About the Experience
Paddling through Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is an immeasurable moment. The Haida First Nation waterways are as deep as the history that is held within the ancient totem poles that lean against time in the distance.
Tandem kayaking in this pocket of paradise is a genuine wilderness experience of untouched shorelines and the cacophony of seabird colonies. Located 129 km (80 miles) off Canada’s turbulent northwest coast (the mountains of southeast Alaska are actually visible from here) this precious cluster of islands is home to the resilient Haida. The traditional art and seafaring roots of the Haida are evident in the legends, totems and respect for the protection of this land.
Dubbed the “Canadian Galápagos,” Gwaii Haanas was voted the #1 wilderness park destination in North America by National Geographic for its baffling biodiversity. Within the old-growth forest’s verdant depths, black bears amble. At the water’s edge, sea lions and seals appear and disappear in slick, silver descents. It all sinks in when walking on the rainforest floor’s spongy carpet of moss. If you want to sync yourself with nature, Gwaii Haanas embraces visitors in bird song, a hug of mist, cultural shadows and wild encounters.
With over 4,900 square kilometres from mountaintop to ocean floor, Gwaii Haanas is the largest integrated sea-land conservation management area in the world. Here’s the quick math: kayakers can explore 1,700 km of undiluted shoreline and more than 800 diverse watersheds. On this 8-day Haida Gwaii Kayaking Adventure you can expect to paddle 4-6 hours a day in the company of Wild Women seeking the same extreme sojourn as you!
Unrepeatable twitcher treats include sightings of a blue heron subspecies–the Queen Charlotte Goshawk. The rare Peale’s peregrine falcons found here make up 25% of the bird’s British Columbia population.
Fall to sleep pleasantly exhausted under the thin skin of a tent in this fully elemental, deep natural experience.
About the Experience
Paddling through Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is an immeasurable moment. The Haida First Nation waterways are as deep as the history that is held within the ancient totem poles that lean against time in the distance.
Tandem kayaking in this pocket of paradise is a genuine wilderness experience of untouched shorelines and the cacophony of seabird colonies. Located 129 km (80 miles) off Canada’s turbulent northwest coast (the mountains of southeast Alaska are actually visible from here) this precious cluster of islands is home to the resilient Haida. The traditional art and seafaring roots of the Haida are evident in the legends, totems and respect for the protection of this land.
Dubbed the “Canadian Galápagos,” Gwaii Haanas was voted the #1 wilderness park destination in North America by National Geographic for its baffling biodiversity. Within the old-growth forest’s verdant depths, black bears amble. At the water’s edge, sea lions and seals appear and disappear in slick, silver descents. It all sinks in when walking on the rainforest floor’s spongy carpet of moss. If you want to sync yourself with nature, Gwaii Haanas embraces visitors in bird song, a hug of mist, cultural shadows and wild encounters.
With over 4,900 square kilometres from mountaintop to ocean floor, Gwaii Haanas is the largest integrated sea-land conservation management area in the world. Here’s the quick math: kayakers can explore 1,700 km of undiluted shoreline and more than 800 diverse watersheds. On this 8-day Haida Gwaii Kayaking Adventure you can expect to paddle 4-6 hours a day in the company of Wild Women seeking the same extreme sojourn as you!
Unrepeatable twitcher treats include sightings of a blue heron subspecies–the Queen Charlotte Goshawk. The rare Peale’s peregrine falcons found here make up 25% of the bird’s British Columbia population.
Fall to sleep pleasantly exhausted under the thin skin of a tent in this fully elemental, deep natural experience.
ARRIVAL DAY
Plan to arrive in Sandspit the day before the trip departs to properly get in the groovy groove. Upon arrival, check in with the Moresby Explorers’ office, which is conveniently located next to Seaport B&B. They will confirm your rendezvous details for Day 1. Upon check in, you will be provided with an overview of the trip and have the opportunity to ask any last minute burning questions that you may have.
Meals Included: None
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Not Included and should be booked as soon as possible.
Anticipation Level: HIGH! Off the nautical charts!
Seaport Bed & Breakfast or Bay View Garden Oceanfront Guesthouse are recommended but you are free range in regards to accommodations for this night.
