FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Specializing in Haida Gwaii kayak vacations 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.   Outlining the various Haida Cultural Sites or Watchmen Sites that paddlers could experience, while many guests 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.

For over 30 years, we have been introducing people of all ages and abilities from around the world to the beauty and wildness of Haida Gwaii. Our goal is to ensure every guest has a clear understanding of what to expect from our trips, so that your adventure is everything you hope for. Above all, we believe that age is just a number. If you have an adventurous spirit and a desire for meaningful wilderness experiences, you’re exactly who we’re looking for. As long as you’re in good physical condition and open to sharing in the occasional camp chores, you are more than welcome to join us on our journeys.

Our kayak expeditions are built on a foundation of community, environmental stewardship, and education. These core values shape every aspect of our trips and ensure that your experience is both enriching and responsible.

Community

A successful kayak expedition is rooted in collaboration and shared purpose. The collective skills, strengths, and perspectives of our group allow us to achieve goals together, overcome challenges, and enhance our collective experience. By working as a team, we are able to transcend individual limitations, support one another, and fully engage with the natural world around us. Through cooperation and mutual respect, strangers become friends, and every member contributes to the shared success of the journey. Both our guides and guests grow through shared learning and create an environment of inclusivity and connection.

Environmental Responsibility

We are deeply honored to share the natural wonder of Gwaii Haanas and Haida Gwaii with you, and we are fully committed to preserving these wild spaces for future generations. Environmental responsibility is at the heart of our operations. In both our personal lives and business practices, we make sustainability a priority by reducing our ecological footprint, reusing materials, and recycling whenever possible. Our goal is to not only minimize our impact but to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the natural world. Together, we can ensure these pristine environments remain protected and cherished for years to come.

We have introduced many people to Haida Gwaii over the past three decades, and before we travel together, we want to ensure that all our guests have a clear understanding of our trips, so that your expectations will be met.

Personal Fitness

First and foremost, I would like to make it clear that age means nothing to me.  I see it simply as a number.  The fact that you have connected with me, tells me you are an adventurous soul, and seek intrinsic wilderness experiences, which is what we are after.

Anyone in good physical condition and willing to share in an occasional camp chore is welcome on our tours.

We travel in a self-propelled mix fleet of single and double sea kayaks. There is NO support boat on any of my kayak tours.

Kayak experience is not required; however, I do ask that guests feel comfortable around water.

More important than one’s paddling skill, is that guests arrive with past camping experiences to draw upon.  Past experience’s travelling and camping in the wilderness will assist you greatly, ensuring your personal comfort in a remote wilderness setting such as Haida Gwaii.

Lifting and Carrying

To make any trip successful all guests must participate in the daily chores, and contribute to the overall team environment such as:  food cache, meal prep, meal clean up, setting up camp, collecting fire wood and drinking water, etc.

We can accommodate those that have physical limitations in this department; however, guests are expected to be able to carry up to 20 – 30 pounds, as kayaks must be placed above the high tide line nightly in teams of 6- 8 people.

Toilets 

There are no outhouse facilities throughout Gwaii Haanas.   The use of low impact practices such as the “intertidal flush”, a standard set by Parks Canada for all kayakers in Gwaii Haanas.

Your guide will give you a briefing of this practice and present a private area for the group washroom at each rest stop, and campsite.

Bathing and Water

Many of our chosen camps have a freshwater source to collect water and to bath in.  Your guides will create the boundaries along with a private location for guests.

The kayak tour will have the capability of carrying 110 Liters of water to sites that do not have suitable or reliable water supply.

Non-Scented wet wipes are some handy items around camp, as they are convenient and easy.

Haida Artist – James Crawford – Raven Steals the Light Bulb – @ravenstolemylightbulb

2024 represents 35 years of exploring the natural wonders and cultural treasures of Haida Gwaii for Ocean Sound kayaking, and I wanted to do something special. So, I approached my longtime friend James in February 2024, regarding a new logo.

