Kayaking Haida Gwaii

Five to Fifteen Day Kayaking Expeditions

Central Gwaii Haanas Explorer

Five Days
Expedition Kayaking

Begin Your Adventure

Southern Gwaii Haanas Explorer

Eight Days
Expedition Kayaking

Begin Your Adventure

Northern Gwaii Haanas Explorer

Seven Days
Expedition Kayaking

Begin Your Adventure

Ultimate Gwaii Haanas Explorer

Fifteen Days
Expedition Kayaking

Begin Your Adventure

Kayaking Haida Gwaii

Five to Fifteen Day
Kayak Adventures

Central Gwaii Haanas Explorer

Five Days
Expedition Kayaking

Southern Gwaii Haanas Explorer

Eight Days
Expedition Kayaking

Northern Gwaii Haanas Explorer

Seven Days
Expedition Kayaking

Ultimate Gwaii Haanas Explorer

Fifteen Days
Expedition Kayaking

KAYAKING HAIDA GWAII

Kayaking in Haida Gwaii is a truly unparalleled experience: breathtaking wilderness, serene wildlife sightings, and the profound cultural heritage of the Haida. If you’re seeking an authentic wilderness journey through a vibrant and diverse ecosystem steeped in history, our tours are designed with you in mind.

An Ecological Haven
Separated from British Columbia by the vast expanse of the Hecate Strait, Haida Gwaii—or “Islands of the People” in Haida—stands as a testament to ecological uniqueness. Known as the “Galapagos of the North,” this isolated archipelago is a sanctuary to at least 39 distinct subspecies of plants and animals, found nowhere else on Earth. How many will you spot?

Limited & Exclusive Access to Gwaii Haanas
Experience wilderness the way it was meant to be enjoyed—with wide open spaces and true tranquility. The remoteness of Gwaii Haanas, coupled with a carefully managed allocation system, ensures an exclusive and intimate exploration of this pristine environment. The lands and waters of Gwaii Haanas are stewarded in cooperation between the Government of Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation through the Archipelago Management Board, the first agreement of this kind in Canada.

Begin Your Journey with Kingfisher
At Kingfisher, we pride ourselves on offering an all-inclusive kayaking experience. From meeting one of your guides in K’il Kun (Sandspit) on the evening before your departure, to providing comprehensive gear—including tents, sleeping pads and bags, paddling jackets, dry bags, and all necessary kayaking and safety equipment—we want to ensure your adventure starts smoothly. And with all your meals and snacks provided, you don’t have to worry about going hungry! Your journey with us isn’t just an exploration of the wild and cultural beauty of Haida Gwaii, but also a taste of exceptional convenience and comfort—that’s just the Kingfisher way.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of Haida Gwaii with Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures—where every paddle stroke brings you closer to nature’s heart and the rich legacy of the Haida Nation.

Kayak Tours of Haida Gwaii

CENTRAL GWAII HAANAS
EXPLORER

Expedition Kayaking
5 days / 4 nights

Begin Your Adventure

explorer

Highlights of the Central Gwaii Haanas Explorer tour include soaking in the natural pools at Gandll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island) and kayaking the wildlife rich waters of Juan Perez Sound. This five day tour has a more relaxed pace than our longer Gwaii Haanas Explorer kayak tours

NORTHERN GWAIIHAANAS
EXPLORER

Expedition Kayaking
7 days / 6 nights

Begin Your Adventure

explorer

The Northern Gwaii Hannas Explorer tours travel between Tanu Island and Burnaby Island in the northern half of Gwaii Haanas. Paddle sheltered channels, secluded bays, and exposed coastline, visit Haida cultural sites T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu) and Hlk’yah G̱awG̱a (Windy Bay) and soak in natural hot springs.

SOUTHERN GWAII HAANAS
EXPLORER

Expedition Kayaking
8 days / 7 nights

Begin Your Adventure

explorer

The Southern Gwaii Haanas Explorer tour kayaks the southern end of Gwaii Haanas, from K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay along the rugged coastline to Rose Harbour. Fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, colourful inter-tidal life, wonderful campsite locations, and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay.

ULTIMATE GWAII HAANAS
EXPLORER

Expedition Kayaking
15 days / 14 nights

Begin Your Adventure

explorer

This trip is our longest offering, and provides visitors the opportunity to explore almost the entire Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. This experience starts near the northern boundary of Gwaii Haanas, and culminates near the south end after a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay.