DAY ONE: GETTING THERE
You will be picked up at your accommodation at approximately 7:30 AM by van. Prepare to travel over the bumpy, lumpy logging roads to Moresby Camp (around one hour), a small bay on Cumshuwa Inlet. We will then board an open Zodiac for a super scenic 2.5 hour ride along the coast of Moresby Island to Wanderer Island (how great is that?), just north of Burnaby Narrows.
Upon arrival at our first remote campsite, we will set up camp and have a thorough kayak and safety orientation. This is a participatory trip which means we’ll be helping out with the critical aspects that help a camp run smooth as pudding–this includes erecting tents and doing dishes! (But no cooking!) Chores complete, we’ll swap travel stories over lunch before taking a seat in our kayaks and exploring the waters surrounding our camp.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner (*Please note breakfast is not included though it may be part of your hotel stay).
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: In a tent, Wanderer Island
DAY 2: BURNABY NARROWS
After a filling breakfast, we’ll kick off our Haida Gwaii kayaking expedition and set course for Burnaby Strait and Dolomite Narrows (Burnaby Narrows). The dramatic profile of Mount Yatza (yowza!) dominates the skyline as we round the southern tip of Burnaby Island. It’s the highest point (2,320m/7,612ft) in Moresby Island’s San Christoval Range.
Floating the narrows by kayak we will be totally immersed in this biological wonder in an intimate way before returning to our idyllic camp on Wanderer Island.
Each day we will be on high alert for scenes from Mother Nature’s 24/7 natural programming–bald eagles, cormorants, gulls, petrels, tufted puffins, humpback, minke and orca whales all cruise through here. Don’t forget to look down too–Burnaby Narrows is synonymous with the highest density of intertidal life in the world. Below the surface brightly colored sea stars pepper the shallows in an unreal way.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Wilderness Camping, Wanderer Island
DAY 3: SKINCUTTLE INLET
We’ll be up with the birds today to take advantage of a big day of paddling. After breakfast and a round two on coffee, we will load our kayaks and push off into the wilds. We’ll slice between Burnaby and Moresby Islands, cross Skincuttle Inlet and eyeball the ecological reserve of the Copper Islands to the north. Some of the low-lying isles of this area have surprise pockets of beach but are mostly characterized by rocky shorelines and tall stands of Sitka spruce, Western red cedar and Western hemlock.
Hey birders–be ready to tick off Ancient murrelets and Cassin’s auklets!
Today we’ll also pass by the village site of Hagi (Xaagyah)on Bolkus Island and the ghostly abandoned small-scale copper mine at Jedway as we head south toward our next campsite to take five for the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Wilderness Camping
DAY 4: DELUGE POINT, IKEDA COVE + COLLISON BAY
Nourished by another hearty breakfast in the wild, we will continue south using full forearm power to cross Collison Bay, the site of one of the earliest European settlements on the islands. As we paddle toward Goodwin Point, we’ll cruise past the Rankine Islands ecological reserve and train our binoculars on the innumerable seabird nesting sites.
Near to our campsite, we’ll drift by the former village site of Kaidju at Benjamin Point. Here, we’ll pull up our kayaks to take in a short walk across the point from the protected north cove. This will lead us to a remarkable view of the point’s winter storm-battered south shore. Winters can be fierce and next to impossible to imagine in the balm of summer.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Wilderness Camping
DAY 5: BENJAMIN POINT TO HOUSTON STEWART CHANNEL
Rounding Benjamin Point, we’ll get our first view of Kunghit Island. As we swing into Houston Stewart Channel, we’ll enter a narrow passageway from Hecate Strait to the Pacific and paddle into the territory of the Kunghit Haida and their last chief, Ninstints.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Camping, Ross Island
DAY 6: HOUSTON STEWART TO LOUSCOONE POINT
Riding the tide through the remainder of Houston Stewart, we’ll have an expanding view of the denim Pacific until Anthony Island comes into view to the west.
After rounding the southern tip of Moresby Island through Cape Fanny, we’ll head toward our camp at Louscoone Point, an ideal launch pad for our visit to the ancient village of SGang Gwaay (Red Cod Island) on Anthony Island.
