Trip Itinerary
Waters of SGang Gwaay - 8 Days
Group size is six guests plus two guides.
Each person is equipped with a single kayak.
This tour is suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers.
Previous kayaking experience is recommended, yet not required.
Personal Preparation
Route Map
Day One - Waters of SGang Gwaay
Our tours begin in Sandspit; guests are picked up in the morning at Seaport Bed & Breakfast for the one-hour drive to Moresby Camp. Here, you board a large Zodiac-style speedboat for transport to the southern tip of the archipelago.
Around midday, you arrive 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, 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. Humpback whales, Steller sea lions and Horned puffins thrive in this rich and diverse marine environment.
Visit the ancient Haida village of Ninstints on Anthony Island. This extraordinary historic settlement is a United Nations World Heritage Site, also known as SGang Gwaay. Numerous 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 once lived there. Spend a day exploring the site and experiencing the sense of mystery that lingers in this ancient village.
During the trip, we paddle throughout the waters surrounding SGang Gwaay (see the route map). This region is truly a kayaker's paradise, with countless inlets, coves, beaches and islands to explore. We camp on soft, thick moss amongst the giant old-growth cedar, spruce and hemlock that flourish in 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 marvelous 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, rustic accommodation carefully hand-built by resident musician Tassilo.
For Rose Harbour information, please see: Kayak Guesthouse Vacation
Day Eight
The speedboat arrives in Rose Harbour to transport the group to Sandspit. Depending on conditions, the boat may pass through Burnaby Narrows, enabling guests to view this renown intertidal region. There is a good chance you will have the opportunity to stop at Hotsprings Island. At the end of the day, you are returned to Seaport B&B in Sandspit.
Routes and itineraries remain very flexible to accommodate changeable west coast conditions. Alternate boat or floatplane transport may be substituted.