Salmon Egg & Kelp

“The salmon travel many miles through streams and oceans, up and down rivers. They connect the mountains to the sea. They forage in the kelp, and feed the bears in the rivers, and fill the wilderness with the promise of a great meal”

Salmon symbolizes abundance, fertility, prosperity, renewal and good luck.  For thousands of years, salmon have been the primary food source for our indigenous cultures throughout the Pacific Northwest and are highly respected.

Kelp is a link between land and sea. It represents the interdependence between indigenous people and the sea, the reciprocal ties of kinship between humans and the supernatural beings, and the potential perils of marine livelihood.

Watch a time lapse of Salmon Egg & Kelp

Knowledge From The Deep

“I have had the great honour of having this piece featured on the cover of the forthcoming book, Indigenous Intellectual Property: An Interrupted Intergenerational Conversation, edited by Val Napoleon, Rebecca Johnson, Richard Overstall and Debra McKenzie, and published by University of Toronto Press.

I feel the piece represents the vast knowledge of our ancestors, buried beneath the surface of centuries of genocide and oppression, and the delicate dance as it struggles to resurface.  The relevance of this knowledge is increasingly apparent in this modern age, as we struggle with our estrangement from the natural world, and the consequences of the breakdown of that relationship.  Even this piece was originally developed digitally, further illustrating the conflict between the traditional and the neo-indigenous artistic endeavour.

This print was brought from my digital piece to tangible media by the wonderful and amazing Bill Horne at Amazing Space Studio.”

Time lapse video of the creation of Knowledge from the Deep.  Currently the limited print are being sold at 200$, contact James directly for availability

A Light in the Wild

June 2024, this project fulfilled my need for a Haida tattoo.  I asked James that the piece represent Raven, Water, Ocean, connect the earth and water worlds, all while being a supernatural being.

Raven disguised himself to enter the house of the Sky Chief, from whom he stole the sun, moon, and stars to give to humankind. Raven is a central figure in Haida mythology, depicted as a cultural hero, transformer, and magician. Possessing supernatural powers, Raven is credited with spreading lakes, rivers, and trees across the land and populating them with fish and animals. Often described as a “trickster,” Haida people believe Raven, also known as Yáahl, represents a complex reflection of one’s self.

The dorsal fins of the double fin killer whale represent family, romance, longevity, harmony, travel, community and protection. Orcas are said to protect those who travel away from home, and to lead them back when the time comes. Orcas will often stay their whole life with the same pod and raise each calf with care.

Within the double dorsal fins are the eyes of the Frog.  Frog is portrayed as Raven’s wife, child, or alter ego. Creek Woman, who resides in a stream and is associated with the Frog family, and is considered one of Raven’s wives (Shearar). Frog represents wealth, abundance, ancient wisdom, rebirth, and good luck. Frogs are great communicators and often represent the common ground or voice of the people.

The water, or the underworld, represents the ocean and everything within it. Additionally, the killer whales’ dorsal fins were said to have their villages in the depths, mirroring the Haida villages on the surface, complete with aligned longhouses.

Fire Proof Frog

A 6 ft Yellow Cedar Paddle was created in 2016, by James.  This piece is displayed with honour and respect in my home.

Haida Gwaii is a spectacular place full of life and culture.  Everyone in Haida Territory shares a responsibility to care for the Air, Ocean, Land, and People.

Take the Haida Gwaii Pledge

Council of Haida Nation

Haida Gwaii Visitor Orientation

Three human figures wearing high hats are often carved at the very top of Haida poles. In the past, Haida watchmen were posted at strategic positions around a village to raise the alarm in advance of an approaching enemy.

The carved figures crowning the monumental poles stood sentinel over the village. The three carved watchmen form the symbol adopted by the Haida for the Haida Gwaii Watchmen Program.

Today the Haida Gwaii Watchmen are a program managed by the council of the Haida Nation with financial support from Parks Canada.

From May to October the program has provided seasonal employment for Haida men and women as young as 16 and as old as 78. For many visitors, meeting the watchmen is their favourite part of a memorable trip to Haida Village Sites.