Every day is akin to paddling deep inside an Emily Carr watercolour. The world-renowned Canadian artist painted over 200 works during her exploration of Haida Gwaii (known then as the Queen Charlotte Islands) in 1912.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Camping, Louscoone Point
DAY 7: THE TOTEMS OF SGANG GWAAY
A short but unforgettable paddle into history takes us past Adam Rocks and into the protected cove on the west side of the island. Entering the time-scraped village, it’s impossible to not be forever moved by the haunting power and story of the standing poles. We will spend as much time as possible exploring the village and visit with the Haida Watchmen. The Watchmen are Haida caretakers dedicated to protecting the ancient sites of the park and designated UNESCO Heritage Site.
Later, we’ll paddle through Raspberry Cove’s splendor before pulling up to our site for the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Wilderness Camping, Ross Island
DAY 8: RETURN TO SANDSPIT
Sigh, the final day of our kayaking journey. We’ll absorb every bit of our surrounds and have a leisurely last morning together on Ross Island as we pack up personal gear and await the arrival of Moresby Explorers for our return by zodiac.
We will arrive in Sandspit very late in the afternoon or early evening so please plan your flights accordingly or choose to spend an additional night in Sandspit to digest the incredible trip and enjoy British Columbia’s best a little longer.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Sandspit or a cat nap on your flight home (not included)
Notes about Camp Life: We will all participate in the daily chores and contribute to the overall team environment such as food cache, meal prep and clean up, setting up camp, collecting firewood and drinking water, etc. You should be able to carry up to 20 – 30 pounds, as kayaks must be placed above the high tide line nightly.
Notes about Departure: We highly recommend that you make arrangements to stay in Sandspit upon our return from the trip and plan for a departure from Sandspit the day after the kayak trip (or you can stay longer and explore this magical place).
The Haida Gwaii kayaking tour starts from the community of Sandspit, BC, Canada and can be accessed by plane or automobile; however, a ferry will be required for those not flying directly from Vancouver, BC.
We will be in a remote coastal environment exposed to a diversity of weather conditions and transportation to/from Gwaii Haanas and may require last-minute adjustments from our transport providers. For these reasons, we require all travel arrangements to be made no later than the day before the tour start date and leave the island no sooner than the day after the tour scheduled last day. If you have any questions please contact support@wildwomenexpeditions.com
Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!
Two ways to arrive into Sandspit:
- By Air
Flying into Sandspit Airport (YZP) is usually the easiest way to arrive. Sandspit Airport is within a 15-minute walk of most local accommodations.
Air Canada services Sandspit from Vancouver on a daily basis.
- By Car/Ferry
The ferry from Prince Rupert takes about seven hours to cross Hecate Strait before arriving at Skidegate Landing on Graham Island. Once at Skidegate Landing one must take a second BC Ferry to Alliford Bay on Moresby Island, about a 20-minute voyage. Sandspit is a 15-kilometre drive east from this ferry terminal.
To get to Prince Rupert, one can also take a BC Ferry from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island up the Inside Passage.
Group Rendezvous Point
- Date: Day 1 – July 7 or July 21
- Time: approximately 7:30 AM
- Location: You will be picked up at the pre-trip hotel listed in your Travel Details Form.
Notes about Meet Up
- You will need to book accommodations for the night of July 6th or July 20th (depending on which trip you are registered for) as soon as possible as Sandspit has limited accommodations and they are very busy in the summer months. See pre-trip accommodations recommendations.
- You will not meet your WWE trip guides in person until you reach the park (after the zodiac ride). Please make sure you read the packing notes carefully to ensure you have all your gear organized as instructed.
- Luggage you do not need with you on the expedition can be left either at the Moresby Explorers office in Sandspit, or at your accommodation.
- Although there will be no official meeting on July 8th, a “get to know each other” group dinner is a nice touch to begin your trip. Connecting with your fellow Wild Women on the trip’s Facebook page before your trip is a great way to coordinate a meet-up.
- The Haida Gwaii kayaking tour starts from the community of Sandspit, BC, Canada and can be accessed by plane, train, or automobile; however, a Ferry will be required for those not flying directly from Vancouver, BC.
