GETTING TO HAIDA GWAII

Ocean Sound Kayaking encourages its guests to take a few days to discover and explore Haida Gwaii. If so, I suggest putting these days before your kayak trip, as this can create a buffer if the “what if’s” unfold with your travel arrangements and life.  These days can be used to put yourself back on track before the trip starts.

Go Haida Gwaii and the K’il Kun (Sandspit) Visitor Center are great resources for many of the activities, accommodations, and events found on island, if you are thinking of a few extra days.  I can certainly help with suggestions as well.

Our tours operate in a remote coastal environment exposed to a diversity of weather conditions and our water taxi to/from Gwaii Haanas may require last minute adjustments from our transport providers.  It is for these reasons that we require all travel arrangements at minimum are to be made No later than the day before the tour start date, and leave Haida Gwaii NO sooner than the day after the tours scheduled last day.

All Haida Gwaii kayaking tours start from the community of k’il Kun (Sandspit), BC, Canada and can be accessed by plane, train, or automobile. A ferry will be required for those not flying directly from Vancouver, B.C.

Flying to Haida Gwaii

Since 2021, there is ONLY ONE flight from Vancouver to K’il Kun (Sandspit) BC, the staging area of all Ocean Sound Kayaking tours, to accommodate everyone.  Traditionally there was two flights a day, making it possible for lost luggage, or missed connecter flights to be adjusted with the afternoon flight.  Unfortunately, this luxury no longer exists, so you will need to decide if arriving the day prior is acceptable, if missed luggage and/or missed connectors occurs to you.

Air Miles or Aeroplan Points

The most economical way to get to this remote location is the use of Air Miles or Aeroplan Points. If you have access to these, flying from either Vancouver, B.C. or Calgary, Alberta uses the same number of points, depending on your point of origin. Seats are limited so think about reserving your seat sooner, rather than later.

Air Canada Jazz (YZP)

Air Canada (Vancouver YVR – K’il Kun (Sandspit) YZP) – There is ONLY ONE direct flight from Vancouver to K’il Kun (Sandspit) BC, the staging area of all Ocean Sound Kayaking tours, to accommodate all travelers.

Pacific Coastal Airlines

Pacific Coastal Airlines flies into the Masset Airport, which is located on the northern tip of Graham Island. Their flights can be cheaper than Air Canada’s, however you will have to arrange reliable travel (200 km) from Masset to K’il Kun (Sandspit). A bus or rental car is required.

BC Ferries 

BC Ferries offers sailings from Prince Rupert (mainland) to Skidegate Landing – Haida Gwaii.

You can also travel from Vancouver Island to Haida Gwaii by connecting the following:  Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, then Prince Rupert to Skidegate Landing on Haida Gwaii.

It is 24 hrs from Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert and often requires a layover in Prince Rupert. Then an additional 7-hour crossing from the mainland to Haida Gwaii,

If you are taking a vehicle on any ferry, a reservation well in advance will be required.

To make the ferry seem even more complicated, once you arrive in Skidegate Landing, you will need to connect with the local ferry to K’il Kun (Sandspit – Alliford Bay)

It is recommended that you stay in Sandspit on your final evening.  Mother Nature may not cooperate, and a later than desired return may occur on the final day of your kayak trip, which may NOT provide you enough time to catch that limited ferry.

• Local Ferry Schedule for Haida Gwaii.
• Toll Free: 1 888 223 3779

Automobiles 

From Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary, one should anticipate 16-19 hours of driving time, followed by a 7-hour ferry crossing from Prince Rupert to Skidegate Landing on Haida Gwaii. A reservation with B.C. Ferries will be required for your car.

The option to leave a vehicle in Prince Rupert is limited so you may want to connect with the Prince Rupert Visitor Center on this.

VIA RAIL

Via Rail Canada offers train service from Edmonton to Prince Rupert, but then one must take a ferry to Haida Gwaii – the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Getting Around on Haida Gwaii 

If you do not have your own vehicle on Haida Gwaii, a Rental Car is a must.  These are an endangered species in this part of the country, plan accordingly, and don’t delay if you are thinking you need one.

There is no reliable public transportation on Haida Gwaii, so to move about besides hitch hiking, it is a must.

Rental Car Options:

• Gwaii Adventures – 6 fully-equipped Adventure Vans, each ready to carry you beyond the tourist trails into the heart of the wild.
• Sandspit Budget Rental Car – Email Carol or Kevin = yzpbudget@haidagwaii.ca
• Go Experience – Rental Cars

Once you have your travel arrangements organized, your next step is to reserve your accommodations in K’il Kun (Sandspit), BC