Sea Kayak Gabriola & the Gulf Islands

Join us on a two or three or 4 day long weekend on Gabriola Island from mid April to the end of June. We'll post a sheduled date for mid May, but if you are a group of 4-10 wishing to paddle with us this spring at another time, let us know and we can arrange for a date which suits you and your group.

Spring comes early in the Gulf Islands and the waters of Pylades channel are quiet at this time of year, making it the ideal time to explore the shorelines of Gabriola, Mudge, Link, DeCourcey, Galliano and Valdez  Islands. The sandstone cliffs of Valdez Island are  spectacular and the large shell midden beach at Blackberry Point a highlight. Three days are ideal, leaving one day right in the middle for exploration or relaxation on the beach, or moving a bit further south down to Dionisio Point on Galliano Island.

KAYAKING

No kayaking experience is required, although we do insist that you know how to swim and have a good fitness level. All kayaking and safety equipment is provided, including dry bags. We take along six single kayaks and two double kayaks and take turns in the variety of boats - Necky TESLA's,  ARLUK III's - IV's, Current Designs SOLSTICE GT's,and NimbusTELKWA's. Our group size is ten, including guides. We paddle approximately 4 hours each day, leaving plenty of time for a hike in the woods,  or just relaxing on the beach. Weather and sea conditions will ultimately determine our route. The Gulf islands Islands offer both protected waters for  novice paddlers and an ideal first time environment, and more challenging conditions in Gabriola and Porlier Pass for those that desire so on a longer trip in the area.  For those interested in developing or improving their kayaking skills, our guides are always happy to provide paddling tips, practice rescues, or discuss the art of navigation. Agenda

Agenda 

After a brief paddling introduction, we head out the first morning, returning early afternoon on the final day in time for people to catch ferries from Nanaimo returning to Vancouver. depending on the number of days we are out,  we'll break camp the majority of our traveling days, but have multiple route options in Gulf Islands and keep our itinerary flexible.

Meals

We have found from past experience that the most economical, fun, and greatest variety of meals comes from when the food effort is shared (this also keeps our guides fresh!). Each person is responsible for the purchase and preparation of a share of group meals (typically two or three meals depending on group size).  We organize the meal schedule and can forward you some suggestions about what keeps and packs well if you wish. Check out Meal Ideas and vist our facebook group The Paddling Chef

How to Reserve

A $200 non-refundable deposit reserves a space. Full payment due 60 days before trip start. We aren't able to process credit cards. In order to minimize your costs , please pay by cheque. Thanks. If you cancel, you'll get your balance back unless it is 14 or fewer days before trip start, in which case we'll refund you 50%.

To make your reservation,

Please email us at info@kayaktoursbc.com

Or give us a call at :

(250) 247-0189

Payments can be sent to Gabriola Sea Kayaking, 363 Hemlock Ave, Gabriola BC, Canada, V0R 1X1.

Please make cheques out to Gabriola Sea Kayaking.

Price Includes

  • All kayaking equipment
  • Cooking equipment
  • Two guides
  • Dry bags (one 20 litre bag per person)
  • LOTS OF FUN

Does Not Include

  • Transportation
  • We share meal purchase & preparation (meals from lunch day 1 to breakfast on the final day)
  • Accommodations the night before trip start
  • Tents (rentals available for $45 if you reserve well in advance)
  • Sleeping bag & camping mat 

Philosophy

GABRIOLA SEA KAYAKING are ADVENTURE OUTFITTERS. We wish to attract healthy, self-sufficient, fun-loving adventurers. Participants take part in all aspects of the adventure, including meal preparation and daily trip planning. Our primary role is to look after navigation, reduce risk, and outfit your trip. Our guides are outdoor professionals from an eclectic variety of backgrounds and have spent many seasons exploring the wilderness. We have been leading kayak adventures since 1995.

Hope to paddle with you this summer!