- We will be in a remote coastal environment exposed to a diversity of weather conditions and transportation to/from Gwaii Haanas and may require last-minute adjustments from our transport providers. For these reasons, we require all travel arrangements to be made no later than the day before the tour start date and it is recommended to leave the island the day after the tour scheduled last day. If you have any questions please contact support@wildwomenexpeditions.com.
- The trip ends on Day 8. If you’re not staying on in Haida Gwaii after the trip, the soonest you can depart from Sandspit is the morning of July 15 or July 29 (depending on which trip you are registered for). Your arrival time back to Sandspit via Moresby Camp on Day 8 is dependent on the weather and how fast the zodiac can travel and then the condition of the road from Moresby Camp. The trip can take up to 5 hours or more in total.
- You will need to book accommodations for the night of Day 8 as soon as possible as Sandspit has limited accommodations and they are very busy in the summer months. Please see recommended post trip accommodations.
Drop-Off Point:
- Date: Day 8 – July 14 or July 28 (depending on which trip you are registered for)
- Time: Weather dependent (likely late afternoon or evening)
- Location: At your post-trip hotel accommodation in Sandspit
Please book as soon as possible as Sandspit has limited accommodations and they are very busy in the summer months.
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
- Passport
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
US citizens at land and sea borders have other options, such as an enhanced driver’s license, permanent resident card or NEXUS card. See Canada Border Services for approved identification documents.
- Visa
Visitors from certain countries require a visa to enter Canada. Those who are exempt require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA; $7 USD), with the exception of Americans. This must be applied for prior to traveling and can be completed online. It usually takes minutes but can take days. See how to apply Electronic Travel Authorization.
If you would like additional assistance in securing your visa, we recommend you consider using the services of CIBTVisas: a href=”https://cibtvisas.com/?login=WildWomenExp” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>https://cibtvisas.com/?login=WildWomenExp
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
- Rooming Arrangements
All accommodations are based on double occupancy – two women per tent. Due to limited kayak storage and campsite space, solo tents are not available.
- Potable Water
Tap water in Sandspit is fine to drink. On the kayak trip, treated potable water will be provided.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
- Outfitter Tents
High-quality sleeping tents for two-person occupancy will be supplied.
Participants are required to bring a three-season synthetic bag that will fit into a 20L dry bag, as well as a sleeping pad (i.e. Thermarest) (see packing list for further details)
Notes about Camp Life: We will all participate in the daily chores and contribute to the overall team environment such as food cache, meal prep, meal clean up, setting up camp, collecting firewood and drinking water, etc. You should be able to carry up to 20 – 30 pounds, as kayaks must be placed above the high tide line nightly
- Orcas
These are not encountered as frequently in Haida Gwaii as they are in the Johnstone Strait. The main goal when paddling with orcas is not to disturb their normal activities. To achieve this, we do not approach any closer than 100 metres to travelling orcas and never closer than 200 metres to resting orcas. While kayaking, our approach to viewing orcas and other marine mammals will vary depending upon their behaviour. Quite often we will form a tight group by “rafting” our kayaks together so that we do not form an obstacle course they need to maneuver. We may paddle alongside orcas at a reasonable distance as they travel but we must be careful not to cross in front of them. Approaching too close or placing ourselves in their path may force them to change their route and normal behaviours.
- Whales, dolphins and porpoises
The standards that we have in place for orcas also applies to all other whales, dolphins and porpoises.
- Seals and Sea lions
They pose another set of concerns that whales do not. We may often see seal and sea lions hauled out of the water on rocks. This is an important time for them to rest. The closest we should approach is 100 metres but if the animals seem agitated by our presence at greater distances we will give them even more room.
- Bears
Black bears are common in Haida Gwaii. If and when we see black bears it is usually from our kayaks as they forage for food along the tide line. When in our kayaks we will approach from downwind and come no closer than 100 metres, keeping noise to a minimum. If the bears become aware of our presence we will immediately back away.