Wow, just wow! We did the 6 day Whales and Wilderness Explorer trip very near the end of a 7 week long trip to Canada. We expected to like and enjoy the trip, but we didn't expect to be absolutely blown away by it! We had done lots of other outdoor adventures during our trip, all of which we'd loved, but this was so special.
Our trip was the last one of the season, but you wouldn't have known it. Our guides, Julian and Jess, were so friendly, personable, knowledgeable, hard working and good fun whilst always being conscious of the different skills, abilities, confidence levels and safety of the 6 members of the group.
The kayak combination of singles and doubles worked well for carrying all the food, equipment and personal belongings, but also allowed the group to swap and change between kayaks when we wanted to. The daily 3D Tetris challenge of repacking the boats was always done with good humour.
The tents, mats and sleeping bags were cosy and comfortable and all the food was plentiful, tasty and excellent - I never knew powdered hummus was a thing until this trip!!! Preparing such amazing food in such basic circumstances is a real skill.
Both Julian and Jess were very observant at spotting both land and sea-based wildlife - and we saw plenty: humpbacks, Dall's porpoises, Stellar sea lions - we had one keep us company for about 1/2 an hour one day, plus seals, deer and eagles to name but a few. The sheer joy of sitting on a rock at sunset watching and hearing whales in the Sound below us is something we'll never forget.
This is a trip which will live long and strong in our memories, but I really, really hope we get to go back and do another trip with them!
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347liz
10/23/2019
The West Coast at its BEST! We did a four-day base camp with whales tour in September 2020. I have been on many kayaking trips all over Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii but this trip is a highlight. I have never seen so much marine life in one area - humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, porpoise, dolphins, seals, eagles, herons, ravens.

Our group has done expedition trips in the past but loved the base camp experience -- a level of comfort that let us enjoy the kayaking even more.

The area in which we did our paddling provided excellent variety. A perfect mix of days.
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John G.
9/23/2020
Two sea kayaking trips I have never sea kayaked before but did two back to back with them in August - one base camp and one wild camping. All the equipment was first class and the tour guides/leaders were excellent giving someone who was very nervous the confidence to happily paddle a single kayak …
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Yvonne R.
9/01/2019
Two sea kayaking trips I have never sea kayaked before but did two back to back with them in August - one base camp and one wild camping. All the equipment was first class and the tour guides/leaders were excellent giving someone who was very nervous the confidence to happily paddle a single kayak even when the water was choppy. Photos is short supply as wildlife not learnt the art of posing but lying in your tent at night either listening to the humpback whales or wolves in the distance is a never to be forgotten experience. Saw so much and learnt so much from the knowledgeable guides made it a holiday I will always remember.
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Yvonne R.
9/14/2019
Whales and Wilderness Expedition I recently participated in the June 2019 whales and wilderness kayak expedition with Kingfisher in the Broughton Archipelago. I attended as a solo, It was a great group of people who all had a background of outdoor adventure experience.

Our guides Sam and Kyle knocked it out of the park with a perfect blend of kayak expedition know how, keeping things fun, wildlife, native and area knowledge and of course making great food. They accented each other wonderfully with Sam always keeping his head in the game and making great but tough decisions in terms of weather related itinerary changes that were educated, safe and sound. Kyle was always checking in with everyone and making sure all of our needs and wants were met with consideration and grace. The leave no trace camping ethics are important to me and for the first time I used the toilet unit which was a bit of luxe and felt responsible.

In terms of wildlife viewing I will bring binoculars in the future as I had a hard time viewing wildlife at the 100-200 metre distance. We saw Harbour Porpoises, Sea Lions, Seals, some smaller creatures near the shore and far in the distance blowing of Humpbacks.

From start to finish Kingfisher as a company was organized, professional and considerate to deal with, for example; asking each individual for food preferences. Having all the gear and kit saved me bringing everything myself.

