Travel Package:
Migration
For birders, photographers, naturalists,
and curious travellers, explore North America’s
most remarkable migration hotspot.
7 DAYS | APRIL & OCTOBER | ALL INCLUSIVE
From $6,999 CAD /person
Experience Haida Gwaii during migration.
Every spring and autumn, Haida Gwaii comes alive. Millions of seabirds pass along the Pacific Flyway, whales gather offshore to feed, and remote beaches become one of North America’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
This small-group adventure combines remote beaches, offshore birding, a unique floating wilderness camp, and a pelagic expedition along Haida Gwaii’s wild west coast.
This is true expedition travel. By Zodiac, we’ll journey to the edge of the continental shelf, where the ocean plunges from 100 metres to more than 3,000 metres in only a few kilometres. These nutrient-rich waters attract some of Canada’s rarest seabirds, along with whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife.
We only run this trip twice a year.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
Return flights from Vancouver included
Small Group: Limited to 10 guests
2 nights at our floating wilderness camp
4 Nights at the Seaport B&B
One of Canada’s best pelagic birding experiences
Expert naturalist.
Incredible whale and seabird viewing
All meals, accommodation and transport included
Whats included
Seven days – Complete travel package
- Return Flights from YVR
- 6 Nights accommodation
- All meals included: 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
- Expert local guides
- Dedicated naturalist Kaiden Bosch
- 3-day boating and floating lodge adventure
- Zodiac Pelagic expedition
- Gwaii Haanas
- North Beach & Tow Hill
- Haida Heritage Centre
- Airport transfers
- Limited to 10 guests
Seven-Day Itinerary
Meet Your Expert Naturalist – Kaiden Bosch
Positioned on the Pacific Flyway where the continental shelf meets the open Pacific, Haida Gwaii is one of North America’s premier migration destinations.
Each spring and fall, millions of birds pass through these islands, from colourful puffins and auklets to albatrosses, shearwaters, rare Eurasian migrants, and vast flocks of shorebirds. Combined with humpback whales, sea lions, black bears, ancient rainforests, and spectacular coastlines, it offers one of the richest wildlife experiences on Earth.
Whether you’re an avid birder, photographer, or simply love wild places, migration in Haida Gwaii is a world-class natural spectacle unlike anywhere else in Canada.
Trip Overview
How should I dress?
We provide wet weather gear, including a waterproof floater jacket, waterproof slicker pants and gum boots. We recommend you dress warm, with layers of wool or synthetic, gloves and a hat. Ski goggles or sunglasses are also helpful for wind, rain or ocean spray.
How much can I bring?
Our boats have limited storage under the seats. Your gear should fit in a day bag no bigger than 30 litres.
How fit do I need to be?
We hike unmanaged forest trails and rocky beaches. You need enough mobility to climb on and off our boats and hike up to 2 km per stop. Check out the information video for more details.
How bumpy are the boats?
We use rigid-hull inflatable boats, the same ones used by the Coast Guard worldwide. They are extremely stable and capable boats. However, the ocean can be rough, causing the boat to move quickly and unexpectedly. All guests must inform us of anything that may put them at risk, e.g. neck or back issues, pregnancy, etc.
How do I meet the tour?
We can pick you up in K’il Kun (Sandspit) at your accommodation around 7:20 am. If you are joining us from Graham Island, board the 7:30 am ferry, and we’ll collect you from the Aliford Bay Ferry terminal. We will return in time to catch the 5:30 pm or 7 pm ferry, or we can drop you off in Sandspit.
What’s Included?
Transportation
All over land and marine transport is included from K’il Kun (Sandspit)
Delicious home-cooked meals
All meals and snacks
Wet weather gear
Gumboots, floater jacket and slicker pants
Pelagic West Coast Expedition
With professional local guides
ACCOMMODATION
4 nights at the Seaport B&B in Sandspit.
2 nights at our floating wilderness camp
Migration is driven by weather, wildlife, and opportunity.
Every departure remains flexible, allowing us to adapt to conditions and maximize sightings and experiences throughout the week.
No two trips are exactly the same.
