— Expedition Kayaking —

Northern Gwaii Haanas Explorer

— Expedition Kayaking —

Northern Gwaii Haanas

NORTHERN GWAII HAANAS EXPLORER – EXPEDITION KAYAKING

Sea kayaking in Haida Gwaii is an experience unlike any other. Due to its isolation from mainland British Columbia by the Hecate Strait, Haida Gwaii is ecologically unique–there are at least 39 distinct subspecies of plants and animals that are found no place else in the world. A world renown national park, Gwaii Haanas provides the adventurous kayaker with stunning scenery, remote wilderness, fantastic wildlife, and the opportunity to visit important Haida cultural sites.

Our Northern Gwaii Haanas Explorer kayak tours operate within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. The Government of Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation cooperatively manage Gwaii Haanas through the Archipelago Management Board.

The Northern Gwaii Haanas Explorer tours travel between Tanu Island and Burnaby Island in the northern half of Gwaii Haanas. This section of Gwaii Haanas provides numerous kayaking routes to choose between, and we may paddle sheltered channels, secluded bays, and exposed coastline.
Highlights of this tour often include visiting the Haida cultural sites of T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu) and Hlk’yah GaawGa (Windy Bay), soaking in the natural pools at Gandll K’in Gwaayaay (Hot Spring Island), and kayaking the wildlife rich waters of Juan Perez Sound and Ḵ’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay. Near the end of our journey, we kayak the waters surrounding Burnaby Island, which has some of the highest levels of living material of any intertidal zone in the world. Floating through the narrows in our kayaks at low tide is an experience of staggering beauty.

Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout Gwaii Haanas. Kayaking quietly along the shore we may come across deer, black bears, and pine martens. Humpback whales may be seen throughout Gwaii Haanas and are often seen feeding in Juan Perez Sound, and with 750,000 nesting seabirds and more bald eagle nests per kilometre of shoreline than anywhere else in Canada, Gwaii Haanas is a birder’s dream. There is always something to look at on this tour!

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