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Butterfly Tours provides quality equipment, selected specifically for kayak touring on Haida Gwaii. Our kayaking gear and tents are maintained in excellent condition and replaced every few years in order to ensure that our participants enjoy the use of reasonably new equipment. Butterfly tours uses both single and double kayaks that are handmade on Vancouver Island by Seaward Kayaks.

Seaward Tyee single fibreglass kayaks are provided.

Tyee Kayaks

The Seaward Tyee kayak is pleasantly responsive while remaining predictable and forgiving in a wide variety of sea conditions. This fine fiberglass craft is well suited to both inexperienced and accomplished paddlers. We have 6 Tyees - more than enough for each tour guest and expedition participant to paddle one.

Passatg3-kayaks

The Seaward G3 Passat is acclaimed by adventure racers. This boat has greater stability than most single kayaks and tracks well. For a double kayak is it sleek and edge effortlessly. It is safe, strong, and seaworthy in the most challenging waters. We will have either one or two Passat G3’s in the fleet per tour.

Our kayaks are strong and seaworthy; they come fully equipped with a foot-operated rudder, two hatches with sealed bulkheads, a paddle and spare paddle, a Transport Canada approved PFD, a neoprene sprayskirt and a bilge pump.

Seawards adjustable seat has a padded, pivoting backrest that provides comfort while touring. Our kayaks can properly fit a wide range of people.

Many kayakers seek the freedom and rewards of paddling their own craft, yet not everyone prefers to be responsible for the propulsion of their own vessel. We offer single kayaks to most guests, but we like to travel with at least one double in the fleet for safety reasons. We rotate guests so that everyone who wants to spend time in a single kayak has the opportunity, so you will have to spend some time in a double kayak as well.

Single kayaks are significantly different than double kayaks:

  • Single kayaks have one seat, allowing an individual to be responsible for both the propulsion and direction of their own boat. They provide each paddler with greater control and independence while increasing the opportunity to develop paddling skills. Many people prefer the additional rewards and challenges provided by single kayaks.
  • Double kayaks have two seats, requiring two people to paddle in the same boat. Only the person in the stern (rear) seat of a double kayak has directional control of the vessel, through use of the foot-operated rudder. Two people may join a trip and use our double kayak if they prefer to paddle in the same boat.

Paddles

Each person is provided with the choice of a variety of paddles, including: Lightweight Aqua-Bound carbon straight-shaft paddles, as well as ergonomic wood bent-shaft paddles made by Bending Branches. Our carbon paddles are noticeably lighter than wood paddles, yet some kayakers prefer the aesthetic qualities of wood.

Our paddle selection ranges in length from 210 to 240 cm.

Paddles with Kayaks

Paddles with Kayaks

PFDs - Personal Flotation Devices

We provide high quality Salus Ungava personal flotation devices in four different sizes.

Enjoy the benefits of wearing these comfortable, fully adjustable and Transport Canada approved PFDs.

Life Jackets and PFDs Butterfly Tours Kayaks

Tents

The MSR Hubba Hubba tents provided on our wilderness kayak journeys are supreme quality, expedition-tested shelters constructed by Mountain Safety Research.

We supply enough tents so that everyone can sleep in their own private shelter if they wish.

paddles with Kayaks

Arriving with appropriate outdoor clothing is essential to each guest's comfort and personal well-being during the trip. A detailed clothing and equipment list is provided upon registration.

Northern Gwaii Haanas

8 Day Tour

Venture into Northern Gwaii Haanas National Park for an 8-day adventure through the nutrient rich waters of Haida Gwaii

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Southern Gwaii Haanas

8 Day Tour

Endeavor into Southern Gwaii Haanas National Park for an 8-day wilderness journey towards SGang Gwaay

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Book Your Sea Kayaking Trip of a Lifetime with Butterfly Tours

Butterfly tours explore the isolated and pristine east side of Gwaii Haanas, an area preserved in its natural state.

We will leave behind all signs of civilization and explore the supernatural coastline of Gwaii Haanas, which consists of island clusters, jutting headlands, sheltered inlets, and secluded beaches.

Humpback whales, ancient murrelets, salmon, and tufted puffins thrive in this rich and diverse marine environment.

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