Canada
Canada - Kayak Northern Gwaii Haanas
Canada - Kayak Northern Gwaii Haanas
Duration
7 days
Start/End
K'il Kun (Sandspit)
Tour type
Group
Level
Very demanding
Accommodation
Tent (wilderness camping)
Overview
Haida Gwaii lies over 100 km off the mainland, and this isolation has produced its own species of plants and animals. You paddle through sheltered channels and along open coastlines, visit former Haida villages and relax in natural hot springs. For experienced paddlers.
This seven-day kayaking expedition takes you through the enchanting, little-visited northern half of Gwaii Haanas – between T'aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu) and SGwaay Kun Gwaay (Burnaby Island). Haida Gwaii lies over 100 kilometers off the coast of mainland British Columbia, and it is precisely this isolation that has allowed at least 39 unique subspecies of plants and animals to develop here. You'll paddle through sheltered channels, hidden bays, and along open coastlines, visiting, with a bit of luck, former Haida village sites and relaxing in natural hot springs. Along the way, you'll encounter humpback whales, bald eagles, black bears, and sea otters, and you'll spend the nights in tented camps in the heart of moss-covered rainforest or on secluded beaches. To conclude, you will celebrate in K'il Kun (Sandspit) with a special tasting menu at the Raincoast Breads restaurant, the pioneer of wild herb cuisine in Canada.
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 north of Gwaii Haanas
Tent
An open Zodiac boat will take you to northern 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 north of Gwaii Haanas
Day 1
Tent
An open Zodiac boat will take you to northern 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 2–6
Between Tanu and Burnaby Island
Tent
4-6 h
Over the next few days, you'll paddle for approximately 4–6 hours daily through sheltered channels, hidden bays, and along open stretches of coastline. Depending on conditions, you'll visit former Haida village sites like T'aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu) and relax in natural hot springs. You'll have excellent chances of spotting humpback whales, bald eagles, black bears, and sea otters. Campsites change almost daily—sometimes nestled in moss-covered rainforest, sometimes on secluded pebble beaches. The guides will determine the route and pace based on wind, weather, and wildlife sightings.
Between Tanu and Burnaby Island
Days 2–6
Tent
4-6 h
Over the next few days, you'll paddle for approximately 4–6 hours daily through sheltered channels, hidden bays, and along open stretches of coastline. Depending on conditions, you'll visit former Haida village sites like T'aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu) and relax in natural hot springs. You'll have excellent chances of spotting humpback whales, bald eagles, black bears, and sea otters. Campsites change almost daily—sometimes nestled in moss-covered rainforest, sometimes on secluded pebble beaches. The guides will determine the route and pace based on wind, weather, and wildlife sightings.
Day 7
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 7
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
6 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 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
22/08/2027 – 28/08/2027 · €2,275.00 per person
Optional
Single tent supplement
€230.00
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.