— Expedition Kayaking —

Southern Gwaii Haanas Explorer

— Expedition Kayaking —

Southern Gwaii Haanas

SOUTHERN GWAII HAANAS EXPLORER – EXPEDITION KAYAKING

When you watch the mist wind through the trees on the mountainous shoreline, or float over the riot of colours that make up the intertidal life of Ḵ’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay, you’ll understand why National Geographic rated Gwaii Haanas the #1 wilderness park destination in North America. Separated from the mainland by the 100 kilometer open water expanse of Hecate Strait, Haida Gwaii has at least 39 distinct subspecies of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Come take a taste of adventure and immerse yourself in the culture and wild beauty of Haida Gwaii.

Our Southern 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 Southern Gwaii Haanas Explorer kayak tour travels between Burnaby Island and SGang Gwaay Linagaay toward the southern end of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. Our route along this rugged coastline offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, remarkable scenery, wonderful campsite locations, and culminates with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay Linagaay (Ninstints) with its long house remains and carved memorial and mortuary poles.

As we head south we are on the lookout for whales. Humpback whales are often seen feeding in Skincuttle Inlet and around many of the headlands we pass. Both harbour seals and Steller sea lions haul out on the many rocky islets, always weary of an ambush from transient killer whales. Sitka deer and the endemic Haida Gwaii black bears are a common sight along the beaches. The waters surrounding Anthony Island are home to a wide variety of sea birds, such as rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, and tufted and horned puffins, and many more species.

Weather permitting, we move to a new campsite each day. We may choose to camp on pebble beaches, moss-carpeted forest, or small offshore islands. Many of our favourite campsites are surrounded by lush old growth rainforest and have nearby streams allowing for freshwater bathing.

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