2027 Southern Waters of Gwaii Haanas Availability: COMING SOON!
Get ready for an unforgettable eight-day sea kayaking expedition through the remote and spectacular southern region of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.
This is our most challenging and immersive expedition, taking you deep into one of the most remote and protected coastal wilderness areas in Canada. Travelling by sea kayak, we explore a dramatic coastline of ancient temperate rainforest, secluded beaches, offshore islands and rugged shorelines. Towering cedar, spruce and hemlock forests—largely untouched by modern logging—provide an extraordinary backdrop to each day of the journey.
A highlight and primary destination of the expedition is the Haida village site of SGang Gwaay. Reaching this remote location by kayak is an unforgettable experience and offers a unique opportunity to explore the waters surrounding one of Haida Gwaii's most culturally and historically significant places.
Over eight days, we explore the southernmost reaches of Gwaii Haanas, travelling between remote campsites and beaches while experiencing the constantly changing character of this remarkable coastline. Along the way, there are opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife that calls Gwaii Haanas home and to experience this spectacular coastline at a pace only possible by kayak.
Our expedition begins or ends near Rose Harbour, deep in the southern reaches of Gwaii Haanas.
This expedition travels through a remote and dynamic coastal environment and includes several significant headlands, including the west coast of Haida Gwaii, Benjamin Point, Ikeda Point and Goodwin Point. Depending on conditions, these exposed sections can experience larger sea states, including waves of approximately 1–2 metres.
This trip is designed for paddlers with previous kayaking experience who are comfortable in both single and double sea kayaks. Guests should be physically fit and prepared for long days on the water when required. Our itinerary is flexible and is designed around weather and sea conditions, allowing our guides to make the best decisions for the group and take advantage of safe weather windows.
We typically aim to move camp most days, experiencing a variety of beaches and locations throughout the expedition, with at least one two-night stay along the route when conditions and the itinerary allow.
Because this is an authentic wilderness expedition, flexibility is an essential part of the experience. Weather, wind and sea conditions may affect daily travel distances, paddling times and our route. Some days may involve longer paddling distances, while other days may include additional time at camp or opportunities to explore the surrounding coastline.
This is Butterfly Tours' most challenging sea kayaking expedition and is not suitable for complete beginners. Previous kayaking experience is required.
Everything You Need for Your Expedition — Included
When you join a Butterfly Tours expedition, you do not need to worry about renting or bringing your own kayak or camping equipment. We provide the high-quality gear you need to be comfortable while exploring the remote coastal temperate rainforest of Gwaii Haanas.From the moment you arrive, we have the expedition equipment covered.
Our goal is simple: arrive ready for adventure, and we'll take care of the rest. From premium sea kayaking and camping equipment to delicious meals, permits and your final celebration dinner, your expedition includes everything you need to focus on what matters most—experiencing the incredible wilderness of Gwaii Haanas.
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Trip Essentials (PDF)
Our 8 Day Waters of SGang Gwaay expedition is designed for those who have an adventurous spirit and love remote and self-supported trips. We recommend participants to be at least 16 years old and have experience with these types of trips.
Our 8-day expedition is our most challenging sea kayaking trip and is designed for paddlers with previous kayaking experience.
This is a true multi-day kayak expedition, with participants paddling in a variety of coastal conditions and spending extended periods on the water. While you do not need to be an expert kayaker, previous sea kayaking experience and a good level of physical fitness are required.
We recommend that guests have prior experience paddling for several consecutive days and are comfortable in changing weather and water conditions. The 8-day expedition is not suitable for complete beginners or those with no previous kayaking experience.
If you are new to sea kayaking, we recommend joining our Burnaby Narrows or Haida Watchmen trips which are better suited to developing your skills before taking on our most challenging expedition.
We ask that everyone come with a positive and respectful attitude towards the stunning natural environment and your fellow kayakers. While we can't control the weather and wildlife, we can control our attitude and make this trip an unforgettable experience!
We will try to reschedule or refund. Please check our terms & conditions for more information.
Our journey commences at the break of dawn in Sandspit, British Columbia. Guests will be collected from Seaport B&B or another accommodation of their choice in Sandspit at 7:30 am, eager for an exhilarating one-hour van ride to Moresby Camp. Following this, we board an impressive zodiac-style speedboat that will transport us to the southern edge of Gwaii Haanas.
