Visitor orientation

Visiting Gwaii Haanas on your own boat or kayak? The Gwaii Haanas Archipelago Management Board requires that each visitor attend an orientation before entering Gwaii Haanas.

This session includes information on closures, emergency protocols, and how to travel respectfully. It is also an opportunity to connect with Gwaii Haanas staff and ask questions about your upcoming trip.

In-person orientations are held at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay in Skidegate and last one hour. Virtual orientations are held on Google Meets and last 1.5 hours. You will receive your trip permit and visitor package after completing the orientation.

2025 In-Person Orientation Schedule (Time in brackets refers to orientation start time):

• March 1 – May 30: Monday to Friday, by appointment.
• June: 2 (9:00am), 6 (9:00am), 10 (9:00am), 13 (9:00am), 17 (2:00pm), 20 (9:00am), 23 (9:00am), 27 (9:00am), 30 (9:00am)
• July: 4 (9:00am), 7 (9:00am), 11 (9:00am), 14 (9:00am), 18 (9:00am), 21 (9:00am), 25 (2:00pm), 28 (9:00am), 31 (9:00am)
• August: 4 (9:00am), 8 (9:00am), 11 (9:00am), 15 (9:00am), 18 (9:00am), 22 (9:00am), 25 (9:00am), 28 (9:00am)
• September 2 – December 31: Monday to Friday, by appointment.

2025 Virtual Orientation Schedule: (held on Google Meets)

• March: 4, 11, 20, 25 (6:30pm)
• April: 3, 8, 17, 22 @ (6:30pm)
• May: 1, 6, 20, 29 @ (6:30pm)
• June: 3, 12, 19, 26 @ (6:30pm)
• July: 2, 10, 15, 22, 29 @ (6:30pm)
• August: 7, 12, 21, 26 @ (6:30pm)
• September 2 – December 31: Monday to Friday, by appointment.

Special bookings

To request an orientation outside of regular schedule, call 1-877-559-8818. Please contact our office at least three week prior to your planned trip.

Special bookings cost $85.50, and payment is made at time of booking.

If you miss your orientation due to weather delays and no regularly scheduled orientations are available before your trip, you will need to request a special booking and pay the special booking fee. Requests must be made at least two days in advance for consideration and are subject to staff availability.

Orientations in French

If you require a French orientation, please specify this when booking.

We look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to Gwaii Haanas.