Canada
Canada - Kayak expedition across Gwaii Haanas
Canada - Kayak expedition across Gwaii Haanas
Duration
15 days
Start/End
K'il Kun (Sandspit)
Tour type
Group
Level
Very demanding
Accommodation
Tent (wilderness camping)
Overview
In 15 days you paddle almost the full length of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve – to Hotspring Island, T’aanuu Llnagaay, Hlk’yah GawGa and SGang Gwaay. Around 750,000 seabirds, whales and bears in a wilderness of superlatives. For experienced paddlers with very good fitness.
The ultimate kayaking expedition through Haida Gwaii: In 15 days, you'll paddle almost the entire length of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, combining the highlights of the north and south into one grand journey. The route leads to the most important cultural sites of the Haida – Gandll K'in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island), T'aanuu Llnagaay, Hlk'yah GawGa, and finally to SGang Gwaay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its longhouse remains and totem poles. Gwaii Haanas is a natural paradise of superlatives: around 750,000 seabirds breed here, and nowhere else in Canada is the density of bald eagle nests so high. With a bit of luck, you might encounter humpback whales, sea lions, and the largest black bears in North America. For two weeks you'll live in rhythm with the tides and weather, pitching your tent in ever-changing locations and experiencing the wilderness more intensely than almost anywhere else. The trip culminates in a special tasting menu at the Raincoast Breads restaurant in K'il Kun (Sandspit).
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Arrival
Arrival in K'il Kun (Sandspit)
You should arrive in K'il Kun (Sandspit) on Haida Gwaii one day before the tour begins. In the evening, you'll meet your guide for an initial briefing, where you'll also receive your waterproof dry bags for your gear. Accommodation before the tour is not included in the tour price – we're happy to help you with booking. As accommodation is limited, we recommend booking early. You can reach Haida Gwaii by plane from Vancouver or by ferry from Prince Rupert.
Arrival in K'il Kun (Sandspit)
Arrival
You should arrive in K'il Kun (Sandspit) on Haida Gwaii one day before the tour begins. In the evening, you'll meet your guide for an initial briefing, where you'll also receive your waterproof dry bags for your gear. Accommodation before the tour is not included in the tour price – we're happy to help you with booking. As accommodation is limited, we recommend booking early. You can reach Haida Gwaii by plane from Vancouver or by ferry from Prince Rupert.
Day 1
By Zodiac to Gwaii Haanas
Tent
An open Zodiac boat will take you to Gwaii Haanas in 2–4 hours. At the first campsite, you will receive instruction in kayaking and safety, after which the tents will be set up and you will set off on your first paddling trip.
By Zodiac to Gwaii Haanas
Day 1
Tent
An open Zodiac boat will take you to Gwaii Haanas in 2–4 hours. At the first campsite, you will receive instruction in kayaking and safety, after which the tents will be set up and you will set off on your first paddling trip.
Days 2–7
The north of Gwaii Haanas
Tent
4-6 h
The first half of the expedition takes you through the northern part of the national park reserve. You'll paddle through sheltered channels and hidden bays, visit former Haida village sites like T'aanuu Llnagaay, and relax in the hot springs of Gandll K'in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island). Seabird colonies, bald eagles, black bears, and humpback whales will accompany you on your journey south.
The north of Gwaii Haanas
Days 2–7
Tent
4-6 h
The first half of the expedition takes you through the northern part of the national park reserve. You'll paddle through sheltered channels and hidden bays, visit former Haida village sites like T'aanuu Llnagaay, and relax in the hot springs of Gandll K'in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island). Seabird colonies, bald eagles, black bears, and humpback whales will accompany you on your journey south.
Days 8–14
The south of Gwaii Haanas and SGang Gwaay
Tent
4-6 h
In the second half of the trip, you'll reach the wild south of Gwaii Haanas. At low tide, you'll explore the biodiverse Burnaby Narrows, continuing along exposed coastlines to SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), where the Haida Watchmen will guide you through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Campsites change almost daily, and the guides determine the route and pace based on wind, weather, and wildlife sightings. Strong winds may also mean the group stays in one location for a day.
