Haida Gwaii Kayaking Adventure

*Please note that the the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure. Also please note that this trip is run in collaboration with Tofino Expeditions.

MEETING PLACE: Check in with Moresby Explorers upon your arrival in Sandspit. They will provide the most up to date meeting time and location for Day 1 of your tour. 
MEETING TIME: 7:30 AM PST
TRIP MILES: Varies depending on group size, weather and kayaker's abilities
PUT-IN: Camp on Cumshuwa Inlet
TAKE-OUT: Ross Island and ferry back to Sandspit
RETURN TIME:  Late afternoon
TRIP LENGTH: 8 days
AGE LIMIT:  13 years
BOAT TYPE: Kayak - Tandem Kayaks Only
NEAREST AIRPORTS:  Sandspit, British Columbia (YZP)

Day 0 - Arrival Day

Head to the northeast part of Moresby Island and the tiny community of Sandspit, BC (airport code YZP). Do ensure that you check in with Moresby Explorers upon arrival to confirm your departure for tomorrow's tour. Once you've settled in, the day is yours to stroll around Sandspit and enjoy the scenic view. This small town is known as the gateway to Gwaii Haanas, and is the only town on the island. Stop by the visitors centre for information about the area, maps, and local artisan wares. Retire to the hotel of your choosing (not included in the trip cost.)

• Accommodations: Not Included
• Meals: NA

Day 1 - Cumshuwa Inlet, Zodiac Cruise, Sea Kayak, Camp on Swan Island

A bright and early morning heralds the start of the tour. Moresby Explorers will pick you up at the designated meeting time (usually 7:30 AM, but do check in upon arrival) and drive you to their camp on Cumshuwa Inlet. Your time on the water starts immediately, with a thrilling 2.5 hour zodiac cruise along the scenic coast of Moresby Island. Moresby Explorers will bring you to your first campsite in the Swan Islands in Skincuttle inlet. Swan Bay offers an ideal location to test your new paddling skills after a thorough orientation once you've settled into camp.

• Accommodations: Camping
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - Paddle Burnaby Narrows and Camp on Swan Island

A peaceful sleep in camp prepares you for a hearty breakfast and a full day of kayaking. Your route hosts a breathtaking view of Yatza Mountain as you paddle the southern tip of Burnaby Island. As you emerge into the Burnaby (Dolomite) Narrows, cast your eyes to the colorful bouquet of underwater life in the shallow channel. Over 300 varieties of marine invertebrates form a rainbow of underwater splendor as you float this sacred passage. A return to your campsite in the Swan Islands allows for a relaxed evening and filling dinner before bed.

• Accommodations: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Paddle Skincuttle Inlet, Ancient Village of Hagi, Copper Island Ecological Reserve

The sun rises early, and you'll awake with it for a headstart to the day's adventures. You'll pack the kayaks after breakfast and then paddle across Skincuttle Inlet. As you pass the ancient Haida village of Hagi, on Bolkus Island, look north for a view of the Copper Islands Ecological Reserve. This area also holds an old copper mine, called Jedway, that operated in the early 1900s. The mine was put back into use from 1961-69, but is now abandoned and part of the National Park. You'll spend the night at your first campsite, just south of Deluge Point.

• Accommodations: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Rankine Island Ecological Reserve, Sea Kayaking, Wildlife Watching

Your southbound journey continues, and you will cross Collison Bay and continue past the Rankine Island Ecological Reserve. Collison Bay was one of the first European settlements in the Haida territory, and offers archeologists a unique opportunity to find artifacts from many cultures and ages scattered in the interdial zone. The Rankine Island offers refuge as a breeding colony for four different species of seabirds: Ancient Murrelets, Cassins Auklets, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels, and Leachs Storm-Petrels. A variety of other birds use this area for nesting as well. Your campsite this evening is near the old village heritage site of Kaidju.

• Accommodations: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Sea Kayak Hecate Strait, Ninstints Territory

The route to your campsite on Ross Island passes through the Hecate Strait as it flows around Kunghit Island. This day you enter the famous territory of Ninstints, home of the Kunghit Haida. Ninstints (or "Nan Sdins") was the last and most powerful chief of the Kunghit Haida, the ancient village you will visit Saturday bears his namesake.

• Accommodations: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Paddle the Houston Steward Channel, Louscoone Point Campsite

The Houston Stewart Channel drives you toward the Pacific, and you'll continue your paddle West to Louscoone Point for your camp this evening. Today, you'll have the first view of Anthony Island, home of Skun Gwaii and the famous totem poles at Ninstints. The Louscoone Point campsite situates you for a short paddle to the ancient village tomorrow.

