About Us
Our Story
Who Are We?
Learn, educate, and thrive together.
At Moresby Explorers, we’ve spent over 35 years connecting adventurers to the jaw-dropping beauty of Haida Gwaii. Since our founding in 1988, we’ve grown into the most trusted provider of tours to Gwaii Haanas—a place where the wild truly reigns. From towering forests to ancient cultural sites and from breaching humpbacks to soaring bald eagles, we’re here to help you experience the magic of this place as respectfully and sincerely as possible.
We operate with humility and gratitude on Haida Gwaii, knowing we are guests in this extraordinary land. Our values—respect, unity, dependability, and a commitment to learning—shape everything we do. From fostering relationships with the Haida Nation to collaborating with local businesses, we aim to support and honour this community while sharing its wonders with the world.
Beyond unforgettable journeys, we actively give back—creating jobs, supporting local organizations, and promoting environmental stewardship. We’re proud to be one of three locally operated businesses with access to Gwaii Haanas. Every year-round, full-time employee and the owners call Haida Gwaii home.
Our Boats
Zodiac Hurricanes
You’ve probably seen these boats on nature documentaries or rescue missions—they’re the gold standard for stability, speed, and reliability. (Even the Canadian Coast Guard and militaries worldwide swear by them!) For us, these incredible vessels make exploring the wild, remote corners of Gwaii Haanas safe, efficient, and thrilling.
We take pride in keeping our boats in top shape. All maintenance is done in-house, and for more complex engine work, we trust our friends at Bridgeview Marine to handle our outboard engines. These boats are more than just transport—they’re the heartbeat of our operation.
Our Why
Haida Gwaii is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that will forever shift how you see the world.
The land is diverse and abundant, where untamed wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see. Gwaii Haanas, in particular, is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things. Here, you feel it: we are not separate from nature but deeply woven into its rhythm.
Travelling by small boat offers a unique sense of humility. You feel the ocean’s vastness, the mountains’ power, and the crashing waves’ rhythm. It’s an intimate experience—one where you can see, up close, how ecosystems adapt and thrive in constant motion.
Perhaps the most transformative part of a visit to Haida Gwaii is exploring the Haida Watchmen sites. These places, rich with history and resilience, share the story of a people who have thrived on the edge of the world for thousands of years. The Watchmen—guardians and storytellers—offer meaningful insights into Haida culture, history, and the profound relationship between the land and its people. These encounters leave visitors inspired, reflective, and, often, a little more connected to the world around them.
Our Impact
Running small boats has its perks—our trips are among the most efficient ways to explore Gwaii Haanas. Our Zodiac Hurricanes are fast, lightweight, and powered by Mercury’s fuel-efficient engines. We’re constantly innovating: trialling Sharrow toroidal propellers, which reduce drag and improve efficiency by up to 30%. (Yes, we geek out about propellers.)
We’re also big believers in sourcing locally. All our fish and most of our produce come from island growers, and we rely on Sandspit’s SuperValu grocery store for the rest. We run off solar power at our float camp and Rose Harbour base.
But no matter how hard we try, we know tourism has an impact. Instead of offsetting carbon through credits, we’ve chosen to invest directly in the Laskeek Bay Conservation Society, which protects and researches the delicate ecosystems of Haida Gwaii. We also provide 75% discounts to local residents, significant discounts to local schools, and sponsorships for sports programs on the island.
This is Haida Land
The Haida Title Case history involves significant legal milestones. In 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in *Haida Nation v. British Columbia (Minister of Forests)* that the Crown has a duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples even before Aboriginal title is proven. This decision stemmed from a dispute over tree farm licenses on Haida Gwaii issued since 1961, particularly focusing on licenses granted in 1981, 1995, and 2000. The case underscored the Crown’s obligation to engage in meaningful consultation regarding potential impacts on Aboriginal rights. In 2024, the Haida Title Lands Agreement recognized Haida Aboriginal title over Haida Gwaii.
There is now self-governance on Haida Gwaii, giving more autonomy to the nation and allowing the people of the islands to make decisions on its future.
Grateful for Haida Gwaii
We don’t take our responsibility lightly. We are guests in this extraordinary community and stewards of the incredible land and waters surrounding us. Every day, we’re grateful to work, learn, and live on Haida Gwaii—and to share its wonders with others in a way that fosters respect, education, and preservation.
We’d love for you to join us, whether as an adventurer, a learner, or simply someone curious about the beauty and significance of this remarkable place. Let’s learn, educate, and thrive together.
A Little Love For Our Team
“A huge thank you to [our guide, B&B staff] and all the behind-the-scenes staff who helped make our four-day Zodiac trip to Gwaii Haanas the trip of a lifetime. [Our guide] was an incredible guide. His knowledge and respect for the Haida, the forest and the wildlife taught us so much. We all agreed that we can think of no way that this trip could have been better. It far exceeded our expectations.”
Judy
“ I’d wanted to do this trip for 35 years… it did not disappoint. Flavian and Anthoni went over and above. The service from van to boat to points of entry was 5star.
The food at Rose Harbour was a surprise- delicious, exciting, and beautiful.
The guides managed to pack in a weeks worth of excursions into two days (great service and great seas).
The zodiac was comfortable and fun to ride in as well.”
Trish & Les
“I just wanted to say that the tour was excellent, the accommodations great and the food fabulous. Most of all I want to say a huge thank you to [our guide] for being a consummate professional, skilled boatsman, calm, cool and collected, totally interested and engaged in his work and so knowledgeable about the area, local history, flora and fauna. You have a stellar guide on your hands that really makes the experience an experience!”
Sue & Kim