you warm and dry while kayaking.
Includes: We provide you with all the necessary kayaking and camping equipment, including kayaks, paddling jackets, PFD (life jacket), group shelters, tents, sleeping pads, camp chairs and sleeping bags (you may bring your own). A comprehensive list of required personal items can be read by clicking on the “Preparation” tab above. All meals during the kayak trip are provided and prepared by your guides. Transportation is all-inclusive from Sandspit by our network of vans and water taxis. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site Fees.
What is not included: We do not provide transport from your home to Sandspit, nor do we provide airport transfers. Accommodation in Sandspit is not included. Any meals outside the kayak portion of the tour are your responsibility. Travel insurance for accidents or emergency evacuation is not provided; we recommend you purchase a policy before leaving home. The trip price does not include guide gratuities; should you feel that the service was exemplary, it is always appreciated.
When using our online booking from you can choose the below optional items to add to your kayak tour.
Seaport B&B (opens in a new tab) We can arrange your pre and/or post night accommodations in Port McNeill at the Black Bear Resort
This tour departs from Sandspit on South Moresby Island, Haida Gwaii.
It is imperative that guests arrive in Sandspit no later than the day before the kayak tour’s departure date. At the end of the trip, the earliest guests should plan to head home is the morning after the tour ends. Better still, spend a few more days to explore more of the islands. The Haida Heritage Centre is worth the visit.
Travelling by Air
Flights to Sandspit – YZP from Vancouver depart from the main terminal of Vancouver International Airport – YVR and are approximately 2 hours. These flights are operated by Air Canada.
Travelling by Ferry
BC Ferries services Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) from Prince Rupert. The crossing is approximately 7 hours. Once arriving in Skidegate on Haida Gwaii another short ferry ride is necessary to reach nearby Alliford Bay, a 15 minute drive from Sandspit. If you have the time an Inside Passage ferry runs between Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and Prince Rupert.
Via Rail offers train service to Prince Rupert from Jasper. Travel to Jasper from Vancouver or Edmonton by train.
Recommended Accommodations
Seaport B&B
Additional Accommodations
Bayview Garden B&B
I don’t have much kayaking experience. Can I still join a tour?
Even with little or no kayaking experience, you can join our Base Camp tours. Our Vancouver Island Explorer tours are suitable for beginners with a sense of adventure.
Due to the length of our Haida Gwaii tours and their remote location they are also best suited to people with some previous kayaking experience.
Our Great Bear Rainforest expedition is designed for kayakers with a moderate amount of previous kayaking experience and is our most challenging trip.
What are your best tours to see whales?
While whales are often viewed on all of our kayak tours, the Base Camp and Whales and Wildlife Explorer kayak tours have by far the most reliable sightings of both orcas and humpback whales.
Please keep in mind that while these tours offer great viewing opportunities we are still dealing with wildlife and we cannot guarantee any particular sightings.
When will I have the best chance of seeing orcas?
The northern resident (fish-eating) orcas are most reliably seen around northern Vancouver Island from mid-July through September. They may be seen in June and early July, along with the transient (mammal-eating) orcas, however, sightings become more consistent later in the summer. As they are wild, we cannot guarantee any particular sightings.
When is the best time for wildlife in general?
There is a lot of different wildlife along the British Columbia coast year round. However, we find that the greatest and most diverse wildlife is often found off northern Vancouver Island from mid-August through September.
What are the accommodations like on the base camp tours?
The Base Camps feature roomy canvas tents raised off the ground on wooden platforms, are situated throughout the forest with views of the ocean. The tents provide ample room and are outfitted with wooden beds with the thickest and widest Therm-a-rest mattresses available. Sheets, fleece blankets, full-size pillows, warm barrel-style sleeping bags, and hot water bottles are all provided. A recharging station for digital cameras, an extensive library of natural history books, a safari style bucket shower, and a large covered kitchen and dining area made from locally milled red cedar make for a very comfortable camping experience.
What are the toilets like?
For our base camp tours, the camps have two out-houses made from locally milled cedar. The outhouses incorporate a holding tank and cedar sawdust to cover the waste. The tank is replaced every few days. Guests often comment on the cleanliness of our system. We pack out all holding tanks to be properly disposed of at a sewage disposal station. When away from camp during the day we use the inter-tidal area for low impact toilet use.
How many guest and guides are on each tour?
We pride ourselves on small group sizes, allowing close personal attention and minimal impact on the environment and the wildlife we view from our kayaks. Our base camp tours have a maximum of ten guests and three guides, while our explorer tours have a maximum of eight guests with two guides.
In addition to minimizing our impact on the land we find the smaller group size allows us to better manage our groups around wildlife giving us better viewing opportunities.
For answers to more frequently asked question please visit our complete FAQs page.
