The Duaawuuxusda Conservancy—meaning “West” in Haida—has been my sanctuary for over three decades. It is a place where the rhythm of the ocean and the untamed wilderness create an unmatched experience. This stretch of coastline is more than just a destination; it serves as a living, breathing testament to the power and majesty of the natural world.
Are you an experienced paddler looking to enhance your skills? Or perhaps an adventurer craving the thrill of exploring off-the-beaten-path locations where even the wildlife seems untouched by time? If so, the West Coast of Haida Gwaii is calling your name.
Why This Tour? This journey is designed for seasoned kayakers and campers who possess strong paddling and backcountry skills. You’ll need to be physically fit, comfortable paddling in open water for extended periods (up to three hours at a time), and ready to manage a loaded kayak for multiple days in various conditions.
Working with the Council of Haida Nation and BC Parks has enabled Ocean Sound Kayaking to be the only outfitter to explore the Class 4 waters and the vast wilderness of Daawuuxusda Haida Heritage Conservancy, which we navigate with great honor and Yahguudang – respect. Owner/Operator Steve Konik is one of seven Class Water Endorsed Guides in BC, providing OSK guests with a truly unique West Coast experience on Haida Gwaii.
The people of the Haida Nation have occupied and collected food and materials from the Daawuuxusda Conservancy area since time immemorial. There are seven known Haida villages and seasonal camps within the conservancy at Gasi’ndas, Kaidju, Skaito, Kaisun, Nest, Chaatl, and Sl’asit.
With plentiful food and towering evergreens on Haida Gwaii, the Haida would have time and resources to develop a boat like no other in the region. Their canoes were the only ones capable of crossing the 60 miles of Hecate Strait between Haida Gwaii and the coast, allowing them to raid and trade with mainland villages – without fear of counterattack – and range from present day Alaska to Vancouver. With every passing trip, my appreciation for the Haida canoe grows.
The Adventure – In 2025, OSK will offer a once-in-a-lifetime exploration tour along a stretch of the West Coast of Haida Gwaii that I have yet to fully discover. This tour will begin in Rennell Sound—a pristine and rugged area known for its dramatic landscapes—and, weather permitting, will conclude in Sandspit (K’il Kun). To review the proposed tour, click here.
When I think about paddling the West Coast, several words come to mind: flexibility, patience, solitude, vastness, respect, energy, and uniqueness. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey and the countless small moments that make the adventure unforgettable. This expedition is all about embracing the elements and the spirit of the wild. From quiet, sheltered coves to the open, exposed waters of the Pacific, you’ll encounter a variety of conditions while navigating in a remote wilderness setting.
Since my first paddle trip on the west coast of Haida Gwaii in 1998, which found me trading Japanese Glass Balls for butter and flour with a local fishing boat, I instantly got hooked on this incredible new surrounding of Haida Gwaii. Over the years, OSK guests have successfully circumnavigated Graham Island, the largest island in Haida Gwaii, over a 19-day journey. Guests have safely completed on many occasions a 10-day adventure down the west coast to Englefield Bay, Haida Gwaii’s largest defined Bay which is outlined in the itinerary for this tour as well..
Contact us to learn more about this unique and exclusive small-group expedition!
Reviewing the Tour Map allows guests the opportunity to get familiar with the highlights, wildlife, and geographical locations of the tour. The goals of our Haida Gwaii kayak trips are to be fun, engaging, educational, and relaxing.
Kayaking Gwaii Haanas – Haida Gwaii is a true wilderness experience and requires a flexible mindset to travel safely in a self-propelled vessel. This is a self-supported kayak tour, which uses a mixed fleet of kayaks for your convenience, confidence and enjoyment. The success of the tour depends on weather, tides, guest interests, and the overall ability of the group. No one person (guides included) can have any control over such variables.
Below is an itinerary, created from over two decades of travel thru Gwaii Haanas, that guests have enjoyed. That said, it is your tour, and you may have your own personal bucket list to check off, so OSK will try to facilitate any deviations from the below schedule.
This a 10-day expedition designed for a maximum group size of 6 paddlers. The tour will begin paddling west through Skidegate Channel, which divides the two major islands Graham and Moresby.
We travel south along the western edge of Moresby Island taking us to the largest Bay on Haida Gwaii, Englefield Bay. Rich in history, this is true wilderness in its rawest form. Once in Englefield Bay, circumnavigating Hibben Island will be our objective.
Visiting Security Inlet allows guests the opportunity of walking amongst Giant Old Growth. Walking through these towering forests kayakers can see the Western Red Cedar tree (Thuja plicata) which is the provincial tree of British Columbia, and also kno
wn to coastal natives as the “TREE OF LIFE”. Woven into the Haida culture, guests can reflect with these massive giants and how over a century ago these Haida had stripped bark and fell trees for cedar ornaments, clothing, houses, totem poles, and canoes.
Traveling towards the eastern side of Hibben Island your camp is back dropped by a 1500-foot cascading water fall from Mount Moresby, the islands tallest mountain. The southern shore of Hibben Island has three distinct inlets of Douglas, Mudge, and Mitchel.
Once we complete our navigation around Hibben Island, and visiting the Stellar Sea Lion haul out on its western extremities, we paddle north once again to Chaatl Island.
