Canada
Canada - Kayak Southern Gwaii Haanas
Canada - Kayak Southern Gwaii Haanas
Duration
8 days
Start/End
K'il Kun (Sandspit)
Tour type
Group
Level
Very demanding
Accommodation
Tent (wilderness camping)
Overview
National Geographic calls Gwaii Haanas North America’s top wilderness park destination. You paddle along dramatic coastlines and through the species-rich Burnaby Narrows to SGang Gwaay with its longhouse remains and totem poles. An expedition for experienced paddlers with very good fitness.
National Geographic calls Gwaii Haanas "North America's premier wilderness park destination"—and on this eight-day kayaking expedition, you'll experience why. The route takes you through the southern part of the national park reserve, from SGwaay Kun Gwaay (Burnaby Island) to SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Haida. You'll paddle along dramatic coastlines and through the Burnaby Narrows, whose intertidal zone is among the most biodiverse in the world. In SGang Gwaay, remnants of longhouses and carved burial and memorial poles still stand, telling the story of the Haida people. Along the way, you'll encounter humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles, and every campsite is different – from pebbly beaches to moss-covered rainforest. Finally, a special tasting menu awaits you 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 the south of Gwaii Haanas
Tent
An open Zodiac boat will take you to southern Gwaii Haanas in 2–4 hours. At the first campsite, you'll receive instruction in kayaking and safety, after which the tents will be set up and you'll set off on your first paddling trip.
By Zodiac to the south of Gwaii Haanas
Day 1
Tent
An open Zodiac boat will take you to southern Gwaii Haanas in 2–4 hours. At the first campsite, you'll receive instruction in kayaking and safety, after which the tents will be set up and you'll set off on your first paddling trip.
Days 2–7
From Burnaby Island to SGang Gwaay
Tent
4-6 h
Over the next few days, you'll paddle approximately 4–6 hours daily through southern Gwaii Haanas. At low tide, you'll explore the Burnaby Narrows with its incredibly rich intertidal zone teeming with starfish and anemones. Conditions permitting, the group will cross to SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), where the Haida Watchmen will guide you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its longhouse remains and totem poles. Along the way, you'll have a good chance of spotting humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and sea otters. Campsites change almost daily, and the guides will determine the route and pace based on wind, weather, and wildlife sightings.
From Burnaby Island to SGang Gwaay
Days 2–7
Tent
4-6 h
Over the next few days, you'll paddle approximately 4–6 hours daily through southern Gwaii Haanas. At low tide, you'll explore the Burnaby Narrows with its incredibly rich intertidal zone teeming with starfish and anemones. Conditions permitting, the group will cross to SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), where the Haida Watchmen will guide you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its longhouse remains and totem poles. Along the way, you'll have a good chance of spotting humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and sea otters. Campsites change almost daily, and the guides will determine the route and pace based on wind, weather, and wildlife sightings.
Day 8
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 8
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
7 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 20 knots, currents up to 3 knots, and swells of 1–2 meters. Time spent in a double kayak is included, and open water crossings are also 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
Optional
Single tent supplement
€260.00
per person
Surcharge for vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free meals
€100.00
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.