They offer a first-hand introduction to Haida culture by sharing their knowledge of the land and sea, their stories, songs, dances and traditional foods.

Other Related Links

• Land, Sea, People
• Legacy Pole
• Post Contact History
• Photos and Videos

Please note, that Ocean Sound Kayaking does not accept direct online bookings.

I like to talk to each guest directly on the phone, allowing me to draw upon the many years of experience I have regarding kayaking on Haida Gwaii, to answer any questions you may have, while designing the ideal trip for you.

Another reason why small business operators, are actually BIGGER and better for you!

Contact us.

Deposit & Payment Schedule

Reservations require a non-refundable 300$ Cdn deposit per participant to secure all tour reservations.

This deposit holds participants space on the tour until 90 days prior tour start date, when final payment is due.

Since 1989 OSK has introduced many people to sea kayaking.   Our trips are designed for both beginner and experienced paddlers.  Each trip is unique, so we tailor it to the specific skill base of the group, tour expectations and overall guest experience.

More important than kayaking skill, is that all guests must have camping experience to ensure their comfort while in such a remote wilderness location. Ocean Sound Kayaking requests that guests bring the following items outlined in our gear list for a successful kayak vacation.

Yes! Given enough time we can accommodate most food allergies.  It really comes down to communications so we can adjust accordingly.

We are happy to accommodate many dietary restrictions. However, please be aware that dietary restrictions add complexity and costs to preparing for your tour. Below are the dietary restrictions we can accommodate and the associated costs for substitutions:

• $125 fee: gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, nut-free, and soy-free
• No additional cost: vegetarian, no red meat, no fish, no seafood

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies not listed above, please contact us at info@oceansoundkayaking.com to discuss if we can accommodate your needs and any additional charges.

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.

Ocean Sound Kayaking is not responsible for ensuring the appropriate level or amount of coverage is purchased. Please contact your travel insurance provider to ensure you have appropriate coverage for your entire trip. If you use a credit card for payment for your tour expenses, you may have trip interruption insurance as part of your card benefits. This coverage, however, is often a limited dollar amount, may not cover COVID-19 related issues and does not usually include cancellation or medical coverage. Please check with your specific card provider to ensure you are adequately insured. Personal equipment, baggage and valuables (cameras, electronics, jewellery, etc.) are carried entirely at the owner’s risk. Ocean Sound Kayaking is not responsible for lost, damaged or delayed property.

If a tour has to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control and/or a circumstance amounting to “force majeure” such as war, threat of war, political instability, riots, civil disturbances, actual or threatened terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disasters, fires, epidemics, health risks and pandemics, acts of God, industrial disputes, unforeseeable technical problems with transport for reasons beyond our control or that of our suppliers, closed or congested airports or ports, hurricanes and other actual or potential adverse weather condition, and any other similar events, there will be no refund from Ocean Sound Kayaking. Please contact your travel insurance provider for details on how to start a claim.

Ocean Sound Kayaking is not responsible for expenses incurred by trip participants in preparing for a cancelled trip (for example non-refundable advance purchase plane tickets, visa fees, inoculations, equipment etc. or for any additional arrangements for other travel plans associated with your travel).

Most people have insurance without knowing it through their credit card(s), health plan, personal insurance, etc.   I strongly recommend that all guests have travel insurance to cover any unexpected situations and illnesses that could arise before and especially during your tour in Gwaii Haanas, as any evacuation from this remote location “WILL” be costly. 

For Out of Province and Non-Canadian Residents this is a must for you, as medical costs and evacuations can be very expensive.  Contact your travel agent or insurance for further information regarding coverage in British Columbia, Canada.

Tour delays can be costly, whether it’s due to bad weather, cancelled or delayed transportation (flights, ferries or zodiac), Covid, and illness or like situations that Ocean Sound Kayaking cannot control, are not included in the tour costs.  

The cost to make an expedition successful begins well before the departure date.  The following payment schedule will apply.

