Trip Planning
What to Expect on tour
Haida Gwaii demands respect for its nature and culture.
Book tours, permits, accommodation and car rentals well
in advance, especially for Gwaii Haanas.
Spontaneity isn’t ideal here, but thoughtful preparation
ensures a magical experience in this enchanting, timeless place.
What to expect on tour
Open Boats
Our boats are open, so there’s a good chance you’ll feel the ocean spray or rain on your face.
Embracing the elements is integral to the adventure, enhancing the experience.
Weather
While it frequently rains here, most rainfall occurs in low season.
During the high season, especially, prepare for abundant sunshine and extended daylight, with nearly 20 hours of sunlight in June. If you require darkness to sleep, consider bringing an eye mask.
Long Days
Expect to have a busy day. Travelling on bumpy roads and open boats can be tiring, and it’s common for guests to doze off on the return journey.
Ensure you are well-rested to enjoy the experience fully.
Food
We cater to nearly all dietary preferences and appetites, but if you’re a hearty or picky eater, feel free to bring some snacks.
Document Your Trip
Experiencing Gwaii Haanas is impactful and may take weeks to appreciate fully. We recommend taking plenty of photos or writing notes during your visit to help process everything later.
Getting Prepared
Weather, tides, and group dynamics shape our itinerary. Our guides expertly adjust timings to ensure you experience the best of Gwaii Haanas. We strive to visit as many watchman sites as possible, often reaching less frequented sites due to our fast, nimble Zodiacs.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BOAT TRAVEL
Our Zodiacs (rigid-hull inflatables) feature a deep-V hull for smooth navigation and side tubes for stability, making them among the fastest and most comfortable small crafts. However, the Hecate Strait’s waters can be unpredictable, leading to a bouncy, cold, and wet ride.
We spend one to two hours in the boat, then get off to walk, stretch, and explore. We rarely exceed two hours in the boat, but sometimes, we may be there for up to three hours in rough weather. There is narrow dry storage under our seats (about 11 inches), and gear stored there isn’t accessible while moving. Avid photographers should use a dry bag for their camera equipment. Smaller cameras can go in a plastic bag in a jacket pocket.
Good to Know
Timing
All tours and transports are picked up in K’il Kun Sandspit pickup at approximately 07:30. Alliford Bay Ferry Terminal pick-up is around 07:45
We aim to return for the 17:30 (and occasionally 19:00) ferry to Hlg̱aagilda Skidegate. However, if you’re using water taxi services, the return time may be significantly later, so staying in K’il Kun Sandspit is advisable.
Not staying in K’il Kun/Sandspit after your tour?
Please ensure you have any luggage you require for the ferry ride back to Hlg̱aagilda Skidegate and/or that you have parked your vehicle at the ferry. We cannot drive you to Sandspit and then back to the ferry.
Pick up locations
We can pick you up from one of three locations:
1. Your accommodation in K’il Kun Sandspit at 7:30 am.
2. The Alliford Bay ferry landing around 7:45 am (as you disembark from the 7:30 ferry).
3. Moresby Camp at 9:00 am
At the end of the day, we will either drop you off at your accommodation in K’il Kun Sandspit or take you to catch a ferry back to Hlg̱aagilda Skidegate.
Baggage
If you plan to arrive in K’il Kun Sandspit by plane the day before your tour starts, we recommend bringing the tour bag as your primary carry-on. Please pack any items necessary for your overnight stay with us. If your checked luggage is bumped, you can still join us for the tour without too much stress.
On your trip
Accommodation, Food, Itinerary
ACCOMMODATION for overnight tours
Four days: Full Gwaii Haanas
Float camp – First and Third Nights
Rose Harbour – Second Night
Two days: Southern Gwaii Haanas
Rose Harbour
Two Day: Northern Gwaii Haanas
Float Camp
FOOD INCLUDED ON TOUR
We provide all the meals from lunch day one to lunch day four on the trip, including snacks! Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements on the medical form.
All our accommodation locations have home-style kitchens and professional chefs serve yummy food!
TOUR ITINERARY
Weather, tides, and group dynamics shape our itinerary. Our guides expertly adjust timings to ensure you experience the best of Gwaii Haanas. We strive to visit as many watchman sites as possible, often reaching less frequented sites due to our fast, nimble Zodiacs.