ABOUT US
We offer single and multi-day kayak tours and rentals along the coast of Haida Gwaii. Our specialty is providing sea kayaking experiences that are truly unique, educational, and awe-inspiring adventures.
OUR HOME
Discover Haida Gwaii
Welcome to Haida Gwaii, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. Haida Gwaii means Island of the Haida People. It is home to the Haida people and their vibrant culture as well as to many charming locals who have settled over the years. Here, we celebrate the lush old growth forests, dramatic shores, and jagged mountains, as much of the island’s ecosystem sustains its communities.
This rugged and stunning archipelago is located approximately 80 miles from BC’s mainland and a mere 35 miles from the Alaskan Panhandle, encompassing over 200 islands and 1,800km of coastline – some might say it’s a kayaker’s paradise. These islands are informally known as the “Galapagos of Canada,” hosting a vast population of flora and fauna, and of course, sea life. It is our mission to help protect it, while we share its beauty.
LOW-IMPACT ADVENTURE
Kayaking is a great, low-impact way to explore the paths (or in this case, the waters) less traveled by. With much of the world’s true wilderness disappearing or experiencing over-tourism, we wanted to offer an experience that allowed visitors to enjoy the remote wilderness while staying in harmony with it.
On every trip, we endeavour to connect our guests to Haida Gwaii’s wilderness, culture, and community – whether you’re visiting from BC or another country, we take pride and care in sharing our little corner of the world with you.
OUR VALUES
Stewardship
Living on a remote archipelago off the BC coast isn’t always easy, and taking proper care of the lands, waters and wildlife it encompasses is even harder. Yet we feel privileged to practice leave-no-trace principles to maintain the island’s natural splendour for future generations to enjoy.
Adventure
To us, adventure means being present but prepared for whatever the wild of Haida Gwaii wants to share with us. We seize those once in a lifetime wilderness experiences – whether it’s a whale breaching or being enamored by bioluminescence, we’re here for it!
People first
Haida Gwaii has approximately ~4,300 people living on the territory of the Haida Nation. It’s important we tailor our trips to your needs while balancing it with the expectations of our community. We work with other businesses, nonprofits and local governments, to practice reciprocity whenever possible.
Continuous learning
At Haida Gwaii Kayak, we’re committed to the personal growth of our guests, staff, business practice and community. We’re acutely aware that sometimes the best education lies beyond the walls of a classroom from the most eclectic of characters.
OUR PEOPLE
Mateo Cariglino – Owner & Lead Guide
Mateo’s journey on Haida Gwaii began in 2017 when he attended a semester in Natural Resource Management offered through the Haida Gwaii institute. It was in this unconventional classroom that he received a taste of everything this archipelago had to share. He continued his development as sea kayak guide on the North Coast and gradually relocated into the charming island community.
His guiding experience extends to the far reaches of New Zealand, Colombia and much of BC’s vast West Coast – with familiarity in a dynamic array of ocean conditions. He has had the pleasure of guiding people from all backgrounds and aspires to leave those he tours with a distilled sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
Josh Froese – Lead Guide
Josh’s guiding journey began when he attended the Adventure Tourism and Business Operations program in Golden, BC, where he acquired his sea kayak guiding certifications in waters surrounding Vancouver Island.
This ignited his passion of sea kayaking and guiding and brought him to the Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago for a couple years. Eventually Haida Gwaii as premier paddling destination lead him to Haida Gwaii where he’s gained a familiarity with waters inside and outside Gwaii Haanas.
These years of guiding and personal trips pushed him to paddle in strong current, surf and swell on both Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island. Josh’s love of wildlife and the ocean drives his guiding career and his continued exploration of new waters.
Daymon Wrubel – Assistant Guide
Daymon discovered kayak guiding through a desire to work outdoors in nature. With a background in the culinary industry, the hospitality aspect of kayak guiding was intriguing and he jumped into it, excited for the change. He enjoys meeting new people to share experiences and knowledge with.
Daymon was born and raised on the islands of Haida Gwaii and grew up harvesting local foods, camping and hiking. Haida Gwaii is a special place to him and he can’t wait to share an appreciation for it with others through kayak guiding.
Rownan Herman – Assistant Guide
Rownan is someone who loves being outside and staying curious. Sea kayaking is a big passion of hers. She’s thrilled to be spending her first season in Haida Gwaii, learning more about the cultural context and unique coastal ecosystem. In the off-season, she works as a ski guide and studies psychology at Thompson Rivers University.
Rownan has worked on Quadra Island, where she gained experience in the dynamic marine environments including Surge Narrows. Finally she is also trained as a whitewater Search and Rescue Technician. He love for moving water shows, whether it’s rivers, ocean, or snow.
Ella Winham – Reservations Assistant
Having lived on both coasts of Canada, Ella has a deep love of all things ocean and enjoys the unique experience of exploring coastal areas via sea kayaking.
The warm community and breathtaking nature of Haida Gwaii keeps bringing her back. This is her 3rd summer living in Daajing Giids, and she’s excited to join the Haida Gwaii Kayak team as our Reservations Assistant!
TALENTED & PASSIONATE
Kayaking is an activity best shared with good company! You’re in luck because the company we keep is unparalleled. We excel at what we do because of our talented, passionate, and experienced crew. All of the guides are certified and have years of hosting people in the backcountry of BC and Haida Gwaii. They are superb paddlers, cooks, naturalists and just genuinely down to earth people. We have built solid relationships with the communities on the islands to provide you a truly unique experience for your trip.
Photography by BluePeak Photography and Jessica Valentinsen
We respectfully acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded territory of the Haida Nation.
We are grateful for the opportunity to bring guests to this territory, and ask that all review and commit to the Haida Gwaii Pledge to respect Haida Gwaii and Haida ways of being during your stay.