Haida Gwaii Itinerary

Set sail amongst the islands of one of the richest biological & cultural areas North America has to offer.

An Immersive and Authentic Cultural Experience

Explore Gwaii Haanas, appropriately translating to “Islands of beauty”

Weave amongst the 138 islands that create Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area, and Haida Heritage Site. Jointly managed by Parks Canada and the Council of Haida Nation, Gwaii Haanas encompasses roughly the southern third of Haida Gwaii, creating a refuge from industrial logging and preserving the vast ecosystem that provides for so many flora and fauna species.

For the Haida people, the boundary between earth and ocean exists only on a map. As one of the Haida Ways of Being lists out on the Haida Pledge: “everything depends on everything else” – on this trip, we hope to bring this concept to life by not only experiencing wildlife encounters and historic cultural sites, but by learning deeply about them and exploring how everything is interconnected in this spectacular archipelago.

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Route & Notable Stops

We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more. Below is a sample of the route you may take on your Haida Gwaii trip

Begin Your Haida Culture Learning

Meet early morning to take part in what Bluewater calls the ‘Land Tour’ of Haida Gwaii prior to boarding the boat; expanding your understanding of Haida culture and allowing a deeper appreciation and comprehension of the land and incredible historic sites we will see during the trip. The land tour includes a visit to the Haida Heritage Centre, traditional Haida lunch, and an interpretive walk at Spirit Lake. In the afternoon, guests are transferred by shuttle van to Moresby Camp where you will meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel, enjoy dinner onboard, and set sail south for Gwaii Haanas.

The islands of Gwaii Haanas offer an ethereal landscape of sandy beaches, lowland rainforest, and boggy plateau. The archipelago also provides a remarkable evolutionary showcase. Theories suggest that parts of Haida Gwaii escaped the last ice age, forming a refuge for plant and animal life. This helps to explain the presence of unique plant species and sub-species of wildlife found only in archipelago.

Gwaii Haanas & Historic Village Sites

Haida Watchmen welcome us to historic Haida village sites including T’aanuu Llnagaay (Tanu), K’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans), and SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island) – a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Haida Watchmen share their knowledge of traditional culture and bring their ancestors’ villages to life under weathered monumental poles and amid the remains of multi-tiered longhouses. Weather permitting, we may visit Hlk’yah GawGa (Windy Bay) on Lyell Island, the site of the first pole raised in 130 years. There may also be a chance to visit G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island) for a refreshing hot soak.

In addition to these incredibly special historic Haida sites, guests can anticipate days filled with flora and fauna, shore excursions, and the potential for morning and evening kayaking. A vast array of seabirds and marine life such as whales and sea lions will keep us company at sea; while floating through K’iid Xyangs K’iidaay (briefly known as Burnaby Narrows) gazing down at the rainbow of intertidal life is always another highlight. Haida Gwaii also offers excellent opportunities to raise the sails and give guests the thrill and serenity of sailing.

Heading Home

Guests will disembark around mid-morning back at Moresby Camp where the shuttle bus will be waiting to return them back to the (Sandspit) K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay Airport. Guests can plan to catch the afternoon flight back to Vancouver or explore the area further on their own.

To request a full Haida Gwaii itinerary, contact us

Haida Gwaii Highlights

Travelling back in time to historic village sites to learn about the traditional & current Haida culture leaves an indelible impression on a person that one can only get from experiencing this special place.

Unparalleled First Nations Culture

Gain a deeper understanding of the rich Haida culture by visiting historic village sites and receiving interpretation by the Haida Watchmen.

Raise the Sails

Enjoy the steady silence as your crew unfurl the sails and set course along the coast.

Moss Laden Forestscape

Tread lightly through the mossy undergrowth as cedars and spruce tower above, having stood sentinel in these places for millenia.

A Birder’s Paradise

Binoculars at the ready to spot the many special winged species that call the islands of Gwaii Haanas home.

Micro to Macro Wildlife

From the small shell home of the abalone to the metric tonne sized sea lion, Haida Gwaii offers a plethora of wildlife viewing potential.

Current Haida Gwaii Offerings

Browse through our current sailings & prices for Haida Gwaii below. All prices are listed in CAD and are subject to a $200 sustainability fee and 5% GST tax.