Many thanks for a great trip.
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kezsherwood
6/23/2019
Kingfisher Whales and Grizzlies four-day excursion a smash hit! I recently experienced this kayaking adventure with nine pals. We unanimously agreed that the experience simply could not have been better. We were graced with good weather and abundant marine and wildlife viewings. From a full breach by a Humpback whale, to a clear sighting of an Orca's dorsal fin from the middle of Blackfish Sound, to seals, sea lions, the fattest bald eagles on earth, swimming deer, and countless species of marine creatures and plants, our cups were absolutely full. Our three guides, Cam, Zach, and Megan (ph.) were all incredibly knowledgeable and skilled. They quickly assessed our capabilities as kayakers and designed our kayaking adventures to perfectly suit us. The food was excellent, the permanent platform-based tents were super comfortable. Nothing was left to chance, and yet we were able to take advantage of opportunities as they presented. I can highly recommend this kayaking adventure - it will be a wilderness highlight for life!
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Sandra J.
7/25/2019
Kingfisher Whales four-day Kayaking trip We went on Kingfisher's four day (3 night) kayaking trip off Port McNeil staying at a base camp on Hansen Island. We were a small group--four young German tourists and my husband and me (both of us over 60 Americans) plus the two (Canadian) guides. It was a wonderful experience. Both guides were extremely personable, knowledgeable, organized, gracious and all around competent. We observed minke and humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, porpoises, seals, mink and lots of underwater marine life. The platform tents at the base camp had extremely comfortable beds. We could hear the whales passing in the night as they blew. Clean linen and sleeping bags were provided. The guides prepared fresh meals, knew the territory and where to show us hidden gems. Highly recommended.
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Marilyn M.
7/31/2019
Kayaking with Whales July 23 - 26 My husband and I joined Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures for a Kayaking with Whales Adventure last week. Great weather, awesome food & the best kayaking we have experienced. Loved the base camp on Hanson Island, and the nights spent camping in the tents. The accommodations were superb. Special thanks to Alisune and Jes. Not only are they top notch guides, they are also top knotch chefs.
The only thing missing was a campfire each night - that would certainly have enhanced the whole experience. I might suggest re-naming this specific tour, and calling it ‘Kayaking in the Wilderness’ or ‘Kayaking in Johnstone Strait & Blackfish Sound’, instead of ‘Kayaking With Whales’, which leads one to believe that one will actually be kayaking where the whales are. I know one can’t predict where the whales will be at a given time, however we experienced none close by on any day of our kayaking. The whales we did see while in kayaks were a very long way off, & at too great of a distance to kayak to.
All in all a great tour & very memorable.
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kartonv
7/31/2019
Amazing! I am well traveled and done many different types of adventures and trips. I have only wrote one review on trip advisor before and that was giving a 5/5 rating cage shark diving with Great Whites in New Zealand. This trip deserves my 2nd 5/5 review! It was incredible!! Great mix of kayaking, island time, solitude, games, nature, etc. I did the 4 day/3 night base camp trip with my brother. All the guides were great with a special shutout to Fin! Very knowledgeable, personable, patient, and passionate about his job. When he spoke people listened. A kind of guy you want to grab a pint with sometime and maybe watch the Habs beat up on the Canucks !! We seen it all (both from our kayaks and from the many view points at camp)... a couple pods of orcas, sea lions swimming close to us, porpoises, humpbacks , eagles catching fish... and the list goes on and on. This trip is so much more than that though!! Nature is incredible and much more fun and cheaper than therapy. This trip is one I’ll remember forever!! No photos needed, just go see for yourself!! A+
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Brent A.
8/03/2019
Best way to experience Vancouver Island's wild west coast My husband and I just returned from our second trip with Kingfisher - an expedition trip in the Nutchatlitz area: Kayaking with Sea Otters. It was even more fabulous than our first base camp trip in the Broughton Archipelago. We saw sea otters every day, tons of eagles and even a curious mink at one of our campsites. Our guides, Carter and Julien, were great - looked after our safety, regaled us with stories, jokes and a poem, and somehow managed to whip up amazing fresh meals and snacks from what we carried in our kayaks. Carter even baked a cake on our third day! They shared their knowledge of the area and the wildlife and helped us improve our kayaking techniques. Every day brought a new adventure: kayaking into the mouth of a cave to inspect a waterfall, a group of sea otters putting on a show off the beach where we were enjoying "happy hour" appies and wine, and paddling in the ocean swells . We're seniors (69 & 72) and we'd highly recommend Kingfisher for anyone of any age who is reasonably fit.
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J4569IWelizabethc
7/31/2021

KAYAKING HAIDA GWAII

Kayak Tours of Haida Gwaii

CENTRAL GWAII HAANAS EXPLORER

NORTHERN GWAIIHAANAS EXPLORER

SOUTHERN GWAII HAANAS EXPLORER

ULTIMATE GWAII HAANAS EXPLORER

CENTRAL GWAII HAANAS
EXPLORER

NORTHERN GWAIIHAANAS
EXPLORER

SOUTHERN GWAII HAANAS
EXPLORER

ULTIMATE GWAII HAANAS
EXPLORER