Reserve Your Place
From $6,999 CAD /person + tax
Operating since 1988 – 300+ 5-star reviews, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 6 years straight – Locally owned and operated
Complete package
Searching Availability…
Trip Planning… Be Prepared
How to get to Haida Gwaii
Catch a ferry from Prince Rupert or fly from Vancouver.
How do I meet your tour
We’ll collect you from K’il Kun (Sandspit) or off the 7:30 am ferry from Skidegate.
How should i dress
Warmer than you might expect. Lots of layers, a hat, gloves and sunglasses or goggles. More is better!
Other FAQ
Check out our FAQ page for a deeper dive.
FAQs
How fit do I need to be to go on your tours?
You don’t need to be an athlete to join our tours, but these wilderness adventures on small open boats require some considerations. Think about handling a bouncing boat, walking on unmaintained trails, getting in and out of zodiac boats, and coping with chilly, unpredictable weather. Detailed information is available on our Health & Fitness page. Please read it thoroughly, and contact us if you have concerns about your fitness level.
Will I get seasick?
People prone to seasickness generally don’t have issues on our boats, as the motion is bouncier than the slow rocking that typically causes sickness. However, please inform your guide if you are vulnerable so they can help avoid triggering situations. Feel free to bring anti-nausea medication, but we suggest waiting to see if you need it to avoid drowsiness during your trip trip!
Can I attend the tour if I’m pregnant?
We can take you on the boat during the first or second trimester, but after that, the risk of bouncing is too high. Please consult your doctor before booking. Be aware that there may be unavoidable bouncing and jarring motions, and you would be far from medical help if anything goes wrong. We may ask for a docters note.
What will I see on the tours?
Expect breathtaking scenery, Haida Watchmen sites, old-growth rainforests, abundant wildlife (eagles, whales, sea lions, and bears), and unique geological formations.
What are the Haida Watchmen sites?
These are culturally significant Haida village sites.
Will I see wildlife?
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, our tours often encounter whales, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and other incredible marine and terrestrial wildlife.
How should I dress? Do I really need that many layers, and things like ski goggles and a toque?
We think you’ll be happier on your tour if you wear warm clothes and ski accessories. The damp air in Haida Gwaii and frequent rain make it feel colder than expected from the forecast. On warmer days, guests often question our recommended attire. Remember, you can always remove layers, and we have storage on the boat for any unwanted clothing. You might need fewer layers on a sunny day, but for multi-day tours, bring all your layers, even if you don’t wear them the first day. We provide heavy rubber raincoats and rainpants, but if you have your own lighter rain gear, bring it too. When we reach shore, you can wear your gear under ours and switch to your lighter, more comfortable clothing.
What should I bring? How much space will I have for luggage?
Your packing list varies by tour. It is included in the booking confirmation and on your tour profile page. Since our boat has limited dry space, all gear must fit in a small soft pack or duffel (under 35L). Bags should also be compressible—no hard-shell suitcases—to fit our storage space.
What kind of footwear should I bring?
We will provide tall rubber boots for the tour to keep you dry when getting on and off the boat. We suggest bringing sturdy walking shoes in case the provided boots don’t fit or are uncomfortable. Many find it easiest to wear the boots all day to avoid constant changes but having shoes for short hikes is helpful. On overnight trips, consider slippers or sandals for the evening, though most can manage with just one pair of shoes. Remember, your walking shoes may get wet and muddy, so they should have good traction for slippery surfaces.
Should I be worried about bears?
There are black bears on Haida Gwaii, but they are generally shy and wary of humans. There has never been a report of a bear attack on Haida Gwaii. As with any wildlife, there is always some level of risk, but the islands are relatively much safer than other parts of BC in terms of dangerous wildlife.
Should I tip my guide?
We encourage you to bring some cash to tip your guide, though it’s not required. Tipping is increasingly common on guided tours, especially if the guide enhances your experience. If you tip your guide, they will share it with the office staff and cooks, but you can also tip other staff directly. For credit card tips, call our office after the tour, and we’ll charge your card to pass on the tip.
Is there a minimum amount of bookings required for a tour to run?
Yes, we require a minimum of four seats to run our tours. If the requirement is not met, the tour will be cancelled.