When mother nature cooperates, paddling out to Marble Islands allows us the opportunity to view Tufted Puffins at this bird sanctuary,
Weather permitting, a circumnavigation of Chaatl Island permits paddlers the opportunity to visit the vast white sandy beaches of Gudal and Tana Bay where beach-combing for Japanese Glass Balls can be a favorite past time.
This Kayak Vacation is limited to Six Experienced Kayakers
We’ve extended our Anniversary Prices into the 2026 Season so you can still take advantage of the savings!
Click Here – For details on wildlife, highlights, and geographical locations regarding this tour.
Below is an overview, created from over two decades of travel through Gwaii Haanas, that guests have enjoyed. Kayaking Gwaii Haanas – Haida Gwaii is a true wilderness and requires a flexible mindset to travel safely in a self-propelled kayak. The success of the tour depends on the weather, tides, guests’ interests, and the overall ability of the group. No one person, including guides, has no control over such variables.
The perfect vacation looks different for everyone, so it’s important to ask yourself some initial questions when planning a trip to Haida Gwaii.
Please take note that Ocean Sound Kayaking does not accept direct online bookings.
Instead, we prefer to communicate with our guests over the phone when possible. This allows us to introduce ourselves, answer any questions you may have about designing the perfect trip for you, or about Haida Gwaii in general. Additionally, this process allows OSK to create a cohesive group well before we even meet on Haida Gwaii.
This is what sets us apart – the OSK difference.
Guests Expectations – Before you Go
For over 30 years, we’ve welcomed guests of all ages and abilities from around the world to experience the beauty of Haida Gwaii. Our goal is to ensure you know what to expect before your adventure begins, so you can arrive prepared and confident.
First – Adventure has no age limit. If you’re in good general health, comfortable around water, and excited to experience a remote wilderness, and wish to help with the occasional camp chore – you’ll fit right in.
No previous kayaking experience is required. We travel in a self-supported fleet of single and double sea kayaks with no support boat, so a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and camping experiences are often more valuable than paddling experience.
Teamwork Makes the Adventure
A successful kayak expedition is built on collaboration, shared purpose, and a willingness to pitch in. Every member of the group brings unique skills, strengths, and perspectives that help us navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and create an exceptional wilderness experience together.
Our trips are participatory adventures, which means everyone plays a role in the journey. From helping in the kitchen, and cleaning up camp to gathering firewood, carrying kayaks, collecting water, and helping with food storage, these shared responsibilities are all part of the expedition experience. Working together not only keeps camp running smoothly but also builds camaraderie and a genuine sense of accomplishment.
In a remote wilderness setting, teamwork is one of our most valuable tools. Some people are great help in the kitchen, others are natural organizers, strong paddlers, or enthusiastic fire builders. Whatever your strengths, there is a place for you to contribute. Supporting one another allows us to accomplish more as a team than we ever could individually.
Along the way, strangers become friends, confidence grows, and lasting memories are created. Our guides are there to lead, teach, and support the group, but the best expeditions are those where everyone shares in the experience. Together, we create a safe, inclusive, rewarding, and unforgettable adventure.
A Typical Day on the Water
One of the questions we hear most often is, “How far will we kayak each day?”
The honest answer is that every day is different. Our route and daily distance are influenced by tides, wind, swell, weather, and the pace of the group. Because our expeditions are fully self-supported, we remain flexible and adapt to the conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Rather than measuring the day in nautical miles, it’s more helpful to think in terms of time on the water. Most days include approximately 2½–3 hours of paddling in the morning and another 2½–3 hours in the afternoon, with plenty of opportunities to stop for snacks, explore the shoreline, stretch, and enjoy the surroundings.
Our focus isn’t on covering the greatest distance—it’s on travelling efficiently, safely, experiencing the beauty of Haida Gwaii, and enjoying the journey together.
Lifting & Camp Life
Our trips are team-based adventures, and everyone is encouraged to lend a hand with camp life. Daily tasks may include preparing meals, cleaning up, setting up camp, collecting water and firewood, and helping move kayaks above the high-tide line each evening.
We can accommodate many physical limitations, but guests should be comfortable carrying approximately 20–30 lb (9–14 kg) and participating in shared camp responsibilities.
Washrooms & Bathing
There are no outhouses in Gwaii Haanas. We follow Parks Canada low-impact practices, including the intertidal flush method, and your guides will explain these procedures while providing privacy at rest stops and camps.
Many camps have fresh water for drinking and bathing, and we carry water when natural sources are unavailable. Unscented biodegradable wipes are a useful addition to your personal gear.
Our Wilderness Ethic
Our goal is simple: replace cell phones with solitude and streetlights with stars.
Haida Gwaii is often called the “Galápagos of the Pacific Northwest” for its remarkable biodiversity. We are committed to protecting this extraordinary place by following Parks Canada and Haida Nation guidelines for low-impact camping, respectful wildlife viewing, and responsible travel. On the first day of your trip, your guide will provide an orientation covering Haida culture, ecological stewardship, and the practices that help keep this wilderness truly wild.
The OSK Team has designed a few tutorials for you.
A compressive Trip Planner and further videos will be presented to all guest once registered on a tour with Ocean Sound Kayaking, referencing over 30 years of questions and answers.