Gulf Islands Inn to Inn

Introduction
British Columbia Canada

The gourmet's answer to sea kayaking
The Gulf Islands are the gems of Western Canada’s Pacific coastline. Sea kayaking is a great way to explore this beautiful British Columbia archipelago that is blessed with a temperate Mediterranean climate, mild throughout the year with boundless skies. The 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 including porpoises, sea lions, seals and of course the charismatic orca. Naturally sculpted sandstone formations lend a photogenic quality to the environment that is unparalleled. We look forward to sharing its many wonders with you.

Highlights
Because of the calm bays and waterways which give paddlers access to the beautiful, protected shorelines and a rich variety of marine life, sea kayaking is one of the most popular activities here. Today the Gulf Islands are also popular for their boutique wineries, organic farms, and high concentration of artists who have studios or can be seen at the Markets alongside local farmers .

What's involved
Sea kayaking is by its very nature a calm and relaxing sport. No special skills or equipment are necessary . 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 paddling. Our kayaks are sturdy and spacious and most importantly stable. We have introduced thousands of people to kayaking in British Columbia over the years and our skilled guides will ensure everyone is properly prepared and confident before setting out.

Accomodation

All overnights are at local islenad inns.

Meals
Since the Gulf Islands Inn to Inn is the gourmet's answer to sea kayaking, here are a couple of breakfast and dinner samples to make your mouth water:

Breakfast choices
EGGS ESCOFFIER ~ Scrambled eggs and smoked ham in a toasted croissant with assorted fresh fruit,
butter & preserves

EGGS CARUSO ~ Scrambled eggs and aged cheddar on toasted rosemary & pepper foccacia with assorted
fresh fruit

WOODSTONE WAFFLES ~ Belgian waffles with sweet butter, maple syrup, smoked bacon & assorted
fresh fruit

Healthy lunches on the water are prepared by your guides and usually include cold cuts, a variety of breads and
crackers, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Dinner samples
Starters
Fresh bread basket
Roasted carrot & cambozola soup
Curly endive, apple & celery salad with toasted pecans

Main Courses
ROASTED DUCK ALSACIENNE ~ Herb-rubbed boneless breast with sour cream mashed potatoes, sweet braised red cabbage & rosemary demi-glace sauce

FRESH, SEARED SNAPPER & SALT SPRING ISLAND MUSSELS in champagne dressing with sweet peppers & spinach on lemon rice pilaf

BAKED PASTA FLORENTINE ~ layers of mushrooms, rice pasta, spinach, ricotta & parmesan on roasted garlic
tomatoe sauce

Desserts
Warm bread pudding with rum sauce
Bittersweet Belgian chocolate mousse
Creme de cassis & raspberry sorbet

Riding

Itinerary

Day 1
Ferry transfer in the morning 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 in general, we can enjoy a relaxing paddle before heading to the first nights accommodation. Overnight at a local Lodge or Inn. Meals: lunch / dinner
Day 2 - 4
While the Southern Gulf Islands consist of six major islands, of which each is a world unto itself, with its own culture, history and characters, we usually focus our itinerary on the less inhabited islands. There is rustic Mayne Island offering historic buildings and sites from the late 1800’s, along with rolling orchards, endless, pleasing west coast forests and idyllic farmlands.
Nearby Saturna Island is a sparingly inhabited jewel, wild and rugged and possesses incredible natural beauty. Nearly half of the newly created Gulf Islands National Park incorporates undeveloped wilderness areas on Saturna Island. While being home to one of the largest estate vineyard and winery operations in BC, the island also offers opportunities to see wildlife, particularly birds, feral goats and marine mammals.
The Active Pass divides Mayne Island from Galiano Island. Rich in history and culture, this long, narrow island is the second largest of the Gulf Islands, and is home to many rare and protected plants as well as over one hundred different species of birds. Galiano Island has retained a secluded and undeveloped character with several areas being ecological reserves, seven beautiful parks, miles of country lanes and some interesting craft galleries and shops.
Depending on weather conditions and paddling experience of the participants, we may also visit the more rural and less populated of the Pender Islands: South Pender Island, known for its hidden coves and beaches, rugged trails, arbutus headlands and amazing tidal pools.
Our skilled guides work with all levels of paddlers and ensure you spend your time exploring the islands at a leisurely, comfortable pace. After a full day of activity and glorious scenery, you’ll be treated to five-star cuisine served “oceanside” by locale chefs.
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 5
Completing our tour of the Gulf Islands we return to Mayne Island before boarding the afternoon ferry, and returning to Tsawwassen. Please note that ferry schedules are subject to change, so please call our office prior to your trip departure to confirm the return time.  Meals: breakfast / lunch