The south of Gwaii Haanas and SGang Gwaay
Days 8–14
Tent
4-6 h
In the second half of the trip, you'll reach the wild south of Gwaii Haanas. At low tide, you'll explore the biodiverse Burnaby Narrows, continuing along exposed coastlines to SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), where the Haida Watchmen will guide you through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Campsites change almost daily, and the guides determine the route and pace based on wind, weather, and wildlife sightings. Strong winds may also mean the group stays in one location for a day.
Day 15
Return to K'il Kun (Sandspit) and farewell dinner
After a final breakfast in the wilderness, the Zodiac boat will take you back to K'il Kun (Sandspit) in 2–4 hours. In the evening, you'll celebrate the end of the expedition with a special tasting menu at Raincoast Breads restaurant – the first restaurant in Canada officially authorized to forage for wild ingredients and known for its hyper-local, seasonal cuisine.
Return to K'il Kun (Sandspit) and farewell dinner
Day 15
After a final breakfast in the wilderness, the Zodiac boat will take you back to K'il Kun (Sandspit) in 2–4 hours. In the evening, you'll celebrate the end of the expedition with a special tasting menu at Raincoast Breads restaurant – the first restaurant in Canada officially authorized to forage for wild ingredients and known for its hyper-local, seasonal cuisine.
Services
What's included
14 nights in a tent (wilderness camping)
Tents and group equipment
All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
Zodiac transfer to/from K'il Kun (Sandspit)
English-speaking kayak guides
Graduation dinner at the Raincoast Breads restaurant in K'il Kun (Sandspit)
Kayaks (single/double), paddles, paddling jackets and safety equipment
Waterproof dry bags
National park fees
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment and rain gear
Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA for entry into Canada)
Tips
Overnight stay before and after the tour in K'il Kun (Sandspit)
Character of the trip
Fitness
Very demanding
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This expedition is designed for experienced, adventurous individuals in excellent physical condition. Kayaking experience is strongly recommended. You will paddle approximately 4–6 hours daily in fully loaded single or double kayaks and must be able to handle winds up to 25 knots, currents up to 4 knots, and swells of up to 2 meters. Time spent paddling in a double kayak is included, and open water crossings are part of the route.
On most days, the camp is dismantled, loaded, and rebuilt at a new location. The most physically demanding part is often carrying the heavy kayaks and equipment across beaches of sand, pebbles, gravel, or sharp rocks, sometimes with light surf. At the beginning and end of the trip, you'll face a 2- to 4-hour journey in an open Zodiac boat. There are no toilets along the way – you'll use the tidal area.
You'll be traveling in an international group where teamwork, consideration, and flexibility are important. Wind may cause the group to stay in one place for several days – the guides will adjust the route to the weather and conditions at any time; safety always comes first.
Dates and prices
Group dates
20/06/2027 – 04/07/2027 · €4,560.00 per person
Optional
Single tent supplement
€490.00
per person
Surcharge for vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free meals
€195.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Wildlife observations
Wild animals do not adhere to travel plans – sightings of certain species cannot be guaranteed despite the experience of the guides.
Camping
Overnight stays are in tents at various wilderness sites without sanitary facilities. On most days, the camp is taken down and set up again together. Rain usually doesn't prevent a change of location, but strong winds can force the group to stay in one place for several days.
Gwaii Haanas
Gwaii Haanas is a national park reserve, a marine sanctuary, and a Haida cultural heritage site all in one. The Haida Watchmen, the guardians of the ancient village squares, welcome visitors at selected locations and share the history of their people.
Weather
The weather on Haida Gwaii is changeable and can change quickly. Even in summer, expect rain, wind, and cool temperatures, and bring very good rain gear.
Catering
The guides cook hearty, fresh meals along the way. Vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free meals are available for an extra charge.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.