• Accommodations: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Visit Ninstints, Sea Kayak, Historical Tour

Today you visit Ninstints. A stunning paddle past Adam Rocks will allow you to land on the west side of Anthony Island. You will have ample time to explore this ancient site, which was abandoned in the late 1800s by the people of Ninstints (Kunghit Haida). You'll visit with the village watchmen, caretakers of the park's ancient sites. If the tide is right, you might hear the wailing sound as wind pounds through holes in the rocks that gives the village its Haida Name: Skun Gwaii. Afer your visit, you'll paddle back to Ross Island to camp.

• Accommodations: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Return to Moresby Island, Ferry back to Sandspit, Hot Springs Island

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and morning in camp as you pack your belongings for the return to Moresby Island. Moresby Explorers will collect you at Ross Island and ferry you back to Sandspit, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. On the boat ride, you'll enjoy a last look at this extraordinary wilderness area before stopping at Hot Springs Islands to indulge in a relaxing natural spa and one of the archipealgo's most famous features. We suggest making reservations at a B&B in Sandspit for the evening so that you can fly out the next day.

• Accommodations: Not Included
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Return Home or Extend Your Stay

Haida Gwaii - Travel Guide

Located 80 miles off the northwest coast of British Columbia, the Queen Charlotte Islands rise from the waters of the open Pacific Ocean and are separated from the mainland by Hecate Strait. Our tours begin in Sandspit, a small town situated on the northeast tip of Moresby Island, the southern of the two main islands in the Queen Charlotte Archipelago. Sandspit is accessed directly by scheduled air service from Vancouver, BC and by ferry service from Prince Rupert via Skidegate on Graham Island. Guests can arrive on or before the first scheduled day of the trip and leave on or after the last scheduled day. If you have detailed questions about travel to the Queen Charlottes or add-on tour options please give us a call.

Air Access:

The easiest way to get to Sandspit by air, is to fly through Vancouver International Airport (airport code YVR) to Sandspit (airport code YZP).  Air Canada Jazz services Sandspit from Vancouver on a daily basis. For a current flight schedule and reservations, please call 1-888-247-2262 (toll free) or on the web at www.aircanada.ca.  If arriving from outside of Canada, be sure to give yourself 1-1.5 hours between your arriving flight at Vancouver International and your departing flight to Sandspit. 

Airport Transfer:

Most of our accommodation recommendations (see below) are within walking distance of the airport. However,  you may need to arrange for a taxi to take you from the airport to your accommodations. 

Ferry Access:

There is ferry service from Prince Rupert to Skidgate on the southeast end of Graham Island, the northern of the two main islands in the Queen Charlotte Archipelago. The very scenic and popular Inside Passage ferry service connects Port Hardy on the north end of Vancouver Island with Prince Rupert. The BC Ferry Corporation strongly recommends making reservations for autos from Prince Rupert to Skidegate. Foot passengers don’t generally need to make reservations. Please call BC Ferries (604) 444-2890 or visit the web site, www.bcferries.bc.ca to confirm their current summer schedule. 

Things to Do:

The Haida Heritage Center and Museum at QAY’LLNAGAAY: Located 2 km. from the ferry terminal at Skidegate the new Haida Heritage Center and Museum is a worthwhile addition to a trip itinerary. Along with the many artifacts there are six newly raised totem poles. A visit to the museum adds historical context to the paddling trip. Seeing both the newly carved totem poles at the museum and the older ones on Anthony Island provides insight into the strength and continuum of Haida artistic tradition. For more information visit www.haidaheritagecentre.com 

 

Haida Gwaii – Bed & Breakfast Recommendations

Seaport Bed & Breakfast

Address: 371 Alliford Bay Suite A, Sandspit, BC  V0T 1T0, 
Phone: 250.637.5698
Recommended: The Seaport is owned by Moresby Explorers our Gwaii Haanas transportation operators. Year-round accommodations. A self-serve breakfast is provided to guests. 

Bay View Garden Bed & Breakfast and Hostel 

Address: PO Box 38, 401 Beach Road, Sandspit, BC V0T 1T0
Phone: 1.866.306.6644
Guests can stay in a three-bedroom cottage, separate from the waterfront heritage home. A self-serve breakfast is provided in the main kitchen offering home-baked goods and fresh, free-range eggs.

Moresby Island Guest House

Address: Box 485, Sandspit, BC, Canada V0T 1T0
Phone: 250.637.5300
Ten rooms are available with a common kitchen, three shared bathrooms and a lounge. A coin-operated laundromat is also located on the premises. Within walking distance of the local attractions of Sandspit.

