Queen Charlotte Islands Sea Kayaking Tour, Canada

Isolated from British Columbia by the infamous Hecate Strait, the Queen Charlotte Islands are ecologically unique. Called Haida Gwaii, or ‘Islands of the People”, these emerald isles are often referred to as the ‘Canadian Galapagos’. The 100 kilometres of open water has isolated the archipelago from the BC mainland, to the extent that there are at least 39 distinct subspecies of plants and animals that are found no place else in the world!

Our trip takes place in the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, voted as the #1 wilderness park destination in North America by National Geographic. Visitors to this area are limited, due the remoteness and a strict quota system implemented by Parks Canada.

The trip departs Sandspit, utilize zodiac or floatplane transport, and include all necessary equipment. Due the remoteness and conditions in this area, it is best suited to those with prior kayaking experience, or at least those with camping skills and a sense of adventure!

Day 0: Plan to be in Sandspit the night before your trip departs. This will give you a chance to meet our staff, pack your dry bags, organize your gear, and buy any last minute items. Meals Included: None

Day 1: You will be picked up at your accommodation at approximately 7:30 AM for transport to your departure point. Depending on the trip, numbers, and weather, your transport to the field will either be by open zodiac or floatplane.

Upon arrival at the remote campsite, you’ll meet your guides who will provide you with a safety briefing and an orientation to the National Park. You’ll then have a chance to try out your kayaks for the first time, exploring the area close to camp. Depending on the trip, we may either stay at this spot for the first night, or move on to another camp in the afternoon. Meals Included: Lunch - Dinner

Days 2 to 7: This trip starts at the northern end of the park and slowly traverses south along the eastern coast of Moresby Island, slowly exploring the islands as we travel. You’ll travel south through Darwin Sound, crossing Juan Perez Sound to Hotspring Island, where we’ll stop for a visit and soak in the hot thermal pools.

Continuing on, we aim for Burnaby Island, with a possible visit to Burnaby Narrows, known for its rich concentration of intertidal life. Highlights also include a stop at the abandoned Haida village of Tanu.

The actual route will depend much on the weather, sea conditions, and abilities of the group, but while each trip is unique, we like to think all are spectacular. Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 8: On the last day of the trip, you’ll have time to reminisce about the previous days over a leisurely breakfast. Your transportation generally arrives about midday and whisks you back to Sandspit where you’ll have the opportunity to get together with the rest of your group for a farewell dinner. Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch

Exact routes will vary depending on possible wildlife sightings, currents, tides and weather. Due to a number of logistical issues we may run this trip in the reverse order, i.e. starting at Burnaby Island and ending at Tanu.