The Gwaii Hanaas National Park in Haida Gwaii is a paradise for sea kayaking. It's very remote and quiet, has good beaches, fresh water and lots of wildlife. I've taken four trips with Gord in Haida Gwaii; two trips to Cape Freeman and two trips on the Outer Coast. On one Cape Freeman trip a pod of Orcas closely followed us for 30 minutes and on one Outer Coast trip a juvenile humpback surfaced with an outstretched mouth directly in front of us - about 20 yards distant. Another highlight of these trips is the visit to Sgang Gwaay, a Haida village that still has totem poles that are still standing after the village was abandoned in the 1860's. Gord is an outstanding guide who holds to the highest standard of safety and providing opportunities for guests to have genuinely meaningful experiences in a remarkable place. Gord's philosophy of attending to the present, particularly the quietude (there can be hours and hours without any noise pollution) helps to settle a busy mind. Gord is renowned for his cooking and his skillful use of his spice pantry. When he taught a kayak guiding course I attended last year, Gord emphasized that it is much easier to make rational decisions if one is relatively comfortable and that good food is a great source of comfort. The kayak fleet and gear are first-rate. Unlike, most kayak guided trips which require 1 or 2 large double kayaks, all of Gord's guests can use single kayaks - a double kayak is also available. There is a world of difference paddling a single and double kayak. Gord has different types of trips. For those with little or no experience sea kayaking, the Waters of Sgang Gwaay trip stays in calmer waters and has shorter trips between campsites. Experienced paddlers can take the Cape Freeman trip which can get out to the West Coast of Moresby Island. A trip with Gord is not for those who need an agenda. Gord always complies with the conditions of winds and waves - which may mean that you stay and continue to enjoy the same campsite. This is a great lesson for life! Nor are Gord's trips good for those who want to kayak independently of the group. But if you want to safely kayak and camp in a remote, beautiful and dynamic setting, Gord can't be beat. read more

Gord's attention to detail in virtually every aspect of his tour - from the thorough packing list, to the delicious campfire-cooked meals, to his diligence with safety on the water - combined to make a truly memorable experience for me during my recent 7 day 'SGang Gwaay Adventurer' tour. For those adventurers who are looking for an intimate wilderness experience with a well-seasoned guide who will help you make the most of your time in Gwaii Haanas, this is the trip for you. I highly recommend Butterfly Tours and, as someone who has self-guided many outdoor excursions before, I think the experience was well worth the investment to do this trip with a professional guide. read more

I've taken four trips with Gord--more than anyone else AFAIK--and I think he's an outstanding guide--the sort who's always at your side, but never in the way. The Charlottes are a remarkable place, and Gord lets that place speak for itself to you. On each of my trips, I felt challenged and thrilled, but never exhausted or overwhelmed. I can recommend Gord unreservedly to anyone, regardless of experience, who wants to get away from it all in one of the most fascinating regions on earth. I noticed Gord's apology for the food in the early days of Butterfly Tours. Either he's being modest or he's a fast learner, because I took my first trip with him back in 1993, and the food was one of the high points of the trip--as it was when I went with Brent more than a decade later! read more

I am an experienced paddler and outdoors camper, and have done 3 paddling tours with Gord and Butterfly tours. I am looking forward to when I do my 4th -5th - 6th and more with him! Gord has extreme regard for the land, the sea and culture of the Haida Gwaii and guides a tour that flows with theses and opens for others a window into this majestic world. Each time I have paddled and explored this area with Gord, I have learned more, seen more and experienced more. His professionalism, leadership, and highly developed wisdom create an environment where with safety first, paddlers of all ages and skill levels are welcomed and challenged. Food, which is always key in the outdoors - was a real treat - always something new, tasty, satisfying and interesting. I so appreciated the fresh food from the ocean and really respect his adherence to only taking what we would consume! Evening campfires, hot chocolate or wine - and great stories, conversations, laughter and deeply rich times of silence, made for great endings to fabulous days on the water. Gord's skills show in so many ways, and he really demonstrated the depth of his abilities when 'weather hit' and he kept our group safe & well fed, entertained & in great spirits throughout several days of blowing south westerly storms. With enthusiasm I recommend Gord and Butterfly Tours to anyone interested in paddling these northern waters. read more

The tour guide is OK. The assistant guide was OK. The scenery was brilliant. But the tour itself not so great. I was left hungry, wanting more. The food was uninspired and after reading about other tours in the area, I am disappointed I did not travel with someone else. read more