 

Weather Underground - Sandspit, British Columbia

Sea Kayak Adventures Physical Requirements

Here at Sea Kayak Adventures our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our sea kayaking trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Sea Kayak Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure.  In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Tofino and Sea Kayak Adventures and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Sea Kayak Adventures activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the group camping gear (see below for details), kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Haida Gwaii - Packing List

The following is a list of necessary clothing and equipment designed to keep you comfortable and warm in the wide range of coastal conditions possible on your expedition. It is based on years of practical experience; we strongly suggest adhering to this list as carefully as you can. This list is an individual gear list, so if you’re traveling with a companion make sure to bring your own items as listed below.

Trip Includes:

• Professional guides
• Transportation in and out of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
• Expedition kayaks, tents, PFD’s (life jackets) and safety equipment (including satellite phone)
• All camp meals prepared by your guides
• Group camping equipment
• Comprehensive on-trip resource library

Not Included, Must be Provided by Guest:

Clothing 

• Kayaking & Camping Clothes: Only synthetic or quick-dry materials should be worn while kayaking
• 2 Pair 100% Synthetic fiber or Merino wool long underwear top and bottoms (mandatory, see notes)
• 1 Pair wool or synthetic fleece pants (see notes)
• 1 Pair nylon or other synthetic fiber (“quick dry type”) pants
• 1 Fleece pullover or jacket
• Waterproof rain jacket or paddling jacket (see notes)
• 1 Pair rain pants
• 2 Pairs of light synthetic fiber “wick” socks
• 2 Pairs of wool socks
• Underwear
• 2 Pairs of shorts, nylon or other quick dry material
• 3 T-shirts
• 1 Long sleeve shirt
• 1 Swimming suit
• Small Towel (Cascade Designs’ Pack Towel is an excellent choice).
• Sun hat
• Wool or fleece hat
• Lightweight gloves or mittens for warmth
• Paddling gloves – fingerless; cycling, water ski or sailing gloves
• Walking shoes (running shoes will suffice) 
• Water shoes –Teva or Chaco type sandals, Crocs, neoprene boots or nylon running shoes
• High flexible rubber boots with no-slip tread sole (essential for keeping your feet dry and warm around camp — a frequent quote, “I was skeptical about the rubber boots but I’m really glad I brought them”.)

Equipment

• Therm-A-Rest or similar full length backpacking size closed cell sleeping pad 
• Good quality sleeping bag, synthetic fill with compression stuff sack (see notes)
• 4 Waterproof Dry bags; 3 of 15 - 20 liter size plus another for your compressed sleeping bag (see note)
• Mesh duffle bag (see notes)
• Sunglasses with 100% UV protection (Chums or Croakies type retainer highly recommended)
• If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, please bring along a spare set
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Swiss Army type Pocket knife
• Water bottle 1-liter poly (Nalgene brand is excellent choice)

Personal Toiletries and Medications Including:

• Biodegradable salt-water soap for bathing 
• Reef safe sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea as a reef safe option)
• Lip balm with SPF 20-50
• any personal medications (bring in your carry-on luggage)
• Extra tampons or sanitary napkins, secured in a zip-lock bag
• Wet Ones or other antibacterial handi-wipes
• Insect repellent

Optional:

• 1 Waterproof bag or kayak deck bag (10 liter size for cockpit items i.e. sunscreen, hat, snacks)
• Camera with waterproof case or box –(Pelican brand cases are best - see notes)
• One carabiner (this is useful for clipping your water bottle to your kayak)
• Snacks - (recommended) a small selection of your favorite energy bars i.e Cliff, Luna, Balance...
• Book – (recommended)
• Alcohol (see notes)
• Portable charger for phones, camera batteries, headlamps, etc. 
• Female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include Gogirl and Shewee.

Gear List Notes

Synthetic Fiber or Merino Wool Long Underwear - This is a critical element to comfort during inclement weather. The synthetic or Merino wool material “wicks” water away from the skin, keeping the layer closest to you warm and dry. It is available at any outdoors store. Garments that are any type of cotton blend or silk are not suitable.

Fleece (aka Pile) - Fleece garments are warm and dry quickly. They are available under a wide variety of brand names like: Patagonia, North Face, REI, MEC, Nike, LL Bean and Columbia Sportswear to name but a few. Some fleece is windproof and some is not. Given the option we’d suggest the windproof fabric.