To ensure bears do not become habituated to kayakers and associate people and kayaks with food, we must follow some basic procedures when in camp. All food, trash and recyclables must be properly stored to minimize scent and access. No food, gum, toiletries or other scented items are to be taken into tents at any time. If leaving camp take a “buddy” and make lots of noise in the woods so as not to surprise an animal. Your guides will cover basic precautions to be taken to avoid animal conflicts at your pre-trip meeting.
- PARADISE WON, Elizabeth May
- SOLITARY RAVEN, Bill Reid
- THE QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS, Vols 1 and 2, Kathleen E. Dalzell
- RAVENS CRY, Christie Harris
- A STORY AS SHARP AS A KNIFE, Robert Bringhurst
- ARTIFACTS OF THE NORTHWEST COAST INDIANS, Hilary Stewart
- NINSTINTS: HAIDA WORLD HERITAGE,George F. MacDonald
- HAIDA TEXTS AND MYTHS, SKIDEGATE AND DIALECT, John R. Swanton
- CHIEFS OF SEA AND SKY: Haida Heritage Sites, George F. MacDonald
- THE GOLDEN SPRUCE, John Vaillant
- THE ART OF EMILY CARR, Doris Shadbolt
- HAIDA ART, George F. MacDonald
- THE BLACK CANOE, Robert Bringhurst
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
Generally, our expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health for their safety, along with that of their fellow travelers.
As kayaking is the primary activity of this trip, please notify Wild Women Expeditions if you are a non-swimmer. This trip is an intermediate kayaking trip and some previous sea kayaking and backcountry camping experience is required.
Your group will be paddling 4 – 6 hours each day but plenty of time is available to travel and see the sights, so the group will be going at a comfortable pace and enjoying the changing scenery and views. Wild Women Expeditions recommends that in the months leading up to your adventure, you prepare yourself by walking regularly and exercising your arms – carrying items, paddling, using rowing machines etc., as well as increasing your level of fitness with cardio and/or weight training.
Each trip brings in supplies for the trip on the same ferry as the guests. This includes all your personal gear, sleeping bags, tents, plus all food and drinking water for the trip. You should be able to carry 20 to 35 pounds. However, we can accommodate most guests who have physical limitations. Please discuss these with us and disclose them on your form submissions or email them directly to our office.
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- We ask all guests to help load and unload the water taxi and move supplies.
- Kayaks are often moved with gear and supplies packed in them. Due to this additional weight, 4-6 people will help move packed single kayaks and 7-8 people to move packed double kayaks.
- Each day we must move the kayaks up and down the beaches to store them above the high tide line. This can often be up to 100 metres. We will need everyone’s help.
Getting Fit
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
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- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
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You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
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- Take every opportunity you can to paddle before the trip.
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To help you prepare for 8 days of coastal kayaking, try to get out paddling or take a lesson or two with a local kayak outfitter in your neck of the woods. Even a pool session is good! This will further boost your kayaking confidence which will allow you to enjoy your trip that much more.
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- Rev up your ticker!
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Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high-intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way, the aim is to get your heart rate up.
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- Join a local walking or running group.
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This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
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- Work on your upper body and core strength.
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Weight lifting, yoga and pilates can help with this.
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- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
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If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
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- Hydration.
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When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
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- Nutrition.
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Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
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- Have fun!
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The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
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BOOK NOW -
Starting At$3,095Deposit$495Duration8 DAYS
- 🇨🇦CAD PRICEFOREIGN EXCHANGE FEES MAY APPLY
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What's Included
- 2 energetic professional sea kayak guides (Lead guide will be female, the assistant guide may be female or male)
- Transportation in and out of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
- Expedition tandem kayaks, PFD’s (life jackets), paddles, spray skirts
- All satiating camp meals prepared by gourmand guide staff
- Group camping equipment (3-person, 3-season mountaineering tents)
- Shared tent accommodation (based on double occupancy)
- National park user fee
- Comprehensive on-trip resource library
- Group first aid kit, safety equipment, satellite phone
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare to Sandspit, BC (YZP)
- Pre and post trip accommodation in Sandspit (you must book these independently)
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, dry bags (you must provide your own). A comprehensive packing list will be provided.
- Guide tips
- Personal Medical and Evacuation Travel Insurance (mandatory) and Trip Cancellation Travel Insurance (highly recommended)