FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
None! Our trips are suited for all levels of paddlers – our guides will coach you based on your paddling skills and technique. For custom trips, we require a guest application form for an assessment of prior experience.
We have people of all ages on our tours, but we find trips are more enjoyable for everyone if children are at least 10 years old. If you’d still like to paddle, but your child is younger, please consider renting one of our kayaks for a self guided tour.
Yes – all kayaks are equipped with paddles, a paddle float, a PFD, a bilge pump and throw rope, a spray skirt, and a sponge.
Our mixed touring fleet is composed of both double and single BC crafted fibreglass kayaks. Namely, Seaward Passat G3s, Navigators, Auroras. A mixed fleet model allows all our guest to find a boat that works best for them. We recommend a double kayak beginner paddlers, as they are more stable, and singles are more responsive for advanced paddlers.
Haida Gwaii is the largest temperate rainforest in BC. Fortunately, our operating season favours nice weather from high pressure systems. So if you hope for the best and prepare for the worst (storms), you’ll get the most out of your trip.
Of course! If you want to kayak outside of Gwaii Haanas, we have the capacity to build a trip plan tailored to you. Please contact us to discuss further.
On occasion we can accomodate a single kayak for you during the whole trip. As there are many different shapes of kayaks and humans, we encourage people to switch throughout their tour to find a boat that they enjoy
When booking with us for any of our tours you’ll receive a packing list specific to your trip. What we recommend is preparing for all types of weather including plenty of rain. A good rain jacket and ample warm layers is a must.
Typically, we will not deliver kayaks for rentals. In early or late season (May or September), we might be able to accommodate requests on a case by case basis.
To experience our trips to the fullest guests must be of good physical health, mental health and attitude. If any of these affect your ability to swim, camp, paddle or walk in marine wilderness areas please consult us prior to booking your trip. Age is not a factor as much as determined adventurous spirit.
We have outhouses at some of our campsites, but many of our campsites are wilderness areas that require us to practice “leave no trace” principles. This means doing our business outdoors – in the intertidal zone where the high tide flushes it away.
Please contact our office as your options for storage change depending on which tour you’re joining.
Absolutely! Kayaking is a water sport and thus proper footwear to suit the activity is a requirement. Think Crocs, neoprene booties or sandals.
We paddle for approximately 4 hrs in a day, rain or shine – however wind is considered adverse weather for paddlers, so we avoid paddling on windy days to keep you safe.
Unfortunately, we can’t make any promises about seeing whales on our tours. Skidegate Inlet is not known for populations of resident killer whales, but on occasion it does have humpbacks, greys, and transient killer whales. Early summer months of May and June are when seasonal whales begin to arrive for feeding.
June, July and August are the core summer months on Haida Gwaii when we tend to experience less rain and favorable winds, whereas May and September are more variable, but less busy and still gorgeous.
We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and at no extra cost with enough time and communication prior to your tour.
For rental and day tours we provide all sea kayaks with safety equipment. For our multi day tours we provide all group camping equipment such as tarps, cook ware, and emergency supplies etc. Personal camping equipment such as a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and drybags are available for rent at affordable rates
We strongly recommend to all of our guests to purchase travel and medical insurance for coverage including COVID-19, trip interruptions, medical coverage, evacuations, and any loss as a result of our Cancellation Policy. Haida Gwaii Kayak is not responsible for ensuring you are adequately covered for your trip. If you’d like suggestions on providers that are well suited to our activities please give us a call.
Tipping is entirely optional. If you do decide to show your appreciation for our business and the team, 5-10% of the trip price is a good guideline.
Photography by Unsplash
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.