
Canada
Canada - Sailing adventure Haida Gwaii
Canada - Sailing adventure Haida Gwaii
Duration
9 days
Start/End
Sandspit
Tour type
Group
Level
Simple
Accommodation
sailing ship
Overview
Aboard a sailing ship you explore Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve off the coast of British Columbia – by kayak, tender and on hikes through ancient rainforest. From Burnaby Narrows to Cape St. James and the World Heritage site of SG̱ang Gwaay you experience nature and more than 14,000 years of Haida history.
Imagine a place so unique it's often called the "Galapagos of the North": Haida Gwaii. Located about 100 kilometers off the coast of British Columbia, this remote island archipelago is home to endemic wildlife, ancient rainforests, and a vibrant Indigenous culture that has shaped this region for over 14,000 years. On our journey, you'll explore the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, the National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and the Haida Heritage Site through sailing and kayaking, hiking, and boat trips. You'll not only witness breathtaking wildlife—from puffins to humpback whales—but also delve into the fascinating history of the Haida people, preserved and shared by the local Haida Watchmen. We look forward to discovering this extraordinary world with you!
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Days 1–2
Arrival in Haida Gwaii
sailing ship
Your Haida Gwaii expedition begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Sandspit. From there, you'll be transferred by passenger bus to Moresby Camp, where you'll meet the Passing Cloud and the crew before we set sail together. Our first destination is the ancient village of K'uuna Llnagaay. There, the Haida Watchmen will introduce you to the cultural history of the area and show you the impressive funerary monuments and memorials. Afterward, we'll sail further south to the village of Taanuu Llnagaay, where you can explore the remains of house foundations—evidence of a once vibrant gathering place for numerous communities.
Arrival in Haida Gwaii
Days 1–2
sailing ship
Your Haida Gwaii expedition begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Sandspit. From there, you'll be transferred by passenger bus to Moresby Camp, where you'll meet the Passing Cloud and the crew before we set sail together. Our first destination is the ancient village of K'uuna Llnagaay. There, the Haida Watchmen will introduce you to the cultural history of the area and show you the impressive funerary monuments and memorials. Afterward, we'll sail further south to the village of Taanuu Llnagaay, where you can explore the remains of house foundations—evidence of a once vibrant gathering place for numerous communities.
Days 3–4
From Burnaby Narrows to Cape St. James
sailing ship
As we make our way south, we'll sail – conditions permitting – a few miles out to sea. There, you'll have the chance to observe fascinating marine life: from seabirds and sharks to giant sunfish, Pacific white-striped dolphins, and majestic humpback whales. Another highlight is the incredible biodiversity of the world-famous Burnaby Narrows. Using kayaks and the dinghy, we'll follow a crew member in a snorkeling suit and discover giant sea cucumbers, colorful starfish, enormous moon slugs, decorator crabs, and nudibranchs of every hue. Weather permitting, we'll continue to Cape St. James, the southernmost point of Haida Gwaii. Here, ocean currents from the east and west converge, creating a true paradise for wildlife: puffins, sea lions, and perhaps even orcas hunting for their next meal await you.
From Burnaby Narrows to Cape St. James
Days 3–4
sailing ship
As we make our way south, we'll sail – conditions permitting – a few miles out to sea. There, you'll have the chance to observe fascinating marine life: from seabirds and sharks to giant sunfish, Pacific white-striped dolphins, and majestic humpback whales. Another highlight is the incredible biodiversity of the world-famous Burnaby Narrows. Using kayaks and the dinghy, we'll follow a crew member in a snorkeling suit and discover giant sea cucumbers, colorful starfish, enormous moon slugs, decorator crabs, and nudibranchs of every hue. Weather permitting, we'll continue to Cape St. James, the southernmost point of Haida Gwaii. Here, ocean currents from the east and west converge, creating a true paradise for wildlife: puffins, sea lions, and perhaps even orcas hunting for their next meal await you.
