Getting to Gwaii Haanas

An intimate experience with land and sea awaits those with a sense of adventure and the skills necessary for a wilderness trip.

There are no roads into Gwaii Haanas - access is limited to boats and seaplanes.

Visitors who come to explore Gwaii Haanas do so either as part of a guided trip, travelling with one of our licensed tour operators, or on a self-guided adventure.

Are you planning a self-guided trip into Gwaii Haanas?

All self-guided visitors must make a reservation, pay an all-inclusive fee and attend an orientation.  Once these steps are completed each visitor will receive a visitor permit tag. 

Remember:

Travel at your own pace, using the wind and weather as your guide.

• This area has 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

Generally, small craft travel 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.

Watch Tides and Currents

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 channel 16 or 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. 

Two Days By Kayak

Kayak rentals are available on the islands and some tour operators will transport your kayaks to some of the popular sites within Gwaii Haanas, saving you the two days it takes to reach the Gwaii Haanas boundary from the closest boat launch at Moresby Camp.

It takes about two days, weather permitting, to travel by kayak from Moresby Camp to the northern border of Gwaii Haanas at the Tangil Peninsula.

A popular alternative is kayak transportation by one of the licensed motorboat tour operators.

For further help planning your trip contact us.