PREPARING FOR YOUR HAIDA GWAII TOUR

The perfect vacation looks different for everyone, so it’s important to ask yourself some initial questions when planning a trip to Haida Gwaii.

Having trouble deciding which tour is best for you?

Specializing in Haida Gwaii kayak vacations over the past three decades allows OSK to offer a variety of tours ranging in duration, skill, and location.  Here is a short trip comparison and an interactive map for you to review.

Most kayak outfitters divide Gwaii Haanas into thirds, offering trips in the South end, central/ middle, and in the North end of the park, which ultimately offer different experiences. This interactive map shows the various kayak tours offered by Ocean Sound Kayaking and their location on Gwaii Haanas.   This map also outlines the various Haida Cultural Sites or Watchmen Sites that paddlers could experience, while many guest find this map a good reference when getting to know the lay of the land.

• Are you limited by dates in which you can travel? Review our tour schedule here.
• What is included and what is not Included in a trip with Ocean Sound Kayaking?
• Reviewing our FAQ’s outlines our guests’ expectations, and can fill in a lot of the blanks for you as well.

Once you have decided on which Ocean Sound Kayaking tour you wish to participate on, we have outlined the next steps for you to think about.

Discover Haida Gwaii

Guests often enjoy a few extra days exploring Haida Gwaii. We strongly recommend that guests add these days prior to your kayak trip, so any “hiccups” with connecting flights or lost luggage can have time to be resolved.

• How long do you plan to stay on island, will you be taking a few days to explore Haida Gwaii?
• If you choose to explore Haida Gwaii, how will you be getting around the islands?
• What activities and interesting things are there to do on island?

Regardless of where you are travelling from, Haida Gwaii has an abundance of activities for everyone to enjoy.  Here are some useful links for your reference.

• Daajing Giids Visitor Center
• Sandspit Visitor Center

Travel Arrangements

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; however, a ferry from Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii will be will be required for those not flying directly from Vancouver, BC to K’il Kun (Sandspit) (YZP).

• Getting to Haida Gwaii

Accommodations

K’il Kun (Sandspit) is a small community of roughly 250 people.  We strongly recommend that guests secure their desired accommodations once you have registered on our tours, as beds can be very limited at the various B&B’s, hotels, and lodges found in town.

• k’il Kun (Sandspit) Accommodations

Travel Responsibly

The Council of Haida Nation ask’s all travellers to Haida Gwaii to review and be familiar with the Haida Gwaii Pledge.

As for your kayak trip, the type, coverage, and cost of Travel Insurance is a personal choice.  Travel insurance has never been more important or helpful than it is today. Purchasing appropriate and adequate travel insurance will protect your travel investment and decrease stress if you are not able to travel as planned.  Medical Assistance in a remote location such as Haida Gwaii can be a very costly event.  Ocean Sound Kayaking recommends that ALL guests cover themselves properly.

• You can review Terms and Conditions for further detail.

Personal Gear List

From years of experience, our gear list outlines: the correct items, the proper materials, and how our guests should pack for their tour with OSK.  View our recommended gear list.

Connect with us, so we may introduce ourselves, while answering any questions you may have regarding my tours or Haida Gwaii in general.