Kayak Trips /
Southern Gwaii Haanas 8 days
This week-long trip lets you explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site SG̱ang Gwaay by kayak. You’ll paddle along the islands’ exposed east and west shorelines and see the famous standing poles at SG̱ang Gwaay.
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.
• Drive 1 hour to Moresby Camp, then take a 3-hour Zodiac ride to K’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay.
• Start your self-guided kayaking adventure.
Day 2-7:
• Paddle through K’iid Xyangs Ḵ’iidaay at low tide to see amazing intertidal life.
• Navigate Skincuttle Inlet and the more exposed shorelines, keeping an eye on the weather.
• Pass Huston Stewart Channel to reach the west coast of Moresby Island and the open Pacific.
• Visit SG̱ang Gwaay (weather permitting) and camp nearby, such as Raspberry Cove.
• Be aware of long rocky stretches and plan campsites early, as some spots may already be taken.
Day 8:
• Confirm pick-up time and location (usually Raspberry Cove near Rose Harbour).
• Pack up by mid-day and wait for the Zodiac, which typically arrives in the afternoon.
• Return to Moresby Camp (4 hours by boat), then to 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.
Southern Two-Thirds: 10 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.
End-to-End Gwaii Haanas: 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.