Health and Fitness Information
Just how fit do I need to be for these boat trips?
While you don't have to be an athlete to go on our tours, these are wilderness adventures on small open boats, so there are a few key points to consider - like boat travel, unpredictable weather and walking on unmaintained trails - that will help you to be sure that this mode of travel is right for you. If you have doubts about your ability to participate in any aspect of the tour, we suggest that you consider the day tour instead of the multi-day options. Also, feel free to contact us, and we can help you decide if this is right for you or give you other options. Remember that Gwaii Haanas is a wilderness area far from any hospital, so be honest with yourself and with us about any health conditions or fitness concerns that you might have.
Boat Travel
On the Zodiac, as on any speedboat, there can be bouncing and jarring depending on weather conditions. The bumpy ride can go on for an hour or more. Imagine yourself riding a horse or sitting in a vehicle with poor suspension as it goes down a bumpy road. Are your back and neck up to the challenge?
Walking
Regardless of which tour you are on, each day typically includes a few walks over rough, unmaintained trails or gravelly, rocky beaches. There are many tripping hazards and slippery spots. We don't do any major hiking, but walks can be a few kilometres long. To test out your ability to do these walks, try going for a 2 km walk over an un-hardened trail or through a field. If you find this very tiring, you may not enjoy the tour.
Getting on and off the boat
Getting on and off the boat: One of the biggest challenges of each day is getting on and off the boat. Getting off requires some agility and arm strength as you lower yourself over the bow until your feet touch down. To get back on, we provide a step or a boost, but you will need to be able to step up with all your weight on one leg and clamber onto the bow, at waist- to chest level.
Here is a test to see how hard it will be to get on the boat: Find a sturdy kitchen chair and have someone steady it. Place one foot on the chair and, holding your assistant's shoulder for support, stand up on the chair using just the strength of one leg. If you find this easy, the boat shouldn't be a problem. If you need some help or find it difficult, you will still be able to manage the boat, but it may be somewhat challenging. If you are not able to stand up (either because of lack of leg strength or inflexible joints), we do not recommend a Zodiac trip, as you will probably find it exhausting and somewhat embarrassing to be hauled on and off the boat by your guide and fellow passengers.
Temperatures
Temperatures: The ride on the Zodiac can be very cold since you are sitting (not generating much body heat), and there is a constant cold wind, and often rain, blowing by you. If you have circulatory disorders or conditions that are aggravated by cold, you should consider whether you will enjoy a tour that takes place in an open boat. Also, check out the instructions on how to dress and what to bring in the tour package.
Still not sure what to expect? Check out our guest information video below…
We offer three different styles of zodiac tours over the course of the summer.
-
Louise Island Day Tour
This full-day trip takes you all the way around Louise Island and includes visiting the ancient Haida village site of K'uuna Skedans. Louise Island is rich in history and is also a great area to learn about the ecology and environment of Haida Gwaii, both terrestrial and marine.
-
Northern Gwaii Haanas Two Day Tour
This tour explores the northern half of Gwaii Haanas and the Louise Island area, with an overnight at our floating lodge. We aim to stop at several important Haida cultural sites and fill out our days with a mix of Haida cultural history, pioneer history, marine ecology, and beautiful scenery.
-
Southern Gwaii Haanas Two Day Tour
This tour explores the southern half of Gwaii Haanas with an overnight at Rose Harbour Guesthouse and includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGaang Gwaay. Over the course of two full days, we learn about the history, culture and natural world of Haida Gwaii and have a good chance of finding some marine mammals or other wildlife along the way.
-
Gwaii Haanas Four Day Tour
This tour takes you all the way to the remote southern end of Gwaii Haanas and includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGaang Gwaay. We also explore other cultural sites, visit hidden bays and inlets, and search for wildlife. Overnights at our floating lodge and Rose Harbour Guesthouse.