Trip Planning
How to Dress

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!

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 will be far from medical help if anything goes wrong. We may ask for a doctor’s 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.