A trip of a lifetime, all expectations were exceeded, thank you for the lasting memories.
The North Nomad
Experience the pathless traveled and the North Nomad difference — Go beyond sightseeing and immerse yourself in the wild, remote and deeply storied character of Haida Gwaii. The North Nomad, is an extraordinary journey through ancient forests, protected coastlines, sea bird – seal colonies, and places rich with Haida history and culture.
With over three decades of kayaking on Haida Gwaii – some of my favorite shoreline to explore and places to camp are found on this trip.
Our route explores the northern part of Gwaii Haanas alongside the protected conservancies of Ḵ’uuna Gwaay and Kunx̱alas. Together, these remarkable areas safeguard an incredible diversity of marine and terrestrial life, from old-growth forests and rugged shorelines to some of the region’s most important marine habitats.
Into the Wild North
Our journey begins along the shoreline and through the ancient old-growth forests of Kunga Island, where the landscape offers a glimpse into the wild character of Haida Gwaii.
We’ll also visit T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu), a culturally significant Haida village site known for its historic longhouse sites and as the resting place of renowned Haida artist Bill Reid. Here, the landscape becomes a gateway to understanding the deep cultural connections between the Haida people and these islands.
The waters surrounding the northern conservancies are equally extraordinary. This highly productive marine environment provides vital habitat for an abundance of wildlife, including harbour seals, Steller sea lions, seabirds and migrating whales travelling through Hecate Strait.
The northern islands are home to an impressive array of wildlife. Long-term research and monitoring by Environment Canada, the Laskeek Bay Conservation Society and the Research Group on Introduced Species has documented seabirds, shorebirds, marine mammals and cavity-nesting birds, along with the remarkable plant diversity found throughout the region.
Keep your eyes open for peregrine falcons, pelagic cormorants, ancient murrelets, tufted puffins and marbled murrelets—just some of the species that depend on these protected ecosystems.
Quick Fact – Laskeek Bay is home to the Ancient Murrelet, which can be considered “the” seabird of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, where an estimated 50% of the global population breeds.
A Journey Through Haida History
One of the highlights of The North Nomad is our visit to Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans), a Haida Heritage Site where towering memorial and mortuary poles stand among the remains of an ancestral village.
Here, we have the opportunity to meet the Haida Watchmen, who bring the landscape to life through stories of the people, places and traditions connected to this special site. It is an experience that offers a deeper understanding of Haida culture and the enduring relationship between the Haida and these lands and waters.
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 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.
Over the 8 days we will spend our days navigating islands and islets, seeking out natural treasures, finding time to soak up the wonder of the wilderness, and allow nature to help us all reconnect.
Day 1
Your adventure begins in Sandspit (K’il Kun), BC, home to the island’s main airport. We’ll pick you up at your accommodations in Sandspit at 7:30 a.m. and transport you to Gwaii Haanas where you start your journey.
This day will be focused on introduce everyone to our mixed fleet of kayaks, and explore the wonders that Kunga Island has to offer.
Day 2 – 8
A highlight to this day will be a visit T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu), a culturally significant Haida village site known for its historic longhouse sites and as the resting place of renowned Haida artist Bill Reid. Here, the landscape becomes a gateway to understanding the deep cultural connections between the Haida people and these islands. Here the watchmen on site will take you thru the village engaging with you of stories present and past.
Our next camp will be strategic as we leave Gwaii Haanas and enter Ḵ’uuna Gwaay and Kunx̱alas Conservancies. Together, these remarkable areas safeguard an incredible diversity of marine and terrestrial life. This highly productive marine environment provides vital habitat for an abundance of wildlife, including harbour seals, Steller sea lions, seabirds and migrating whales travelling through Hecate Strait.
Once we set up camp on Louise Island (the forth largest Island in Haida Gwaii) we will be within striking distance to visit Limestone Island. The Laskeek Bay Conservation Society operates a remote coastal research station on both Limestone and Reef Islands, has been at the forefront of environmental conservation for over three decades. Their mission is to” protect and restore the unique ecosystems for the Laskeek Bay while fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and nature”. A visit to Limestone is without a doubt a highlight to the trip.
Quick Fact – Laskeek Bay is home to the Ancient Murrelet, which can be considered “the” seabird of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, where an estimated 50% of the global population breeds.
Having paddled through these conservancies over the past three decades, some of my favorite shoreline to explore and places to camp are found on this trip. 
Navigating north bound in the late summer of even years, pink salmon migrate (on even years – 2028, 2030, etc) up Skedans Creek, can provide some amazing yet safe encounters of Taan (bear), feeding on the limitless supply of salmon.
With an abundance of cedar, shorebirds, salmon, seals, and sea lions in the area, it no wonder why the Haida would have a village in close proximity to all of these resources which brings us to another treasure on this trip. Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans), a Haida Heritage Site where towering memorial and mortuary poles stand among the remains of this ancestral village.