As noon approaches, excitement intensifies as we near the globally renowned narrows of K'iid Xyangs K’iidaay (Burnaby Narrows). Our extraordinary kayaking experience begins just south of K'iid Xyangs K’iidaay (Burnaby Narrows) offering an ideal starting point and potential visit to the biodiverse narrows before journeying southward. We'll conduct a kayak and camp orientation while exploring the area.
Embark on an unforgettable Southern Gwaii Haanas sea kayaking expedition as we journey through some of the most remote and spectacular coastline in Haida Gwaii. Our expedition explores the waters between K'iid Xyangs K’iidaay (Burnaby Narrows) and SGang Gwaay Llnagaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant cultural sites in Gwaii Haanas.
Over approximately 50 nautical miles (100 km), we travel through a rugged and rarely visited coastline of dramatic headlands, peaceful bays, volcanic rock formations, ancient rainforest and remote beaches. Each day brings new landscapes, wildlife encounters and opportunities to experience Gwaii Haanas from the unique perspective of a sea kayak.
Our route follows the eastern coastline through some of the most exposed and dramatic sections of southern Gwaii Haanas. Along the way, we navigate around major headlands including Benjamin Point, Ikeda Point, Deluge Point and Goodwin Point, before crossing or travelling along the currents of Houston Stewart Channel toward the Kunghit village of Sgang Gwaay.
This is a rugged and dynamic coastline. The exposed sections can experience sea states of 1–2 metres or more, depending on conditions. Weather and sea conditions play an important role in our expedition, and we may wait for appropriate weather windows before rounding certain headlands. Our guides carefully assess conditions each day and adapt the itinerary to ensure we travel safely while making the most of our time in this incredible environment.
When conditions allow, paddlers can expect to travel alongside dramatic volcanic rock formations, explore secluded bays and beaches, and camp at some of the most beautiful remote sites in southern Gwaii Haanas.
The southern waters of Gwaii Haanas are rich with marine life. Keep your eyes open for humpback whales, Steller sea lions, tufted puffins, sea otters, porpoises, seals and a variety of coastal and marine birds as we travel through this remarkably productive ecosystem.
The centerpiece of our expedition is SGang Gwaay Llnagaay.
This remarkable watchmen site contains the remains of longhouses and beautifully carved mortuary and memorial poles that continue to stand among the forest and shoreline. SGang Gwaay is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural significance.
During our visit, Haida Watchmen share their knowledge and stories, providing an opportunity to better understand the history, culture and enduring connection of the Haida people to this place.
Reaching SGang Gwaay by sea kayak makes the experience even more meaningful. After days of travelling through the remote southern coastline, arriving at this historic village site by water offers a powerful connection between the landscape, the ocean and the people who have called these islands home for generations.
No two expeditions are exactly the same. Wind, waves, currents and weather can influence our route and daily distances. We may spend additional time at camp waiting for a suitable weather window, or take advantage of favourable conditions to cover more ground.
Our goal is not simply to cover the distance, but to experience the coastline along the way.
With approximately 50 nautical miles (100 km) of paddling, multiple exposed headlands, changing sea conditions and remote campsites, this is a genuine sea kayaking expedition designed for experienced paddlers who are prepared for the challenges and rewards of travelling through one of Canada's most spectacular coastal wilderness areas.
On the final day of your kayak journey, enjoy a leisurely breakfast while reminiscing on the incredible experiences you've had. Excitement fills the air as the speedboat pulls up to the Rose Harbour area, ready to whisk you and your group away to Sandspit. If conditions allow, you may even get to journey back through K'iid Xyangs K’iidaay (Burnaby Narrows). After a day of adventure, you'll be returned to your cozy Seaport B&B - or another Sandspit accommodation of your choosing.
At the end of our expedition, we come together for a special farewell dinner at Raincoast Breads in Sandspit. As the first Canadian establishment permitted to use foraged wild ingredients and voted Restaurant of the Year in 2025, this exceptional dining experience is the perfect way to conclude your Haida Gwaii adventure. Share stories, celebrate the journey and enjoy an unforgettable final meal with your group—all included in your tour package.
This tour involves eight days of kayaking, and some of those days, we paddle as much as 15-30 km depending on sea state and weather. We camp in remote areas with very no developed services. It is best for ages 16 years old and above, especially those who have experience with remote, self-supported trips. However, we appreciate the universal benefits nature has on every one of us. Routes and itineraries remain very flexible to accommodate changeable west coast conditions.
Please contact us directly if you are interested in this adventure and do not have previous experience.