Getting to Gwaii Haanas

There are no roads into Gwaii Haanas - access is limited to boats and seaplanes. Visitors can either travel as part of a guided trip with one of our licensed tour operators or as a self-guided traveller .

Are you travelling with a tour operator?

Please make your reservation, pay your Gwaii Haanas visitor use fee, and receive your mandatory orientation directly through your operator.

Are you travelling independently?

All self-guided visitors must make a reservation, pay your fee and attend an orientation prior to entering Gwaii Haanas.  Each visitor will receive a visitor permit tag at the end of the orientation. 
Travel at your own pace, using the tides and weather as your guide: 

• Watch out for significant tidal variation, strong currents, rapidly changing weather and strong winds that develop with little or no warning
• Make daily travel plans flexible to accommodate delays caused by poor weather conditions
• Bring enough fuel and food to sustain you for a few extra days
• Carry clothing and equipment for a variety of weather conditions
• Be aware of the hazards
• Take the time to learn about the waters you plan to navigate 
• You will require good maps or charts to plan your daily itinerary and overnight stops

Boating to Gwaii Haanas

Most boaters and paddlers choose to travel on the inside waters of Carmichael Passage and Dana Passage from Moresby Camp to Gwaii Haanas. This route avoids the exposed waters between Cumshewa Head and Talunkwan Island.

Louise Narrows has strong currents and shallow waters. Kayakers should plan to go with the tidal current. Other boaters must be certain their vessel will not run aground; transit at high waters and follow the markers. There is little room for error. Call on marine channel 6 before entering to ensure there is no opposing traffic. If in doubt, avoid going through Louise Narrows.

Porter Head, on the Tangil Peninsula, is exposed to big seas, wind and currents - exercise caution.

Kayak rentals are available in Haida Gwaii. It takes about two days to kayak from Moresby Camp to Gwaii Haanas. A popular alternative is using a licensed tour operator to transport you and your kayak to Gwaii Haanas. You are still considered an independent visitor and must reserve and attend an orientation as an independent visitor before your trip.

Boat Launch

The closest boat launch to Gwaii Haanas is at Moresby Camp in Cumshewa Inlet, Moresby Island. Moresby Camp is a provincial recreational site with campsites, a shelter, and interpretive displays; it is accessible by rough logging road. Check with Sandspit Airport Visitor Centre or Daajing Giids Visitor Centre for detailed instructions on driving on active logging roads. Always drive with your headlights on.

Remember:

• No fuelling stations in Gwaii Haanas. You must be self-sufficient.
• Exercise extreme caution when travelling around exposed headlands. There are often strong tidal currents, swells, and winds for boaters and kayakers.
• Watch the water depth carefully while exploring bays and heads of inlets, which can be shallow and rocky.
• Avoid the west coast of Gwaii Haanas unless you're a highly experienced mariner familiar with these waters. It's exposed, not fully charted, and offers limited sheltered anchorages.