We firmly believe that the most exceptional experiences are cultivated within small groups, comprising individuals navigating their way through remote wilderness in single and double kayaks.
Butterfly Tours is an establishment led and operated by accomplished Guide Trainers and L3 Guides who hold certification from the SKGABC. At Butterfly Tours, we go kayaking on an alumni tour, where our entire guiding team ventures into the most isolated regions of coastal British Columbia, dedicating themselves to exploring the untamed coastline for an extended period, often exceeding two weeks. This undertaking not only fosters camaraderie amongst our kayak guides but also enables them to acquire invaluable insights from one another. While not all guides have the opportunity to collaborate during the summer months, this particular excursion enables them to fortify their expertise through fruitful interactions. Unparalleled in its distinctiveness, Butterfly Tours is the sole company on this coast that organizes an alumni guide-only kayaking trip, allowing guides to relish and expand their horizons purely for recreational purposes, while genuinely pushing their limits.
What sets Butterfly Tours apart is our unwavering commitment to providing the most advanced camping equipment in the industry. As a result, our tours command a higher price point. We take pride in offering a plethora of top-of-the-line gear, including Helinox camp chairs and tables, MSR Hubba Hubba tents, and individual tarps for your personal sleeping accommodations. Our Exped sleeping mats and snozzle bags are remarkably comfortable and of superior quality, and the snozzle bag eliminates the need for laborious manual inflation. The majority of our equipment falls within the realms of contemporary technology, as camping gear has undergone significant advancements over the past decade. Our tours aim to imbue the comforts that one may not typically encounter while embarking on a hiking or backpacking adventure. Moreover, we provide clean, synthetic sleeping bags that guarantee warmth even during the dampest of days. At Butterfly Tours, we leave no stone unturned in furnishing comprehensive support, encompassing camping equipment, group gear, kayaking gear, and food provisions.
Our focus extends to equipping you thoroughly for your traversal through one of the world's most ancient coastal rainforests. To safeguard your comfort while kayaking (although not mandatory to wear), we provide NRS paddling jackets and bottoms. This becomes especially crucial, given the occasional occurrence of rainy days in Haida Gwaii.
In addition, we boast an extraordinary culinary setup, boasting a double-burner jet boil system, a couple of large 12-person MSR tarps adaptable to any setup, tables that facilitate leisurely card games and cooking, stainless steel coffee mugs, plates and bowls.
The meals prepared on our tours not only tantalize your taste buds but prioritize health and abundance. We meticulously craft wholesome dishes incorporating fresh, non-dehydrated ingredients, with a penchant for introducing organic elements. Our team of guides comprises seasoned chefs with decades of professional culinary experience, ensuring your gastronomic satisfaction. While our meals lean towards a vegetarian orientation, we offer the possibility of incorporating freshly gathered seafood, should you desire.
When it comes to kayaking, we spare no effort in maintaining our fleet, comprised of locally made Seaward Kayaks from Vancouver Island. Our single fleet consists of Seward Tyees, while our double kayaks are Seaward Passats. As close acquaintances of the owner of Seaward Kayaks, we take meticulous care to ensure that our kayaks remain in impeccable condition, guaranteeing comfort and safety for our guests. For three decades, Seaward has been synonymous with the pinnacle of handcrafted kayak excellence. Renowned across the globe, their kayaks are the result of unwavering commitment to quality, a spirit of innovation, and meticulous attention to every detail. When you paddle a Seaward, you're heading on an adventure with a trusted companion that's been shaped to perfection by the hands of master craftsmen.
We ensure that every guest is provided with a bent shaft paddle, along with a spare straight shaft carbon fiber paddle, offering the option to switch based on individual preferences. At Butterfly Tours, we continually strive for perfection, leaving no aspect overlooked in our pursuit of excellence.
Furthermore, our tour prices reflect the added value of a final dinner at Raincoast Breads in Sandspit, which serves as the crowning moment to reflect upon the indelible memories created during your intimate sojourn through these captivating islands of unparalleled beauty.
Butterfly Tours has refined an unprecedented approach to travel that places a strong emphasis on adventure, freedom, flexibility, appreciation of nature, aesthetics, history, health, enjoyment, and of course, professional risk management.
Experience the numerous benefits of journeying with some of the most seasoned sea kayak guides in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site and we extend our hope that you select Butterfly Tours as your premier kayaking outfitter for exploring Gwaii Haanas.
Meet the challenge of self-propelled travel in this remote wilderness environment. Paddle a single or double kayak while experiencing the moods of this distant archipelago. Ride the current through a channel, cross a bay into the wind, or sail effortlessly down an inlet. Land a salmon, ride the surf, or appreciate the power of a summer storm from the shelter of our campsite. Witness the elements and realize the expanse of mountains, sea and sky.
Our trips operate on a solid foundation of professional risk management. Your Guides are certified by the Sea Kayak Guide Alliance of British Columbia as a Class III lead guide. Your Guides complies with the SKGABC professional operating standards and advanced wilderness first aid & medicine qualifications. Each trip is equipped with two marine VHF radios, and an Inreach. More notably, the risk management techniques our guides have provided a long history of incident-free adventure travel.
Experience the rhythms of the sea. Feel the timeless quality of wandering through old-growth forests. Live in harmony with the natural world as you quietly paddle through this remote wilderness.Aesthetics
Unique metaphysical qualities exist within Gwaii Haanas. This wilderness archipelago is able to cultivate deep and positive effects on people. For decades, intangible elements have helped evolve our unique style of travel.
Coordinate yourself with the schedule of the tide, sun and wind rather than the wristwatch. Enjoy the liberties and rewards of paddling a single or double kayak. When on shore, guests are free to beachcomb, whale watch, enjoy a nap, explore the rainforests, or relax by the campfire sharing stories and reflections with new friends.
Enhance your personal well-being with daily exercise and fun in the fresh sea air. Build friendships through participation and laughter.
Explore the hereditary home of the Haida Nation. Visit ancient Haida village sites with standing totem poles and longhouse beams. Our guide's knowledge of anthropology and local culture enhances the trip.