ES_kayak16.jpg
Gulf Islands Inn to Inn, BC Canada
The Gourmets Answer to Sea Kayaking

The Gulf Islands are the gems of Western Canada’s Pacific coastline. This beautiful archipelago is blessed with a temperate Mediterranean climate, mild throughout the year with dry clear summer skies. These islands are in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains and receive an annual rainfall well below that of rest of B.C. averaging 45 cm (about 18 inches). The resulting landscape is that of Garry Oak woodlands and dry coniferous forests with numerous wildflower meadows.
Over 250 species of birds have been recorded in these islands as well as a host of land and marine animals. Tidal currents are swift here resulting in a thorough mixing of nutrient rich water feeding an abundance of marine mammals including: Dall’s and Harbour Porpoise, Stellars and California Sealions, Harbour and Elephant seals and of course the charismatic Orca. Wave cut and sculpted sandstone formations lend a photogenic quality to the marine environment that is unparalleled anywhere in the region. Over the years we have paddled extensively in these pastoral islands and have an intimate knowledge of their geography and natural history, we look forward to sharing their many wonders with you during this relaxing program.

ZZ-SKEC-13
5 days /4 nights  $1,995  from Vancouver
 plus GST tax (2.5%)
... based on Can$ 1,995
 2008 Dates:
06/02-06/06    06/09-06/13
09/15-09/19    09/22-09/26

Price Includes:
  • The services of a fully qualified guide and assistant
  • All group equipment including kayaks, life jackets, paddles and safety equipment
  • All meals from Lunch Day 1 to Lunch Day 5 (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
  • Non-alcoholic beverages while on tour
  • Transportation from Tsawwassen, BC to the Gulf Islands return

 

 ES_sunset_kayakers.jpg

Paddling in the Gulf islands


Sea Kayaking Inn to Inn

Sea kayaking is by its very nature a calm and relaxing sport. No special skills or equipment are necessary to fully participate and enjoy this program.
Because our nights are spent in the comfort of local inns the chores of camping are left behind and we have more time to focus on the enjoyment of paddling. Our kayaks are sturdy and spacious and most importantly stable. We have introduced thousands of people to kayaking over the years and our skilled guides will ensure everyone is properly prepared and confident before setting out on the water. We will spend our days exploring the islands at a leisurely pace both by paddle and on foot.
Healthy lunches on the water will be prepared by your guides while all other meals will be catered by our hosts. Lingering summer sunsets will see us to our rooms for the night while steaming cups of fresh coffee and tea will greet us in the mornings. We are sure you will agree this is the perfect getaway!

The Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands are the gems of Western Canada’s Pacific coastline. This beautiful archipelago is blessed with a temperate Mediterranean climate, mild throughout the year with dry clear summer skies. These islands are in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains and receive an annual rainfall well below that of rest of B.C. averaging 45 cm (about 18 inches). The resulting landscape is that of Garry Oak woodlands and dry coniferous forests with numerous wildflower meadows. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded in these islands as well as a host of land and marine animals. Tidal currents are swift here resulting in a thorough mixing of nutrient rich water feeding an abundance of marine mammals including: Dall’s and Harbour Porpoise, Stellars and California Sealions, Harbour and Elephant seals and of course the charismatic Orca. Wave cut and sculpted sandstone formations lend a photogenic quality to the marine environment that is unparalleled anywhere in the region. Over the years we have paddled every nook and cranny of these pastoral islands

Itinerary

Day 1 Monday L / D

Transfer from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Mayne Island. After arriving on Mayne Island, we will be transferred to our kayaks. After a safety and instructional orientation to the boats and kayaking,  our group will paddle to our first nights accommodation. After which we can enjoy a relaxing evening paddle.
Overnight Comfortable Inn or Lodge.
 

Days 2-4 Tuesday-Thursday B / L / D

We will explore Mayne, Galiano and Saturna Islands, as well as numerous smaller islets in the area. Our leisurely pace will allow for plenty of time to Explore and interpret the cultural and natural history of this remarkable area.
Overnight comfortable Inns and Lodges

Day 5 Friday B / L
 

Completing our tour of the Gulf Islands we return to Mayne Island before boarding the Gulf Islands afternoon ferry, and returning to Tsawwassen.

Please Note
 

  • Ferry schedules are subject to change, so please call our office prior to your trip departure to confirm the return time.

What’s Included?
 

  • The services of a fully qualified Ecosummer guide and assistant
  • All group equipment including kayaks, life jackets, paddles and safety equipment
  • All meals from Lunch Day 1 to Lunch Day 5 (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
  • Non-alcoholic beverages while on tour
  • Transportation from Tsawwassen, BC to the Gulf Islands return
     

What’s Not Included?
 

  • Transportation between your home and Tsawwassen, BC
  • Personal belongings and equipment as per list supplied
  • Any meals and accommodation in Vancouver
  • Additional expenses incurred due to changes in ferry timetables and ferry delays
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Any meals not outlined in the itinerary (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
  • Gratuities for guides which are never obligatory but always appreciated (as a guideline we suggest 5% of trip cost based on client care and attention)

Tell Me More!

Q: What type of accommodations can we expect?
A: We have carefully selected from the finest inns, what we believe will showcase the islands hospitality and charm. Not only will our hosts be remembered but each Inn has its own unique character. Some have quiet woodland views while others have sweeping panoramas. The food is unforgettable!

Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Weather in the Gulf Islands is generally quite comfortable in the summer months, with average daily temperatures being about 17°C (64°F) and maximum temperatures in the 20’s (mid seventies F). The chance of rain is minimal; however, breezes over the water can have a cooling effect.

Q: What type of kayaks will we use?
A: We supply two-person expedition quality kayaks. They are very seaworthy and easy to handle, and you do not need previous sea kayaking experience. Single kayaks are available, please contact our office for details on reserving a single kayak.

top

vancouver_island_map.gif