Kayak Trips /
Gwaii Haanas End-to-End Kayak Expedition 15 Days

This two-week expedition is perfect for those who want to experience all of Gwaii Haanas. Travel from one end to the other, exploring highlights like wildlife, cultural sites, and diverse scenery. The route includes both open waters and sheltered areas, offering the best chance to enjoy everything the region offers.

Gwaii Haanas is not a beginner kayak destination. If this is your first kayaking trip, we recommend joining a guided trip.

Important Logistics / Trip Planning:

• You will need to apply for a permit with Parks Canada to enter Gwaii Haanas.

• To access Gwaii Haanas, an orientation is required. You can complete this in Skidegate the day before your journey or visit our office in Sandspit the evening prior. Note that it cannot be done on the same day you travel to Gwaii Haanas. Please contact the Gwaii Haanas office for more details.

• You will need boat transportation to T’aanuu llnagaay Tanu and from Rose Harbour (or vice versa). Prices and availability can be found on our Transportation schedule. To calculate the total price, note that each price is per person, one-way.

• We rent high-quality, Canadian-made fiberglass kayaks. These kayaks have been chosen for their reliability, stability, and performance. We suggest you include at least one double kayak in case someone in your group gets hurt or cannot paddle.

• If you do not have your own Marine VHF Radio, you must rent one from us.

kayak and radio rentals

• Marine Charts: For this trip, you will need chart numbers 3853 and/or all 3807, 3808, 3809 and 3825. Marine charts are available from most marine stores and online.

marine charts

Itinerary

This itinerary is based on a trip travelling from North to South.
You can also do this route in reverse, beginning in the south and heading north.

Day 1:

• Pick-up from Sandspit at 7:30 a.m.
• Drive 1 hour to Moresby Camp, then take a 1.5-hour Zodiac ride to Kunga Island near T’aanuu llnagaay Tanu Village.
• Start your self-guided kayaking trip.

Day 2-14:

• Start with T’aanuu llnagaay Tanu Village, where you can see Haida cultural remains and meet the Haida Watchmen.

• Paddle the sheltered waters of Lyell Island or, weather permitting, its east coast to visit Windy Bay and its 2013 totem pole.

• Stop at G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island), with pools to soak in and Haida Watchmen onsite.

• Cross Juan Perez Sound (most exposed section) and explore the vibrant intertidal life at K’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay during low tide.

• Continue south through Skincuttle Inlet, navigating exposed shorelines and sheltered bays.

• Pass through Huston Stewart Channel to reach the west coast of Moresby Island, experiencing open Pacific waters.

• Visit SG̱ang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, weather permitting. Leave extra time for ideal paddling conditions.

• End near Rose Harbour, preferably at Raspberry Cove.

Day 15:

• Confirm pick-up time and location in advance.
• Pack up by mid-day and wait for the Zodiac at Raspberry Cove or your agreed beach.
• Return to Moresby Camp (4-hour Zodiac ride) and then Sandspit.

Other Kayak Route Options:

Northern Half: 8 Days

For those wanting a more relaxing paddle.
The route covers the northern half of Gwaii Haanas, between T’aanuu llnagaay Tanu and K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay Burnaby Narrows.

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