Personal Preparation
Each person interested in joining any of our trips is requested to read this page. For information specific to each trip, please see: Preparation Details
You are welcome to contact Gord if you have any questions.
These kayaking experiences are designed for participants who are reasonably able-bodied, yet there is certainly no need for our guests to be athletes.
We experience a variety of sea conditions during the wilderness kayak journeys. When it becomes too windy, we remain on shore; there are many scenic campsites that provide great shelter during stormy days.
On calmer days, we venture out in the kayaks to experience some gentle ocean swell and light to moderate winds. For some, it is surprising how stable and predictable a properly loaded touring kayak can be in moderate sea conditions.
We offer many tours suitable for novice paddlers.
Some previous kayaking experience is recommended, yet not required. Attending a one-day beginner's sea kayaking course prior to a trip will provide valuable experience to a novice paddler.
We also offer expeditions suitable for experienced kayakers.
Arriving with appropriate outdoor clothing is essential to each person's comfort and safety during the trip. A detailed clothing & equipment list is provided upon registration.
Wilderness kayak journeys are self-supported camping trips. A variety of weather and sea conditions will be encountered on each trip. These experiences are well suited to those seeking a degree of personal challenge; the North Pacific can be an exciting place to explore by kayak. 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.
Accommodation tours provide a "softer" adventure; with heated, indoor lodging after each kayak day-trip. These tours are suitable for a wide range of skill levels and preferences; novice and experienced kayakers are welcome, as are those who may prefer not to paddle.
Single Kayaks
We supply single kayaks, yet not everyone prefers to be responsible for the propulsion of their own vessel.
If you are interested in our trips and want to invite a friend, please be sure that your friend also seeks the additional rewards and challenges provided by a single kayak.
For more information on single kayaks, please see: Equipment
As an alternative a double kayak is available, however; we do not provide a paddling partner for the double. (We provide each person with the opportunity to paddle a single kayak.) If you would prefer paddling the double, please be sure to arrive with a paddling partner.
Those planning on arriving alone and preferring to paddle a double kayak may be interested in joining a different tour company that provides a fleet of doubles. Please contact us; we would be happy to recommend another reputable outfitter.
You are welcome to contact Gord if you have any questions.
Preparation Details
- Waters of SGang Gwaay
This eight-day self-supported wilderness sea kayaking and camping tour is suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers. Waters of SGang Gwaay is our most popular tour; several novice kayakers enjoy this trip each year. Previous kayaking experience is recommended, yet not required. Each tour includes introductory paddling lessons. Groups generally progress through a variety of relatively easy sea conditions before venturing out to experience slightly more challenging paddling situations. Participants are provided with instruction on efficient kayaking techniques, which enables each person to self-propel their kayak through moderate sea conditions.
For the trip itinerary, please see: Waters of SGang Gwaay
- Cape Freeman Expedition
This eight-day intermediate self-supported wilderness sea kayaking and camping journey can involve some paddling challenges. Participants must be willing and able to self-propel a loaded single kayak in a variety of sea conditions, including; currents, wind, swell and chop. The Cape Freeman Expedition includes training on intermediate paddling and manoeuvring techniques. This trip is suitable for kayakers with some experience.
For the expedition itinerary, please see: Cape Freeman Expedition
- Kayak Guesthouse Vacation
This five-day tour is suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers. Previous kayaking experience is recommended, yet not required. Kayak day-trips are tailored to the desires and abilities of the group. The kayak guesthouse vacation allows for plenty of flexibility each day. Guests have the option of joining daily kayak excursions, or staying in Rose Harbour to relax at the guesthouse. The Rose Harbour Guesthouse provides warm, comfortable shelter. Two guests generally share each room in this cozy and rustic establishment. Amenities include a common room with a table, chairs, couch, library and woodstove. There is a private, well-maintained composting outhouse. The guesthouse's indoor sink has running cold water. The hot running water is located at the ingenious wood-fired shower facility a few steps away.
For the trip itinerary, please see: Kayak Guesthouse Vacation
- Mothership Cruise
The mothership cruises are suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers. Previous kayaking experience is recommended, yet not required. Kayak day-trips are tailored to the desires and abilities of the group. Five guest cabins onboard accommodate up to ten people and are separate from the rest of the yacht. There are two heads (toilets), a shower and a roomy galley where meals are prepared. The large main cabin becomes the common area where meals are eaten and where everyone can sit comfortably. The boat is equipped with a diesel furnace which moves warm, dry air into all the cabins.
For itineraries, please see: Kayak Mothership Cruise
- Evolution Expedition
The Evolution Expedition is an educational adventure. It is not designed as a paddling holiday. Please see the prerequisites.
For the itinerary, please see: Evolution Expedition
- Outer Coast 2014
This expedition is unlike anything else. The journey is open to a small group of experienced kayakers who have previously paddled with us.
Please see the expedition itinerary: Outer Coast 2014
Wilderness Kayak Journeys
Willing & able...
Our wilderness kayak journeys are designed for participants who are reasonably able-bodied. A practical level of fitness and coordination are necessary, yet there is certainly no need for our guests to be athletes.
Self-propelled multi-day wilderness journeys involve some challenging moments. These moments do not happen each day. When they do occur, the challenges are usually quite brief. Many people relish the moments as they arise, some soon consider them a highlight of the trip.
Every year, a wide variety of people enjoy kayaking with Butterfly Tours. Several of our guests are small women in their 60s. Smaller people and less experienced kayakers generally enjoy exploring the North Pacific by single kayak, provided they maintain a positive attitude during occasional challenging moments.
Our guides are highly experienced kayak instructors, able to assist each guest in developing efficient paddling techniques. These kayaking techniques, combined with a positive attitude, are essentially what is required in order to enjoy the wilderness journeys we offer.
You are welcome to contact Gord if you have any questions.
