On the water, between the mountains.
Some call Haida Gwaii Canada's Galápagos North, and it's easy to see why. These remote islands are unlike anywhere else in Canada, with rugged coastlines, towering forests, abundant wildlife, and a rich Indigenous culture that has shaped the islands for thousands of years.
This tour combines the cultural and wild sides of Haida Gwaii. You'll explore the communities of Skidegate, Sandspit, and Masset, visit the Haida Heritage Centre, meet local artists and carvers, share a traditional Haida feast in an Elder's home, and hike through beautiful coastal forests. Together, these experiences offer a meaningful introduction to the islands, their people, and their traditions.
The highlight of the tour is our overnight Zodiac expedition into southern Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. This is a part of Canada that very few people ever experience. Over two days, we'll travel through remote waters, stopping to explore cultural and natural sites while watching for whales, sea lions, seabirds, and other wildlife. We'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay, where centuries old Haida totem poles still stand, spend the night at the historic Rose Harbour Guest House, then continue north through Gwaii Haanas before returning to Moresby Island for a final night at the Moresby Guest House.
If you are drawn to remote destinations, unique nature and wildlife, and meaningful cultural experiences, this tour is a great fit. It is ideal for travellers who want to experience a quieter, less visited part of Canada while still taking in a wide range of what makes the country special, from coastal landscapes and rich ecosystems to deeply rooted Indigenous culture.
DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: $6,480
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $650
TYPE: TravelMavenSafari
HOTELS: Various Hotel Types
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the remote nature of Haida Gwaii, accommodation may have shared (indoor or outdoor) bathroom facilities.
GROUP: Max 10 guests
DURATION: 7 days (6 hotel nights)
STARTS: Sun May 30, 2027
ENDS: Sat June 5, 2027
Daily Agenda
Day 1 (Sun May 30)
Arrive in Sandspit & Welcome Dinner
Guests will arrive at Sandspit Airport in the late afternoon, where they will be welcomed and picked up by Shelley (our trusted local partner). From there, you will be transferred to your accommodation to check in and settle into your rooms. Later in the evening, you will head out for a special experience: a traditional Haida feast at Keenawaii's Kitchen.
Meals Included: Dinner | Overnight: Skidegate
Day 2 (Mon May 31)
Haida Heritage Centre, Saahlinda Naay Museum, & Spirit Lake Trail Hike
This morning, guests will visit the Haida Heritage Centre for a guided pole tour, and then explore the Saahlinda Naay Museum. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and in the afternoon, you will enjoy a scenic hike along the iconic GuuhlGa Siiwaay K’yuu (Spirit Lake Trail). Afterwards, you will stop by the onsite gift shop, a great place to pick up authentic Haida Gwaii souvenirs and locally made items.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight: Skidegate
Day 3 (Tue Jun 1 )
Massett Day
Today will be spent in Masset. You will visit the Carving Shed to see Haida artists working on totem poles using traditional techniques. You will then stop at Gin Kuuyas and Sarah’s gift shops to browse locally made Haida art. In the afternoon, you will visit Tow Hill and the nearby Blowholes for a short coastal walk, before ending the day at Hiellen Longhouse Village to see the Haida Crest Pole by the beach.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight: Skidegate
Day 4 (Wed Jun 2)
Gallery, Shore Walk & Louise Dover Walk
After breakfast, we'll visit a local gallery and take a walk along the shore before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, we'll board the ferry to Moresby Island and head to the Louise Dover Trail for a scenic walk through the forest. We'll arrive at the Moresby Explorers' Seaport B&B in the late afternoon, ready for tomorrow's Zodiac adventure. This evening, you can enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch | Overnight: Skidegate
Day 5 (Thu Jun 3)
Zodiac Tour Day #1
Today is sure to be one of the highlights of the tour as you begin your overnight Zodiac adventure through southern Gwaii Haanas. At the southern tip of the islands, you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay, home to some of the world's finest remaining Haida totem poles and the remains of an ancient village. This evening, you'll spend the night at the historic Rose Harbour Guest House.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight: Rose Harbour
Day 6 (Fri Jun 4)
Zodiac Tour Day #2
After breakfast, you'll board your Zodiac for the return journey through southern Gwaii Haanas. Along the way, we'll continue watching for wildlife and stop at additional cultural and natural sites before arriving back at the Moresby Guest House this afternoon. There is a restaurant nearby for you to enjoy dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch | Overnight: Seaport B&B
Day 7 (Sat Jun 5)
Departure Day
After breakfast, we'll visit the Spit Walk Trail, which hugs the airport fence along the shoreline. It's a lovely place for one last stroll, with beautiful beach views and a final chance to soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Haida Gwaii. Afterwards, you'll make your way to the Skidegate Airport for your departing flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Zodiac Expedition & Physical Requirements
Our two day expedition into southern Gwaii Haanas is sure to be a highlight for everyone, but is also the most physically demanding aspect of the tour and may not be suitable for everyone.
We will spend approximately 4 to 6 hours travelling by Zodiac both days, which will be broken up by stops to explore things onshore. On a good day the ride is smooth, while on other days it can be rougher. This is not easy to predict in advance. As such, guests should be comfortable with long periods on the water and getting in and out of the Zodiac. We will be in remote areas, walking on rocky beaches and lightly maintained forest trails. Some of these stops may involve treks of up to 2 km.
Please note, anyone with back or neck issues, mobility or balance concerns, or another condition that could be affected by a bumpy boat ride should speak with us before booking. Hundreds of people take this tour each year, but Gwaii Haanas is remote with medical assistance several hours away.
Moresby Explorers provides waterproof floater jackets, waterproof pants and tall rubber boots.