Days 5–7
Following in the footsteps of SG̱ang Gwaay
sailing ship
We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay, the heart of Haida Gwaii. There, you'll walk through the remains of an ancient Haida village with massive longhouses and an impressive array of burial and memorial poles. Afterward, we explore the beaches, tide pools, and breathtaking vistas of the Gordon Islands. Our days are filled with discoveries in moss-draped coastal rainforests, interwoven river estuaries, intertidal zones, and unique coastal swamp ecosystems. Along the way, we'll encounter the remains of millennia-old wooden pole fish traps and reflect on the close connection between salmon, bears, the rainforest, and the people of this region.
Following in the footsteps of SG̱ang Gwaay
Days 5–7
sailing ship
We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay, the heart of Haida Gwaii. There, you'll walk through the remains of an ancient Haida village with massive longhouses and an impressive array of burial and memorial poles. Afterward, we explore the beaches, tide pools, and breathtaking vistas of the Gordon Islands. Our days are filled with discoveries in moss-draped coastal rainforests, interwoven river estuaries, intertidal zones, and unique coastal swamp ecosystems. Along the way, we'll encounter the remains of millennia-old wooden pole fish traps and reflect on the close connection between salmon, bears, the rainforest, and the people of this region.
Days 8–9
Final stage: From Hlk'yah GaawGa back to Sandspit
sailing ship
Our journey continues to Hlk'yah GaawGa (Windy Bay), where we hike through an ancient forest of giant cedars and spruces – trees that played a crucial role in the creation of Gwaii Haanas. Here, the Haida Watchmen will share the story of Gwaii Haanas as told through the Legacy Pole. In the late afternoon, we set sail once more and enjoy the ride, keeping an eye out for the orcas that often hunt in these waters. This is our last night aboard the Passing Cloud – a special moment to share the highlights of the past few days and reflect on everything we have experienced and learned. On the final day, it's time to say goodbye: We leave the ship and crew and travel back to Sandspit by passenger bus, where our expedition officially concludes.
Final stage: From Hlk'yah GaawGa back to Sandspit
Days 8–9
sailing ship
Our journey continues to Hlk'yah GaawGa (Windy Bay), where we hike through an ancient forest of giant cedars and spruces – trees that played a crucial role in the creation of Gwaii Haanas. Here, the Haida Watchmen will share the story of Gwaii Haanas as told through the Legacy Pole. In the late afternoon, we set sail once more and enjoy the ride, keeping an eye out for the orcas that often hunt in these waters. This is our last night aboard the Passing Cloud – a special moment to share the highlights of the past few days and reflect on everything we have experienced and learned. On the final day, it's time to say goodbye: We leave the ship and crew and travel back to Sandspit by passenger bus, where our expedition officially concludes.
Services
What's included
8 nights in a double cabin on a sailing ship
Full board
Transfers to/from Sandspit
8 - 12 participants
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
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tips
Character of the trip
Fitness
Simple
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Balanced
This expedition to Haida Gwaii is designed for travelers interested in nature and culture, with a good level of fitness and a passion for active exploration. The journey takes place primarily on a sailing vessel, supplemented by excursions by kayak and dinghy, as well as hikes through rainforests and along the coast. Surefootedness and a certain degree of agility are required, especially for shore excursions over uneven terrain, kayaking, and getting in and out of small boats. Onboard comfort is simple but pleasant, with a focus on an authentic nature and cultural experience.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Notes on the trip
Accommodation - Sailing ship
The sailing ship offers six private guest cabins, spacious common areas, an extensive library of natural and cultural history, and bright, inviting lounge and dining areas. All cabins are comfortably furnished, equipped with storage space, portholes, and electrical outlets. On deck, you'll find spacious areas for relaxing, wildlife watching, or photography – sheltered in the large wheelhouse or in the aft cockpit with panoramic views in any weather.
