Kayaking is a great way to explore the natural world of Haida Gwaii. Sandspit, being the closest town to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, is a natural starting point for trips to that area. There are also some great areas to paddle closer to Sandspit.
Day Trips
For a relaxing day of paddling, try launching at Alliford Bay (where the ferry from Graham Island comes across) and paddling amongst the many small islands of Skidegate Inlet. This area is protected from harsh weather, and provides opportunities for exploring small islands, viewing the ancient Haida site of Haina on Maude Island, searching for fossils along the shore, and watching for seals, porpoises and birds.
Another option is to take your kayak to Moresby Camp, south of Sandspit, and base-camp there while exploring the bays and beaches nearby. A nice day trip is to the old logging site at Aero Camp, just east of Moresby Camp. You can also kayak near Gray Bay campground, although this area is more exposed and is sometimes more appropriate for kayak surfing than relaxed paddling.
Multi-day trips
Not suprisingly, most people who plan a multi-day kayaking adventure on the islands think first of visiting Gwaii Haanas. This amazing park reserve certainly offers some great areas for kayaking, and guided tours are available, as well as rentals and transportation for kayakers and their boats. Fascinating cultural sites in Gwaii Haanas include SGang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its array of ancient totem poles. If you are planning to kayak Gwaii Haanas, you will want to plan your trip well in advance and give youself at least a week to enjoy the area. Guided tours to the area often book up months in advance.
For those who don't have the time or budget to visit Gwaii Haanas, another great option is to paddle around Louise Island. This island, the third largest in the archipelago, is tucked up against the side of Moresby Island south of Sandspit and just north of Gwaii Haanas. A trip around Louise Island, beginning and ending at Moresby Camp, takes about 5 days. Highlights include the Haida village site of Skedans with its standing totem poles, the graveyard at the old mission site of New Kloo, and the old moss-covered remains of logging camps at Aero Camp and Mathers Creek (adjecent to New Kloo).
Another option is to paddle through Skidegate Narrows to the west coast of the islands. A popular goal is the ancient Haida site of Chaatl, located on Chaatl Island and accessible through the protected waters of Armentiers Channel. Keep in mind that the channel at Armentiers is only passable at a high tide, although it is always possible to portage across the dry areas. This route allows you to see the wild west side of the islands without having to paddle through exposed areas. The unprotected areas of the west coast are only appropriate for highly experienced and adventurous kayakers.
Resources and Tips
- Kayak rentals are available in Sandspit, but in July and August they may book up, so plan in advance. Kayak rentals, sales, transportation and outfitting are provided by Moresby Explorers. The staff at this local company can provide lots of useful information and local knowledge of the area.
- Renting a kayak for shorter than one week is hard in the summer months, when most companies cater to paddlers heading into Gwaii Haanas on longer trips. You may need to check out options in Queen Charlotte and Masset if you are looking for short trips.
- A list of companies that run guided tours of Gwaii Haanas can be found through the Gwaii Haanas Tour Operators Association webpage.
- Remember that the weather can change rapidly here and even the calmest-seeming waters can quickly become dangerous. Tides and currents are also a concern, especially in narrow channels. If you are not an experienced, open-water sea kayaker, get some local advice before starting out.
