Trip Planning
FAQs

We specialize in zodiac boat tours that explore the stunning landscapes, cultural sites, and wildlife of Gwaii Haanas. Our tours range from day trips to multi-day excursions.

Haida Gwaii is accessible via ferry from Prince Rupert or by flight to Sandspit or Masset. Check with BC Ferries or airlines like Air Canada or Pacific Coastal for travel options.

Gwaii Haanas is co-managed by the Haida Nation and the Canadian government, offering a blend of pristine wilderness, Haida cultural heritage, and biodiversity.

If you’re joining us from Graham Island, you can park your vehicle on the side of the road next to the Skidegate ferry terminal for free. You can then board the ferry as a foot passenger, and we will pick you up for the tour as you disembark. (Don’t forget to purchase your ticket at the toll booth!)

Other parking options on Moresby Island could be the K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay Sandspit Airport overnight parking lot for $2/night, Alliford Bay ferry terminal has a free gravel parking lot area, and Moresby Camp has a large free parking lot if you’re comfortable driving your vehicle on forest service roads.

Yes! We can bring children as young as four on our day tours and five on our overnight tours. While they may not be as interested in the historical and cultural components of the tour, they are excited about the intertidal life, wildlife, our floating lodge, and bouncy boat ride.  Some things to consider when deciding if it’d be suitable for your children is that the boat rides are often cold, bouncy and quite wet. We have various sizes of rain gear and gumboots, but if your child already has them, it’s a good idea to bring them from home for extra comfort. While we try to keep the portions on the boat to less than 2 hours, there are some longer stretches on the four-day tour where we cannot stop (due to lack of suitable landing beaches, etc). 

Also, we spend a lot of time at the ancient Haida Village sites.  These spots are usually a highlight for our guests and are often a time for quiet reflection and great cultural learning.  A tour is generally provided by the guide or by one of the Haida Watchmen first, and then guests have some free time to take pictures, etc.  We ask that parents ensure their kids respect the sites and the other guests throughout the tour by way of things like staying on the trails, listening to the guide, etc.

Tour prices typically include transportation, guiding services, meals (on multi-day trips), safety equipment, Parks Canada fees, tax and accommodations where applicable.

Pack layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. A detailed packing list is provided here.

Our tours are suitable for most ages and fitness levels, but participants should be comfortable in a small boat and able to walk short distances. Contact us with specific concerns. As a general guideline we take children as young as four on day trips and five on overnights.

When you book a tour, we ask for a 25% deposit to secure your spot. We take these payments using our secure online payment system, which accepts all major credit cards and select debit cards. We will process the remaining balance one month before your tour. If you would like to pay differently, please let our office know; we would happily accommodate. Please read our cancellation policy before booking here.

We take a maximum of 11 people, but most tours are between 8 and 10.

If we must cancel a tour due to weather or other uncontrollable circumstances, we will attempt to reschedule to another day that works for you. If another date doesn’t work, we’ll refund 100% of the cost. Every summer, we cancel about 3-5 day trips for weather but typically do not cancel overnight tours; we adjust the itinerary to visit more sheltered areas during rough weather and explore exposed areas when conditions improve. Please note, if you choose not to attend a booked tour (for example, if it’s raining heavily), we do not issue refunds. We cancel for severe weather like high winds and waves, but not for rain; without this policy, we couldn’t operate in Gwaii Haanas!

No. All our prices are per person, meaning the cost is the same for single travellers.

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!

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.

Expect breathtaking scenery, Haida Watchmen sites, old-growth rainforests, abundant wildlife (eagles, whales, sea lions, and bears), and unique geological formations.

These are culturally significant Haida village sites.

While sightings aren’t guaranteed, our tours often encounter whales, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and other incredible marine and terrestrial wildlife.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Absolutely. Our experienced guides are certified in marine safety, first aid, and wilderness rescue. All guests are provided with life jackets and safety briefings.

We use Zodiac Hurricane vessels—safe, stable, and highly maneuverable boats designed for exploration in remote areas.

Haida Gwaii weather can be unpredictable. We prioritize safety and may adjust routes or reschedule tours in the event of adverse conditions.

Yes, we can accommodate most dietary needs on multi-day trips. Please notify us when booking.

We have never had a client fall out of a boat while it’s moving, although some people have fallen into shallow water while getting on or off at a beach! We practice drills each spring with all our guides to prepare them in the unlikely event that you are the first to ever go over the side.
Our guides are equipped with personal locator beacons (PLBS) and must always wear the engine kill switch.

You will need to fill out a medical form before you arrive and read and sign a waiver. This is all done online through your booking invoice. We can also complete the medical form over the phone and provide you with a paper waiver. Please get in touch with us to arrange this. If you are not comfortable accepting the wording on our waiver, we are unable to provide you with the service.

We have multiple locations where we can store your luggage while you’re on tour with us, depending on where you’d like to be after your trip ends. Please get in touch with us to arrange this in advance.

Absolutely! We time our tour around the ferries to and from Graham Island. If you come over from Graham Island on the morning of the tour, you will need to catch the first ferry over from HlG̱aagilda Skidegate (departing at 7:30). We will get you back in time for either the 5:30 pm ferry or the 7:00 pm ferry. Note that we cannot head into Sandspit and then return to the ferry, so make sure you have any luggage with you.

No, you do not need to attend the orientation prior to the tour. While you are certainly welcome to attend the orientation at the Heritage Centre if you wish, we will provide the relevant orientation material throughout the trip.

We work closely with the Haida Nation, incorporate Haida values into our operations, and educate guests on the cultural significance of the land and waters.

While not mandatory, we strongly encourage signing the Haida Gwaii Pledge to show your commitment to responsible and respectful travel.

Summer (May–September) is the most popular season for its warmer weather and wildlife activity, but each season offers unique experiences.

If you cancel more than 120 days before the beginning of the tour, we will refund the full amount you have provided

Between 120 days and 30 days, we will keep your 25% deposit. Any additional amount will be refunded.

The full amount is due 30 days before the tour departs.

If you cancel 30 days or less before tour departure, we will keep the full amount. No exceptions will be made unless we can fill your seats, then we will provide a full refund.

If we cancel your tour for any reason at any time, we will refund the full amount.

Moresby Explorers withholds the right to cancel any transport or tour at any time due to adverse weather before or during a tour or transport.

We highly recommend cancellation insurance, which protects you in case of late cancellation due to medical emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, etc. There are different kinds of cancellation insurance, including comprehensive for-any-reason insurance. This should be arranged in advance.

Yes, we offer discounts for local residents (conditions apply), school groups, and organisations supporting community or conservation initiatives. Children 12 and under receive a 25% discount on all our tours and transports.

Cameras are welcome, but drones are not permitted in Gwaii Haanas without special permission due to environmental and cultural sensitivities.

Check out gohaidagwaii.ca, The Haida Heritage Centre, local museums, or the Haida Gwaii Pledge website for great resources.