Guiding in National Parks

SKGABC certification is accepted for commercial sea kayak guides in the three coastal National Parks in BC. Certified guides will adhere to all local regulations when operating in National Parks (i.e. low-impact guidelines, guide-client ratios, wildlife management practices). All commercial operations must hold a valid National Parks Business License.

National Park Website

For more information about the national parks, please visit the Parks Canada website:

Guide to Client Ratios (updated September 2018):

PDF Available

Trip Area

Doubles Only*

Singles Only

Singles & Doubles**

Maximum Group Size including guides

Broken Group Islands

1:5 or 2:10

1:4 or 2:8

1:5 or 2:10

12

Gulf Islands National Park

1:6 or 2:10 for overnight trips.

 

 

1:6 or 2:12 for day trips.

1:4 or 2:8

1:5 or 2:10

12 for overnight trips. 

 

14 for day trips.

Gwaii Haanas Class 1, 2, 3

2:10

2:6

2:8

12

Gwaii Haanas Class 4

2:8

2:4

2:6

10

* Guides may paddle single kayaks in a “doubles only” group.  All clients must be in doubles at all times.

** To qualify for the maximum “Singles & Doubles” ratio, a minimum of two doubles must be used for a full group with two guides.

** In a “singles & doubles” mixed group, a lead Level 2 or Level 3 guide must paddle a single kayak.

Guide Requirements

Broken Group Islands
Minimum of one Level Three certified guide for trips of any length.

Exception: The SKGABC supports allowing certified SKGABC Level 2 Guides to lead day trips in the BGI - BUT only if the following conditions are meet

  • The exception only applies to day trips where all SKGABC guides and guests are transported into and out of the BGI Park via a water taxi on the same day, with no overnights/multi-day trips.

  • SKGABC Guides must be in direct radio contact with the water taxi at all times during the tours.

  • The exception only applies to routes for day trips restricted to the inner islands between Dodd and Nettle islands (see diagram - the green boundary but excluding Hand and the Pinkertons) and all outside channels and open ocean areas surrounding the boundary). 

  • The exception includes the following minimum level of experience for a SKGABC Certified Level 2 Guide leading these trips: 25 days as a SKGABC Certified Level 2 Guide and ten days assisting a SKGABC Level 3 Guide in SKGABC Class 3 waters (as a SKGABC Level 2 Guide or SKGABC Assistant Overnight Guide)

Gwaii Haanas

Two certified guides are required for all groups; at least one of these guides must be Level Three certified.

Gulf Islands
Minimum of one Level One SKGABC guide for day trips in Gulf Islands.
Minimum of one Level Two SKGABC guide for multi-day trips in Gulf Islands.

Business Licensing:

All sea kayak companies operating in National Parks in BC must hold a valid National Park Business License. Guides shall carry a copy of this license when operating in the National Park.

For information on attaining a National Park Business License, please visit:

Guide Certification

Certification must be current and up-to-date. All relevant documentation (first aid/CPR C, etc) must be submitted, and membership shall be current. Guides must operate in water classifications respective to their certification. In Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site guides must attain a Guide Card from the park reserve.

Orientation

All guides of businesses licensed to operate within National Parks are required to attend an orientation session. The orientation session will include the role and responsibility of Parks Canada, natural and cultural history information, and review emergency protocol, park-specific regulations, and low impact standards (for camping, managing human waste, etc.).