• >90 days to departure date – Full Refund minus 300$ deposit
• <90 – 60 days prior departure date – 50% Refund of full cost
• <60 days prior departure date – No Refund

If for any reason you are to cancel your tour, 90 days prior the tour start date, and you or Ocean Sound Kayaking can find a suitable replacement, a full refund less deposit can be granted.

All Cancellations must be submitted by email, and confirmed by Ocean Sound Kayaking.

Paddlers can find themselves exploring great distances very easily with efficient use of the tides, weather patterns and local topography,

We tend to paddle 2.5- 3 hrs in the morning, as well as in the afternoon, with a break for lunch.  There is usually plenty of opportunity to rest or go to shore while en route. The biggest factor in a day’s outing is weather and the skill base of the group.  Longer or shorter days may be desired to get to a favorable location or due to different tides and weather.

If you live a healthy, active lifestyle you will be fine.  Age means nothing ever since we travelled with 78-year-young Roddy from California, whose spirit for adventure has outpaced many we have met to date.

If you are looking for a very flexible experience, take a look at our Basecamp tour.

If moving camp and seeing a vast amount of landscapes is what you desire, the Expedition tours may be what you’re looking for.

Both types of tours offer you an equal amount of kayaking time in a day.  What it really comes down to is how you wish to spend your day.

Expedition tours have an objective – to travel from a known starting point to a finishing point in Gwaii Haanas. Kayakers will break camp and set up a new home almost daily and early starts may be required for efficient travel.  Expedition kayaking also provides you with the opportunity to explore a variety of landscapes unique to Haida Gwaii.

There is nothing like having the opportunity of wondering what new adventures may lay ahead in your day.

One luxury that a Base Camp tour offers is flexibility.  Our base camp tours tend to use three or five strategically placed remote wilderness camps through the vacation.  Guests may find a more leisurely atmosphere because you are not required to move camp from one rainy site to another if you don’t wish to.

Base Camp tours are also not as tide dependant, so may not require early starts.  From these camps guests enjoy a variety of day trips that allow you to intimately explore the surrounding landscape.

With over two decades of kayaking Haida Gwaii, we have tried all types of kayak combinations to create an efficient, safe and team environment for your sea kayak vacation. We find the mixed fleet option of six single kayaks and two double kayaks to be the ideal scenario for self-supported travel.

You can take a virtual tour of the following sites by opening these links:

SGang Gwaay – UNESCO World Heritage Site

K’uunna

T’aannu

Hot Springs Island

BIG trees of Windy Bay

Legacy Pole at Windy Bay

If we could order the weather, every trip would be rain-free and filled with double rainbows! That said, Haida Gwaii is the largest temperate rainforest on the B.C. coast but that does not mean that it rains all the time.  The driest season tends to be the later part of June to early September which is really the operating season. The average temperature for July and August is 17-20 C (62-68 F), however in 2015, record breaking temperatures of well into the 30’s (80’s F) were set throughout Haida Gwaii.

Our approach has always been for everyone to take a turn in a double kayak for a day and then try our various single kayaks for the rest of the sea kayak vacation. This delivers the best flexibility and safety for the entire group.

Remember, a single kayak is a self-propelled vessel, while a double has two ‘engines’, which can be very attractive on a long day.

Absolutely! Whether you are travelling solo or with a friend, you are not required to share your personal space.

Everything from honeymoons, birthdays, anniversaries, family vacations, exclusive groups and conferences has been offered since 1989.   It’s best to contact us early to plan so you can get what you desire. Many guests return to Haida Gwaii to appreciate the virtually untouched landscape with the limitless potential for discovery or to challenge themselves with a skill-based tour.

We have enjoyed the company of people from seven to 82 years of age.  It is all about a person’s attitude to enjoy unspoiled wilderness and adventure.   If you are thinking of visiting Haida Gwaii for your family vacation, the 6 Day Haida Gwaii kayak tour is flexible, designed for families, and would be great introduction to Haida Gwaii.