Includes Water Taxi transport on both ends of the trip through Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park and three or  four nights Lodge accommodation depending on the length of the trip.

We have paddled in this area for a number of years, and this is our second season with the Paddler's Inn. We'll explore the area jsut north of the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park. Our trips will be based out of the Paddlers Inn, a rustic and cozy resort located in Simoom Sound on Gilford Island. The main float house features a large kitchen, lounge, dining area, showers and an atmosphere  which suits our style. Two other cabins are also avalable depending on the size of group. Professional massage is available on site. The views are stunning and world class sea kayaking is at your doorstep. Kayaking this region opens up a sheltered magical water world of hidden coves, deep fjords, rich estuaries and white clam shell beaches built up by thousands of years of shellfish harvesting. Just around the corner is the small island community of Echo Bay, offering a rare slice of  rural life on the west coast. Abundant in wildlife, black bears, otters, seals, stellar sea lions, humpback and grey whales, porpoises, dolphins, eagles and a wide variety of bird life are all common. One way water taxi shuttles are available throughout your stay and open up endless paddling  possibilities. An uncommon natural and cultural experience in this inhabited wilderness.

This trip is ideal for beginners and all levels of experience, but also for those looking for something a bit different or a hot shower and a warm bed at the end of the day :)

US prices at current market value

Cost:    5 days $979  Cdn Add 5% GST

             Total: $1028 Cdn   

              4 days $849 Cdn  Add 5% GST

              Total: $891.45

KAYAKING

No experience is required, although we do insist that you know how to swim, have a good fitness level and a good sense of adventure. All kayaking and safety equipment is provided, including dry bags. We take along 6 to 8 single kayaks and 2 or 3 double kayaks, and take turns in a variety of boats - Necky TESLA's & ARLUK III-IV's, Current Designs SOLSTICE GT's,and Nimbus TELKWA's. Our maximum group size is 12, including guides, often group size is smaller. We paddle approximately 3-5 hours each day, leaving plenty of time for exploring the shoreline, or just relaxing on the beach or at the Inn. Weather and sea conditions will ultimately determine our route. The area offers mostly protected paddling on the northern border of the Broughton Achipelago Marine Park, however the wind can pick up making conditions challenging. Broughton/Paddlers Inn trips have water taxi transport at both ends. 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

We rendezvous early on day one of your trip at ALDER BAY - approximately 5 hours or 200 miles north of Nanaimo. People are responsible for getting themselves to ALDER BAY the night before (e.g., to join July 15th trip, arrive in ALDER BAY on the 14th). We can help arrange car pooling. There is a campground here where you can spend the night, or we can recommend lodgings. We head out early the first morning. We plan to arrive back in ALDER BAY around noonish on the final day, in time for people to catch ferries out of Nanaimo returning to Vancouver.

Water Taxi Start: The water taxi shuttles out to the Paddlers Inn on day one, where your kayaks & guides are waiting, and back to ALDER BAY on day 4.

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 or Meal Ideas and  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

• Boat transport to and from the Paddlers Inn
• All kayaking equipment
• Cooking equipment
• Two guides
• Dry bags (one 20 litre bag per person)
• LOTS OF FUN

Does Not Include

• Transportation to and from Alder Bay
• We share meal purchase & preparation (meals from lunch day 1 to breakfast day 4 or 5 depending on thet rip)
• Accommodations the night before trip start
• Tents (rentals available for $45 if you reserve well in advance)
• Sleeping bag & Camping mat 
• Massage
• One way water taxi shuttles throughout your stay.

Your guides will be using nautical chart  #3515 for the Broughton Archipelago, available for roughly C$20. Please visit  the Canadian Hydrographic Service website  to find a location near you to purchase your chart if you would like to bring one along.

Philosophy

GABRIOLA SEA KAYAKING are ADVENTURE OUTFITTERS.  Our trips are grassroots adventure travel lead by professional paddlers. They offer real world paddling experiences in a relaxed, easy going and fun atmosphere. 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!