These trips are open to all levels of paddlers. We provide detailed instruction and feed-back to beginners which facilitates a quick learning curve. Experienced paddlers can seek enrichment with more advanced techniques.

By nature, extended kayak expeditions sometimes require rigorous exertion and participants should be in reasonable physical condition before signing up. We paddle between 2 to 5 hours per day and usually move camp on a daily basis. There are frequent rest opportunities to stretch your legs and fuel up throughout each day, but we will sometimes spend upwards of 2 hours in the kayaks at one time.
We also try to incorporate rest days into the route plan where we base camp for a night or two and pause from moving camp. In our humble opinion, this form of travel affords the most organic and rewarding experience one can achieve within Gwaii Haanas made all the more vibrant by enduring the brief periods of discomfort inherit to expedition kayaking.

We have recently upgraded to all new Seaward fibreglass kayaks employing a mixed fleet of singles (Tyee) and doubles (Passat), which allows participants to challenge themselves paddling solo and rest in tandem. Our paddles, skirts and PFDs are also top quality to ensure a premier paddling experience. You can either bring your own camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, and dry bags) or rent quality gear from us for an additional fee. Guests must bring their own sleeping bag.

We provide all meals throughout the trip made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal snacks which are generally consumed during brief break periods while paddling. Water is transported in approximately 10 x 10L dromedary bags (100L total) which we replenish at appropriate streams and rivers along the route and then treat against potential viruses and bacteria (that being said, the water in Gwaii Haanas is often pristine and could be consumed without treatment).

Green Coast Partners with a local business – Highlander Marine Service to transport groups and equipment between Gwaii Haanas and Daajing Giids (formerly Queen Charlotte).

The boat is a dual hulled aluminum landing craft with a large open deck for gear, kayaks, and humans, as well as a small cabin where some guests can shelter with the driver. Depending on the starting location of the trip – it takes about 2 to 4 hours to travel between Daajing Giids and Gwaii Haanas moving at 25 Knots , which can be a great opportunity to view marine life along the way.

Guests will need to book flights with Air Canada from Vancouver to Sandspit (at least one day prior to trip departure) and then hop on the airport shuttle to Skidegate Ferry Terminal. Green Coast provides transport between Skidegate, Daajing Giids and our lodge using a 15 passenger Van, which is included in the trip cost.

We are very excited to expand our business model to include accommodation as one of our services for the 2023 season!

Green Coast has invested in a 13 acre ocean-side property in the rural district of Lawnhill, which is about 20 km north of the nearest communities - Skidegate and Daajing Giids.
Guests will stay in the central lodge with 7 ensuite rooms (single and double occupancy), a large kitchen, dining room, lounge, and hot-tub with stunning ocean views. The property also includes extensive vegetable gardens and a flock of chickens/ducks that we use to produce our own food. Guests can walk the newly established forest trails on site, or cross the road to wander an endless pebble beach bordering the Hecate Straight. Green Coast provides a communal breakfast and dinner to lodge guests, which is likely prepared by company owner/guide – Bryce – who lives in a separate cabin on site and will serve as lodge host most of the summer.

We are highly encouraging all trip participants to stay at Green Coast Lodge before and after the trip because it simplifies transport logistics and group information sessions – plus -  we believe this place is pretty special. 

Room Rates – includes meals and transport:

• SINGLE OCCUPANCY: $300 CAD/NIGHT

• DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $400 CAD/NIGHT

All of these routes travel within Gwaii Haanas National Park and Haida Heritage Site, which represents a unique collaborative effort between the Canadian Federal Government and the Haida Nation to preserve this region of both considerable cultural and natural importance.

With some luck we may observe the unique sub-species of black bear endemic to Haida Gwaii, bald eagles, otters, harbour seals, Stellar sea lions, humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, a variety of porpoises and dolphins, a vast array of seabirds, and many more animal species not previously mentioned.

That being said, there are no guarantees when it comes to wildlife, and participants are encouraged to find beauty and gratitude in even the smallest wildlife encounter to achieve a fully enriching experience. Orcas don’t often jump through rainbows while eagles dance above, and even if you were to witness such a spectacle it could pail in comparison to a hummingbird briefly hovering over-head if you can open your mind to appreciate all that Gwaii Haanas has to offer.

And of course, we always strive to keep a respectful distance from wildlife, allowing creatures to come our way if they choose.

Each trip visits at least one Haida Heritage Site where participants will meet the Haida Watchmen employed to act as guardians and ambassadors to their ancestral grounds.

We practice the utmost respect when visiting a Heritage Site, and remain mindful of the privilege afforded us by the Haida Nation in sharing these places with the rest of the world. We also acknowledge the trauma, pain, and loss created by colonialism throughout North America – educating ourselves as to the true history of the colonial era is just one simple step towards reconciliation that we can take while experiencing Gwaii Haanas.

A 20% deposit is required to confirm a booking – this payment is non-refundable but may be transferred to an alternative date upon request. Final payments are due 90 days before trip departure. If a client needs to cancel after submitting their final payment – they will be required to seek compensation through their insurance provider.