Our kayaking journeys are divided into two main categories:
- The first category is suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers.
- The second category offers more challenging expeditions specifically suited for those with kayaking experience.
| Trips for novice & experienced kayakers:
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| Trips for kayakers with some experience:
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A variety of weather and sea conditions will be encountered on each tour. Depending on conditions, the group may paddle three to five hours per day. After a couple of hours in the kayaks, we generally stop on shore to stretch our legs, have some lunch and perhaps enjoy an afternoon nap before returning to sea.
Our itineraries remain very flexible in order to accommodate changeable west coast conditions.
For additional information on each tour, please see: Personal Preparation
Waters of SGang Gwaay is the most popular trip we offer. This 8-day wilderness kayak tour is suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers.
Our Mothership Cruise and Kayak Guesthouse Vacation are also suitable for novice and experienced paddlers, as well as for children or adults who may prefer not to kayak. These unique tours provide the comforts of hot showers and heated accommodations after each kayak day-trip.
The 8-day Cape Freeman Expedition is available for experienced kayakers who wish to satisfy their spirit of adventure.
Haida Terms
- SGang Gwaay is the Haida Indian name for the abandoned village of Ninstints on Anthony Island. (This United Nations World Heritage Site is also known as SGaang Gwaii or Nan Sdins.)
- Gwaii Haanas is the abbreviation for Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve & Haida Heritage Site, located on the southern end of Moresby Island.
- Haida Gwaii is the Haida name for the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Waters of SGang Gwaay - 8 Days
This tour is suitable for novice and experienced kayakers. Previous kayaking experience is recommended, yet not required.
Personal Preparation
Dates, Prices & Availability
Day One
Our tours begin in Sandspit; guests are picked up at Seaport Bed & Breakfast for the 20-minute drive to Alliford Bay, where you board a de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter floatplane for the 40-minute scenic flight along the length of Moresby Island. (On rare circumstances, it may be necessary to substitute an alternative floatplane, or a speedboat.)
You land at the tiny, isolated community of Rose Harbour to begin your kayak exploration.
Days Two to Seven
The Waters of SGang Gwaay trip takes you to a number of rarely visited remote beaches, some with exposure to the open Pacific Ocean, making them a beachcomber's dream. The rugged outer coast consists of jutting headlands and sheltered bays, as well as the exquisite Gordon Islands cluster. Sea lions, whales and puffins are at home in this rich and diverse marine environment.
Visit the abandoned Haida Indian village of Ninstints on Anthony Island. This remarkable historic village is a United Nations World Heritage Site, also known as SGang Gwaay. Numerous ancient totem poles overlook the village and longhouse ruins are still visibly prominent.
Haida Watchmen on the island can explain the carvings on the poles and provide insightful interpretations of the village and their ancestors who lived there. You will spend a day exploring the site and experiencing the sense of mystery that lingers in this abandoned village. |
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Panorama of the Gordon Islands
(Click the picture to view an enlargement)
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We camp on soft, thick moss amongst the giant old-growth Cedar, Spruce and Hemlock that dominate the lush temperate rainforests of Gwaii Haanas.
After enjoying several days of paddling and camping in this truly wild region of the coast, we return to Rose Harbour on the second-to-last day. Here, we indulge in wood-fired hot showers and a marvellous organic dinner hosted by the local residents. These fascinating homesteaders are happy to provide a glimpse into their unique self-sufficient lifestyles. Our last night is spent in the fabulous Rose Harbour Guesthouse; a lovely accommodation which was carefully hand-built by resident musician - Goetz Tassilo Hanisch. (For photos and more information on Rose Harbour, please see the Kayak Guesthouse Vacation itinerary.)
Day Eight
The floatplane arrives at Rose Harbour to return the group to Sandspit. (On rare circumstances, it may be necessary to substitute speedboat transportation.)
Cape Freeman Expedition - 8 Days
This intermediate journey is suitable for people with previous sea kayaking experience and a strong spirit of adventure.
Personal Preparation
Dates, Prices & Availability
Day One
This tour begins in Sandspit; guests are picked up at Seaport B&B for the short drive to Alliford Bay, where you board a floatplane for the scenic flight over Moresby Island. You land at the isolated community of Rose Harbour to begin your kayak exploration. (For transport details, please see the Waters of SGang Gwaay itinerary.)
Days Two to Seven
This journey explores the remote and rarely visited west coast of Moresby Island. Paddle beyond the edge of the continent to reach spectacular Cape Freeman, where we establish a basecamp on a scenic, sheltered beach. From here we enjoy kayak day-trips through the rock gardens and past the many magnificent pillars of the Cape.
Visit the idyllic creek nearby and savour an invigorating fresh-water plunge. Day-hike along secluded beaches to gain a view of isolated Flamingo Inlet. You will have the opportunity to visit the abandoned Haida village of SGang Gwaay (Ninstints) during this tour.
The Cape Freeman Expedition starts by exploring the same region we paddle through during the Waters of SGang Gwaay tour. Depending on conditions, the Cape Freeman Expedition continues further west and north along the outer coast. See our maps for additional route information.
The weather, sea state and the ability of the group will be taken into consideration during each day of this intermediate kayak journey. To accommodate changeable outer coast conditions, the kayaking itinerary will remain flexible. It is not always possible to reach Cape Freeman during this expedition. To fully enjoy this remote region where few kayakers venture, guests are encouraged to maintain an attitude of maximum flexibility.
The last night of the expedition is spent at the remarkable Rose Harbour Guesthouse.
Day Eight
The floatplane arrives at Rose Harbour to return the group to Sandspit. (On rare circumstances, it may be necessary to substitute speedboat transportation.)
Kayak Guesthouse Vacation - 8 Days
The kayak guesthouse vacation is suitable for novice and experienced kayakers. Previous kayaking experience is not required.
Personal Preparation
Dates, Prices & Availability
Our kayak guesthouse vacation is based at the tiny, isolated community of Rose Harbour. Enjoy fabulous kayak day-trips, returning to the comforts of the handcrafted guesthouse facilities. For more information, please see our detailed itinerary.
Outer Coast Kayak Mothership Cruise - 8 Days
The mothership cruise is suitable for novice and experienced kayakers. Previous kayaking experience is not required.
Personal Preparation
Dates, Prices & Availability
Our outer coast kayak mothership cruise features the spaciousness and comfort of the magnificent 71' ketch; Ocean Light II. For more information, please see our detailed itinerary.
Leadership Course - 8 Days
This guide-training program is suitable for people with considerable sea kayaking experience.
Personal Preparation
Exploring and developing the motivations, skills, challenges and rewards that bring people to the profession of guiding.
We provide experiential guide training within the beautiful west coast environment of the Queen Charlotte Islands.
The following guide certifying organization endorses our curriculum:
For details on this program, please see:
EvolutionGuides.com
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