Rain Gear - It can rain on the British Columbia coast during the summer, although generally not for long stretches. The key to comfort is wearing a base layer of synthetic underwear and having good rain gear with sleeves that can be gathered close at the wrists. The PVC coated rain gear sold by Helly Hansen is the working standard on the coast; it’s heavy but absolutely waterproof and doesn’t breathe. Good quality, sturdy, nylon rain gear is available from a number of sources; seams should be taped or sealed and wrists should have good closures. If you look at Gore-tex breathable jackets make certain they are intended for use around saltwater (salt water can damage some types of Gore-tex laminates) . Another option is a paddling jacket. Several manufacturers make these waterproof jackets with neoprene closures at the wrist and neck (Kokatat, NRS and Stohliquist are popular brands). Some models come with hoods, if not then a “sou’wester” style fisherman’s rain hat should be added to make a good foul weather solution. What is not acceptable is light “K-Way” type, “featherweight”, golfing-type rain wear, Frog Toggs® or “vintage” Gore-tex (as Gore-tex laminates age they become less effective and really cannot be relied upon to keep you dry in a place like the Queen Charlottes). 

Footwear - High flexible rubber boots (AKA Rain or Muck boots, Hunters, Wellington’s, Gum Boots....) are great for use around camp if it rains and for walking on the rainforest floor. Boots of this are available from a wide range of outdoor sporting goods, work-wear and marine stores. For a variety of reasons this type of footwear isn’t always suitable for use while paddling. Kayakers have to be prepared to get their feet wet. You can either opt for light neoprene booties, Crocs (what the guides wear), water sandals like Tevas / Chacos or even an old pair of tennis shoes.

Compression Stuff Sacks - Sleeping bags tend to be bulky even when put into their supplied stuff sacks. A compression stuff sack will do just as the name suggests and is available where sleeping bags are sold. When stuffed your bag must not be more than 9” in diameter and 20” in length. We highly recommend the Seattle Sports Compression Dry Bag. It is a highly durable and efficient combination of compression and waterproofing.

Mesh Duffle Bag - These inexpensive duffels are widely available and a great for consolidating and moving your dry bags and other gear from camp to the kayaks (potentially a longish walk depending on the tide) and on transports. Look for roughly a 36 inch size. Available from REI, MEC , LL Bean, NRS and other sources but our favorite model is the 19 X 36 inch Beaching Bag made by a Vancouver company called Northwater.

Pelican Cases - Haida Gwaii can provide some excellent photo opportunities but the environment can be tough on cameras. Over my now thirty-plus years of taking photos on kayaking trips I’ve tried a number of options to provide both protection and access. The absolute best solution I’ve found is to have my cameras in a Pelican® case lashed to the kayak deck in front to my cockpit. For SLR cameras the Pelican® case models; #1500, 1400 and 1300 are good choices. For compact cameras the model #1150 will work well. The trick is to drill a ¼ inch hole in the flanges that support the box hinges (pictured) to provide tie-down points. The case handle comes with holes to secure the end. We have cord and will assist with the rigging. I’m very happy to answer questions and discuss photo equipment choices for the trip.

Alcohol - We do not provide any, but our policy is that if you would like to bring a moderate amount of your favorite libation you are certainly welcome to.

A Few Words About Packing

When it comes to packing kayaks “small is good, big is bad”. If you’re looking to buy or borrow some dry bags we recommend Cascade Designs Seal Line Baja bags as a relatively inexpensive option or any other similar good-quality PVC fabric river bag. Your local outdoor gear store should be able to help you sort through the many brands available. Other than a potentially slightly larger single bag for your sleeping bag we don’t want you to bring anything larger than the 20-liter size. Please ensure that your gear (with the exception of your sleeping bag) fits into a maximum of three bags, each with a final stuffed size no more than 9 inches in diameter and 22 inches in length. Keep shoes and boots out of the dry bags as they can be packed separately. Keep aside items such as water bottles, sunscreen, sun hat and glasses so they will be readily accessible in the cockpit of your kayak. (It’s a good idea to bring along an additional 10-liter bag so that you can have certain small essential items accessible while you’re paddling). 

Haida Gwaii – Recommended Reading List

• Paradise Won by Elizabeth May
• Solitary raven, Bill Reid
• The Queen Charlotte Islands Volumes 1 & 2 by Kathleen E. Dalzell
• Ravens Cry by Christie Harris
• A Story as Sharp as a Knife by Robert Bringhurst
• Artifacts of the Northwest Coast Indians by Hilary Stewart
• Ninstints: Haida World Heritage by George F. Macdonald
• Haida Texts and Myths by Skidegate and Dialect, John R. Swanton
• Chiefs of Sea and Sky: Haida Heritage Sites by George F. Macdonald
• The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant
• The Art of Emily Carr by Doris Shadbolt
• Haida Art by George F. Macdonald
• The Black Canoe by Robert Bringhurst
   

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.