Here, we have the opportunity to meet the Haida Watchmen, who bring the landscape to life through stories of the people, places and traditions connected to this special site. It is an experience that offers a deeper understanding of Haida culture and the enduring relationship between the Haida and these lands and waters.
Weather will play a big role in our next decision how we paddle northward. With favorable weather we will head towards Cumshewa Head, and our take-out point of Grau Bay. All mariners have a backup plan, and if weather is not in our favor, we will head westward into Cumshewa in inlet and explore along the way to alternative exit t MC.
Day 8
We will have a short paddle in the morning to reflect on our northward journey north, and load the kayaks for a short ride back to Sandspit (Kil Kun) by late afternoon.
We look forward to sharing the many nature wonders and cultural treasures of the North Nomad with you.
All prices are in Canadian Dollars. Prices do not include $190 Park Fee or 5% GST
2028 OSK will be celebrating 40 incredible years of exploring Haida Gwaii – Why settle for second best!
Review all Haida Gwaii Kayak Tour Dates
Welcome to Your Haida Gwaii Adventure
For more than 30 years, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming guests of all ages and abilities from around the world to experience the wild beauty of Haida Gwaii.
Our goal is simple: we want you to know what to expect before you arrive, so you can feel prepared, confident, and excited for the adventure ahead.
Adventure Has No Age Limit
You don’t need to be a lifelong paddler or an experienced adventurer to join us. If you’re in reasonably good general health, comfortable around water, excited to explore a remote wilderness, and happy to lend a hand with the occasional camp chore, you’ll fit right in.
Previous kayaking – Canoeing experience can be an asset, but not required
We travel as a self-supported fleet of single and double sea kayaks, without a support boat. This means that a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and you are adaptable. More important – ALL guests must have past camping experiences, this is often more valuable than previous paddling experience.
You’ll learn as you go, and our guides will be there to teach, encourage, and support you along the way.
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? Every day is a little 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 have the flexibility to adapt our plans to the conditions. Safety and enjoyment always come first.
Rather than focusing on nautical miles, it’s more useful to think about time on the water.
On most days, we aim to paddle for approximately 5–6 hours total — generally 2½–3 hours in the morning and another 2½–3 hours in the afternoon. Along the way, there’s plenty of time to stop for snacks, stretch your legs, explore the shoreline, take in the scenery, and simply enjoy where you are.
It’s to travel efficiently and safely, experience the incredible beauty of Haida Gwaii, and enjoy the journey together.
And Yes… Sometimes It Rains!
We wish we could promise that every day would bring sunshine, calm seas, and a helpful wind at our backs. Mother Nature, however, has never been particularly interested in following our itinerary!
There may be days when we paddle in the rain, work our way into the wind, or adjust our plans because of changing conditions. A good sense of humour, flexibility, and a positive attitude go a long way.
The weather is part of the adventure — and often makes the stories we tell later even better.
Teamwork Makes the Adventure
A successful kayak expedition is a team effort. Everyone arrives with different skills, strengths, and experiences, and that’s part of what makes each group unique.
Our trips are participatory adventures, which means everyone has a role to play. You may find yourself helping prepare a meal, washing dishes, gathering firewood, collecting water, carrying kayaks, organizing camp, or helping with food storage.
Don’t worry — we’re not expecting you to be an expert at everything! Some people are fantastic in the kitchen, others are natural organizers, strong paddlers, enthusiastic fire builders, or simply great at keeping everyone laughing.
Whatever your strengths, there’s a place for you on the team.
Working together keeps camp running smoothly, but it also creates something more important: camaraderie. Shared responsibilities, small challenges, and plenty of time together in the wilderness have a wonderful way of turning strangers into friends.
Our guides are there to lead, teach, and support the group, but the best expeditions are those where everyone contributes. Together, we create a safe, inclusive, rewarding, and unforgettable experience.
Lifting & Camp Life
Life in a remote wilderness comes with a little more hands-on participation than a typical vacation — and that’s part of the fun!
Daily camp tasks may include:
- Preparing meals and helping with cleanup
- Setting up and organizing camp
- Collecting water and firewood
- Helping move kayaks above the high-tide line each evening
- Assisting with food and gear storage
We can accommodate many physical limitations, and we encourage you to talk with us ahead of time about any concerns or limitations you may have.
Guests should be comfortable carrying approximately 20–30 lb (9–14 kg) and participating in shared camp responsibilities.
You don’t have to be the strongest person in the group. We work together, share the load, and help each other out.
Washrooms & Bathing
A wilderness expedition means embracing a few differences from home — including the washroom!
There are no outhouses in Gwaii Haanas. We follow Parks Canada’s low-impact practices, including the intertidal flush method. Your guides will explain how this works and ensure you have privacy at rest stops and camps.
Many camps have access to fresh water for drinking and bathing. When natural water sources aren’t available, we carry what we need.
An unscented biodegradable wipe is also a very useful addition to your personal gear.
A little preparation goes a long way, and knowing what to expect means you can spend less time worrying about the practical details — and more time soaking up the magic of Haida Gwaii.
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.