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Date Start / Finish Location Days Vessel Price Trip Status
May 15 – 23, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $10,985 CAD Booked
May 24 – Jun 1, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $10,985 CAD Booked
Jun 1 – 9, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $10,985 CAD Open
Jun 9 – 17, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $10,985 CAD Booked
Jun 14 – 22, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Roamer $8,825 CAD Booked
Jun 17 – 25, 2025 Sandspit (K'il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $10,985 CAD Booked
Jun 22 – 30, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Roamer $8,825 CAD Booked
Jun 26 – Jul 3, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,840 CAD Booked
Jul 1 – 9, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Roamer $8,825 CAD Booked
Jul 3 – 10, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,840 CAD Booked
Jul 9 – 16, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Roamer $7,865 CAD Call for Availability
Jul 10 – 17, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,840 CAD Open
Jul 16 – 23, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Roamer $7,865 CAD Booked
Jul 17 – 24, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,840 CAD Open
Jul 23 – 30, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Roamer $7,865 CAD Booked
Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,840 CAD Booked
Aug 1 – 8, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,840 CAD Booked
Aug 8 – 15, 2025 Sandspit (K'il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,840 CAD Open
Aug 15 – 22, 2025 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,840 CAD Booked
May 14 – 22, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $11,220 CAD Call for Availability
May 23 – 31, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $11,220 CAD Call for Availability
May 31 – Jun 8, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $11,220 CAD Open
Jun 8 – 16, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $11,220 CAD Call for Availability
Jun 13 – 21, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Roamer $8,975 CAD Open
Jun 16 – 24, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Solitude $11,220 CAD Booked
Jun 22 – 30, 2026 Sandspit (K'il Kun) 9 Island Roamer $8,975 CAD Call for Availability
Jun 25 – Jul 2, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,985 CAD Call for Availability
Jun 30 – Jul 8, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 9 Island Roamer $8,975 CAD Call for Availability
Jul 2 – 9, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,985 CAD Open
Jul 8 – 15, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Roamer $7,995 CAD Open
Jul 9 – 16, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,985 CAD Call for Availability
Jul 15 – 22, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Roamer $7,995 CAD Booked
Jul 16 – 23, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,985 CAD Call for Availability
Jul 22 – 29, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Roamer $7,995 CAD Call for Availability
Jul 24 – 31, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,985 CAD Call for Availability
Jul 31 – Aug 7, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,985 CAD Open
Aug 7 – 14, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,985 CAD Call for Availability
Aug 14 – 21, 2026 Sandspit (K’il Kun) 8 Island Solitude $9,985 CAD Call for Availability

Prepare for Your Adventure

Feel ready and equipped for traveling to, and living aboard, our vessels. Learn more about guest expectations, amenities onboard, and what to bring along to make the most out of your once in a lifetime eco-tour.

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Your Nautical Accommodation

An aquatic home away from home

Two of Bluewater Adventures’ vessels sail through Haida Gwaii for four months of the year: Island Solitude and Island Roamer. Each vessel offers a comfortable and aptly provisioned home base from which to explore in depth this breath-taking area. To learn more about Bluewater Adventures’ vessels, please visit our Vessels page for further information.

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Guest Musings on Haida Gwaii

A snippet of end of trip reflections from previous Bluewater guests who journeyed through Haida Gwaii.

  • “Beautifully constructed itinerary with a great range of experiences. The trip was ‘packed’ but always felt unhurried and peaceful”

    Elaine I.

  • “There were so many (highlights). Here are a few: The ability to live in the moment without distraction; the bird life; the Haida sites; the excellent onboard naturalist and elder; the captain and crew; the companionship and laughter.”

    P.C.

  • “What an adventure into one  of Canada’s very special places. To walk with and listen to the people from the edge of the world touched our hearts. To do so with [our crew] was safe, fun and enriching. The Odyssey is a wonderful vessel. Thank you isn’t adequate”

    C.B. & B.B.

Haida Gwaii FAQs

Find more in depth information specifically on our Haida Gwaii itinerary here. Should you have more questions surrounding your Bluewater Adventures experience at large, please visit our general FAQ page to learn more.

Explore All FAQs

We operate tours from mid-May to mid-August every year in Haida Gwaii, so the weather can vary! Earlier trips may experience some cooler evening temperatures. Into July & August, summer temperatures are to be expected. Regardless of the month, coastal weather can be unpredictable, so we recommend packing a few layers to throw on and good rain gear!

This itinerary offers a lot of opportunities for shore excursions, whether it be to Haida Watchmen sites, a rainforest walk, or even some beachcombing. For any shore excursion we take, guests will need to be able to get in and out of the zodiac – both into/out of the zodiac from the boat as well as in/out of the zodiac onshore, which is usually from a pebbly or rocky shoreline. The walks we take onshore will vary both in length and terrain, though will usually be minimal in elevation gain or loss.

There are parts of a few days on this itinerary where we will be in more exposed water. Captains always front load heading into exposed water to guests so folks are aware and can prepare as needed. Exposed waters can be glassy, calm or wavy depending on the day, so it’s anyone’s guess what conditions one may get!

Yes! Haida Gwaii is one of our better itineraries if one is looking to take part in sailing. While we cannot guarantee sailing on any itinerary – that’s up to the weather to decide – we are set up well for that opportunity on this tour.

The walks we take onshore will vary both in length and terrain, but one can expect to experience a mix of both dirt path trails and traipsing around the forest with no path which may include uneven footing and/or stepping over fallen logs. We recommend bringing hiking poles if you need support with stability!

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