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Gulf Islands Sea Kayaking

 

Sea Kayaking The Gulf Islands, British Columbia
3-Day Sea Kayak Trip

Take advantage of this three-day sea kayaking escape to our private base camp on spectacular Valdes Island. The Gulf Islands, easily accessible from Vancouver, Seattle and Victoria, boast the warmest, driest, mildest climate in Canada.

Sea Kayaking the Gulf Islands, British Columbia Leave the city behind and enjoy sea kayak touring in the protected waters of the scenic Pylades & Stewart Channels in the North Gulf Islands.

The early summer tours coincide with the blooming of wild flowers. The sculptured sandstone cliffs of the shorelines were created to show off the pinks, blues, and yellows, draped over them. Their shelves and crevices are home to many nesting birds, including Cliff swallows, Pigeon guillemots, and Peregrine falcons.

The gnarled Garry oak and the twisted Arbutus trees provide a framework for rolling meadows of Douglas Fir, one of the rarest ecosystems in the world.

You will discover the rustic charm and character of Link, DeCourcey, Ruxton, Pylades, and Valdes Islands, and learn of the sometimes, bizarre history of the area.

From our base camp, nestled on the terraced slopes of Valdes Island there are unique hiking opportunities that offer panoramic views of the Islands.

Treat yourself to this unique sea kayaking getaway!

Trip Duration

3-days, 2 nights. You will meet with your trip companions and your guides at the launch site for 9:00 am on the morning of the trip departure date.

On the final day of our sea kayaking adventure, we plan our return to the launch site for between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. This allows time to board a ferry back to mainland British Columbia, or continue on to other Vancouver Island destinations. Please be advised that weather or other conditions could delay our return time, so please plan accordingly.

Trip Departure

The North Gulf Island sea kayaking tour departs from the beach, just minutes from the BC Ferry Duke Point terminal and only fifteen minutes south of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Trip Dates.

Trip Suitability

Enjoying lunch on the beach.No previous sea kayak touring experience is required to participate on this trip. The trip is suitable for active singles, couples and families with children as young as 13 years. The trip is progressive in terms of skills and therefore is suitable for a variety of paddling abilities – beginners are welcome.

While our trips are not considered to be strenuous or physically demanding, and we do not require a high level of fitness, good general physical condition is necessary.

A primary reason for the popularity of sea kayaking is the ease at which the boat can be propelled and the relatively quick learning curve. Throughout your trip your guides will provide tips to develop your paddling skills to enhance your experience and to avoid poor techniques that can lead to injury, fatigue or frustration.

Warm Pacific air keeps the climate on Vancouver Island moderate year round. The Gulf Islands lie tucked in the rain shadow of south-eastern Vancouver Island, and enjoy many more sunny days than mainland communities.

Trip Accommodations

Sea Kayaking in the Gulf IslandsTent camping at our private Valdes Island base camp. With permission from the Lyackson First Nations Band (owners of the land that our campsite occupies) we have developed a private campsite, which offers stunning panoramic oceanfront views of the area.

Trip Cuisine

We provide all meals on your sea kayaking trip, including regular snacks, and hot beverages. If you have a particular snack food that you enjoy, or are the type of person who needs to snack regularly while active you are welcome to bring along your own personal supply.

We make our best effort to cater to those with food allergies and vegan diets. However we are not able to accommodate special diets that require a strict menu plan (e.g. low carbohydrate diets). If you have any dietary requirements, we ask that you contact us to determine if the menu plans can be adapted to your needs.

What We Provide

Pacific Northwest Expeditions provides virtually everything you will need for this sea kayaking adventure;

  • professional, certified guides
    For more information on minimum guide qualifications and certification requirements please visit the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia website at: www.skgabc.com
  • all meals, snacks and hot beverages starting with lunch on the first day through to lunch on the final day
  • touring sea kayaks (fibreglass single & doubles) along with all the required paddling equipment and on the water safety equipment
  • all the necessary wilderness kitchen and camping equipment
  • safety equipment and communication equipment
  • all public land and BC Park use permits
  • FUN! Included at no extra cost.

Guest Responsibility

  • Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the trip point of departure. Please visit our Travel Planner page for information on transportation options.
  • Accommodations, and meals prior to or after your trip, are not included. A pre-trip information package, which is provided to you upon receipt of your trip deposit, provides local accommodation and dining suggestions. It is advisable to make accommodation reservations in advance.
  • Please check with your health care plan administrator to ensure that you have sufficient coverage while participating on one of our tours. Pacific Northwest Expeditions is not responsible for any medical or evacuation costs should they be incurred for your safety or health during the course of the tour.
  • You will be provided with comprehensive information on suggested outdoor clothing for your trip. Your pre-trip information outlines suggested quantities to bring along to make your trip enjoyable for any weather conditions that could be encountered. A complete list of suggested equipment is provided in your pre-trip information package.
  • To help keep tour costs down, tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are not included in our tour package costs. However, these items can be rented for a nominal fee from us. We have quality 3-season, 2-person tents, synthetic fill sleeping bags, and Thermo-rest self-inflating sleeping pads. All rental equipment is meticulously cleaned (sleeping bags are laundered) after each use, and replaced on a regular basis. Rental Rates.
  • Each guest will be required to sign a Pacific Northwest Expeditions ' Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risk, & Indemnity Agreement’ and complete a ‘Medical Questionnaire Form’, prior to the trip departure date. Any trip participant under the age of 19 years will be required to have a legal guardian sign an Indemnity Agreement. To view these documents please visit Terms & Conditions.

Trip Area

To view a larger version click on the map image.

Gulf Islands Sea Kayaking Trips Area Map

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