Kayak Trips /
Northern Gwaii Haanas 8 days
This Haida Gwaii kayak trip offers a relaxing paddle through the northern half of Gwaii Haanas, from T’aanuu llnagaay Tanu to K’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay (Burnaby Narrows). The area’s islands and inlets provide diverse routes, allowing you to avoid rough weather and choose easier crossings based on conditions.
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.
• 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.
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.
• Travel by van (1 hour) to Moresby Camp.
• Board a Zodiac for a 1.5-hour ride to Kunga Island near T’aanuu llnagaay Tanu.
• Start your self-guided kayaking trip.
Day 2-7:
• Paddle south to K’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay, camping along the way (except in restricted areas).
Highlights include:
• T’aanuu llnagaay Tanu: Visit ancient Haida village and meet Haida Watchmen.
• Lyell Island: Choose a protected inside route or paddle the exposed east coast (weather permitting).
• Hlk’yah G̱awG̱a (Windy Bay): Check weather conditions and tides carefully. This is an exposed location with a huge tide variance.
• G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island): Relax in hot pools and visit Haida Watchmen.
• K’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay: Time your visit for low tide to see vibrant intertidal life.
Day 8:
• Confirm pick-up time and location in advance.
• Pack your gear and wait for the Zodiac, which arrives mid to late afternoon.
• Return to Moresby Camp and then Sandspit (approx. 3 hours by boat and van).
Other Kayak Route Options:
Southern Half: 8 Days
If you are looking for a week-long expedition to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay by kayak, this trip is for you.
Southern Two-Thirds: 10 Days
See the UNESCO site of SG̱ang Gwaay and the exposed shorelines of the southern end of Gwaii Haanas but also take the time to relax in the more sheltered waters around Burnaby Island and Hotsprings Island.
Gwaii Haanas End to End: 15 Days
If you want to see everything and have plenty of time to do it, this two-week expedition is the trip for you. This trip takes you from one end of Gwaii Haanas to the other, with time to explore all the highlights.