Kayakers are drawn to the waters of Northern BC to experience a unique blend of unspoiled wilderness, clear waters, abundant wildlife and 10,000 years of First Nations' history. The region is home to one of the world's great kayak destinations – Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserveand Haida Heritage Site .In the Queen Charlotte Islands, also known as Haida Gwaii, kayakers can paddle among the hundred-plus islands and countless hundreds of islets, bays and sheltered inlets, and discover why National Geographic Traveller rated Gwaii Haanas the #1 Park Destination in North America.
Learn more about Ocean Kayaking in:
Prince Rupert
Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii)
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Kayaking in Northern BC
With the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), whales, mossy rainforests, natural hot springs, Haida longhouses and carved totem poles, unique ecosystems, rare plants and animals, some of the richest inter-tidal life in the world, the Kermode (Spirit) bear – kayaking in Northern BC can be an epic wilderness adventures or a day trip from the comforts of a city.
Wildlife Spotting from Kayaks
The Queen Charlotte Islands have been called the "Canadian Galapagos" for wildlife, and with good reason. The north coast of BC offers perhaps the best and most prolific wildlife viewing in BC. From the waters around Prince Rupert, kayakers can view Orca, humpback and gray whales feeding on salmon and krill. Paddle along the shorelines and share the water with dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea otters and endless marine birds. Kayakers paddling in Haida Gwaii should be on the lookout for the largest black bears in Canada, often sighted foraging along the shoreline for food. The Great Bear Rainforest is home to the rare Kermode (Spirit) bear – a creamy-white coloured subspecies of black bear that has only been found in Northern British Columbia.
The ocean kayaking among the thousands of miles of wilderness shoreline with only a handful of cities and towns will virtually guarantee kayakers a pristine, unspoiled experience.
Unique and Guided Kayaking Tours
A guided tour is often the best way to experience the waters of northern BC. Kayak rentals are available in the Cow Bay area of Prince Rupert, and guided tours can be arranged as well. Wilderness lodges and live-aboard "motherships" are another great way for kayakers to explore the coast. Floating lodges, usually anchored in a pristine wilderness setting, serve as base camps to explore areas of the coast not accessible by regular tours, allow kayakers to cruise a wide range of paddling areas. Both wilderness lodge and mothership sea kayaking tours are a great choice for paddlers who prefer amenities like a hot shower and a comfortable bed after their paddling day.
Practical Points and Kayak Safety
- The coast of Northern BC is a rugged and remote wilderness area. Proper planning, preparation, clothing and footwear appropriate to the conditions, and an adequate water and food supply are essential.
- The best time to for a Northern BC kayak trip is June – September.
- The Queen Charlotte Islands lie approximately 80 km off the Northern BC coast, and are accessed through regular ferry service from Prince Rupert. Scheduled flights also service the islands.
- Ferry reservations are recommended between June - September, and visitors should be aware that cell phone service is not available anywhere on the Queen Charlottes Islands.
- Weather can change quickly, and kayakers often get wet through rain, waves, spray or splashing. Be sure to dress in layers. Bring quick dry clothing, such as nylon, polyester, or polypropelene; avoid cotton clothing, as takes longer to dry and does not keep in heat. Wool clothing is also a good option. A lifejacket, hat, waterproof jacket, and sunglasses are essential, as is rain gear and a change of dry clothes stored in a watertight container. Wear suitable footwear, such as sandals, water shoes, or light running shoes. Watertight cases for personal items (such as cameras) are also recommended.
- Guided tours for beginner to experienced kayakers are available. If you are unfamiliar with the area, a guided tour is highly recommended. Guided tours will usually supply guests with all the necessary gear, safety equipment, and food needed, or will provide guests with a list of items to bring.
- Always let someone know your route and destination before setting out on a kayak trip. Be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly, and can affect your itinerary.
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage. Be aware that bears and other wildlife inhabit the region. Do not get too close to or attempt to feed wild animals.
- For a comprehensive guide to sea kayaking, read the Transport Canada Sea Kakaying Safety Guide
Highlights
Prince Rupert
Kayaking in Prince Rupert, you can paddle out on your own or with a guide. There are sheltered waters for inexperienced paddlers as well as opportunities for multi-day trips for kayakers of all levels lasting anywhere from three days to over a week. Boat and floatplane shuttle services offer drop-offs and pick-ups at various kayaking destinations. The protected waters of Prince Rupert harbour and Metlakatla Pass are ideal for beginner kayakers. There are several public docks to launch from, and waterfront kayak rentals are also available. Paddlers in this area should exercise caution – the harbour can be busy at times.
Port Edward, just a few kilometres south of Prince Rupert, is an ideal launching point to explore Kitson Island Marine Provincial Park. Located at the mouth of the Skeena River, Kitson Island is a popular spot for kayaking and wilderness camping, as well as fishing and wildlife viewing.
More advanced paddlers can explore Work Channel or Porcher Island - two popular kayak destinations. The entrance to Work Channel is a good spot to view marine life, including Orca, gray and humpback whales. Porcher Island's many bays, inlets, and islets offer exciting paddling adventures – watch for abandoned fishing canneries that dot the area.
These are intermediate-level, multi-day trips; a guided tour is a good option. Paddlers should be aware that weather conditions in the open waters of Chatham Sound can be hazardous at times.
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Queen Charlotte Islands
Kayakers from around the world come to this magical place for its ancient rainforests, unrivalled beauty, remoteness, and ancient Haida culture. Kayaking is a magnificent choice for navigating these islands. Novice kayakers can paddle in sheltered inlets such as Skidegate and Masset. For the more adventurous, arrange a multi-day guided tour from Queen Charlotte City or Sandspit to the remote and challenging waters of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. Kayak the shallow waters of Burnaby Narrows and see some of the most prolific inter-tidal life anywhere in the world.
The protected area of Gwaii Haanas celebrates over 10,000 years of harmony between land, sea and Haida culture. The 138 islands are surrounded by an astounding wealth of marine life that includes grey, Orca and humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises and numerous marine birds.
From May to September, Haida Gwaii Watchmen are stationed to protect sensitive natural and cultural sites such as SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), classified as a World Heritage Site in 1981 by UNESCO in consultation with the Haida. Visitors not on a guided tour must register and attend an orientation session in Queen Charlotte City or Sandspit prior to entering Gwaii Haanas as this is an extremely remote wilderness with variable weather conditions.
Preferred kayak travel in this area is with an organized tour group or a commercial operator. Typical kayak trips in the Queen Charlottes usually last 7-10 days, and park reservations are highly recommended. Paddlers on multi-day trips should have an intermediate to advanced skill level and should be prepared for delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions, including high winds, rough water and large tidal exchanges of over 7 m (24 ft).
The Queen Charlotte Islands are accessed via an eight-hour ferry ride from Prince Rupert. Air service is also available from Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
> Gwaii Haanas website
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