Rates and Dates for Gulf Islands Inn to Inn

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting:
Airport:
Transfer:

Climate:

The following is a list of the clothing and equipment you will need on your expedition. It is of utmost importance that you follow this list accurately for your own comfort and well-being. Proper preparation is a vital ingredient in your enjoyment of the program. When selecting your clothing, keep in mind the following principles about staying warm and dry:

Layering
It is very effective to wear layers of clothing to stay warm, as the air trapped between the layers acts as an insulator. Layering also allows you to regulate your body heat by adjusting the number of layers, depending on the temperature and your activity level. There are 3 main layers: ‘Transfer’ which is the layer next to your skin; ‘Insulating’ which is the main warmth layer(s); and, ‘Protective’ which is the outer layer to protect you from wind, rain, and other elements.

Keeping Dry
Wetness increases the loss of body heat and is uncomfortable, so it’s important to stay as dry as possible. Some clothing is hydrophobic, and therefore, stays dry (i.e., synthetics such as polypropylene, polyester, capilene, and natural fibres such as wool and silk). Clothes made of these materials make great expedition clothing. Be careful of other materials (e.g., cotton and down), because they are absorbent and stay wet. Also, avoid overdressing as it can cause excess perspiration and therefore wetness.
Please avoid cotton clothing (including jeans) if possible. Once it is wet, cotton takes a very long time to dry in this coastal environment.

Clothing List
Footwear
1 pair shoes to be worn during the day while kayaking. We recommend a pair of quick drying running shoes or a pair of wind surfing shoes such as Nike Aqua Socks, neoprene wet suit boots or amphibious sandals like ‘Tevas’, however ‘Tevas’ do not protect your feet from scrapes as well as running shoes and socks. Whichever you choose, make sure they have strong thick soles for walking on pebbles.
1 pair of sturdy running or walking shoes for wearing around the Inns and on short walks
2 pairs of wool or thermal socks
** Please do not bring rubber boots for in the kayak!

Headwear
Wool/fleece hat
Sun hat or visor (ballcap)
Rain hat (sou’wester), not needed if you have a hood on your raincoat
Handwear
Pair of wool or synthetic gloves with waterproof shell that closes tightly around your wrists (or kayaking pogies). These are to be worn on bad weather days while paddling or to cover hands that need protection from the salt water and sun.
Also optional to bring cycling gloves or light neoprene gloves to protect from blisters
Upper Body
2 synthetic fabric shirts (1 lightweight, 1 medium-weight) for paddling
2 t - shirts
1 long-sleeved shirt with collar
1 fleece zip-front jacket or pullover (for cool evenings and mornings)
1 coated nylon waterproof raincoat with sleeves that close tightly (make sure that it’s durable)
Lightweight windbreaker or paddling jacket
Lower Body
1-2 pairs shorts (light/fast drying nylon is best)
2 pairs polypropylene long underwear
2 of quick drying light nylon (or nylon blend) pants
Pair waterproof rain pants (Note: A full length coated nylon cagoule can be substituted for rain coat/pants)
Duffel Bag / Pack
Duffel bag for carrying gear to the trip departure point – make sure that it stuffs small as it will be carried in the kayak (see below ‘Packing for your kayaking trip’)
Several small to medium stuff sacks or drybags
Small sturdy nylon daypack for in kayak & on hikes (beltpack)

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Additional items
Any relaxing evening clothes you wish to have while you are at the Inn’s
1 pair sturdy, dark sunglasses with neck cord (100% UV protection)
1 pair extra prescription glasses if you wear them or contact lenses
1 water bottle (litre / quart size) with widemouth
1 cup for lunches (heavy plastic recommended)
1 toiletry kit – biodegradable soap, (bar soap does not work well in slat water, we suggest ‘Sea Suds’ a liquid product designed for use in salt water), toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste, small container moisturizing cream, small container of hand sanitizer
1 tube waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher recommended)
1 tube lip slave (with PABA recommended)
1 quick dry towel
Extra garbage bags (for waterproofing gear)

Optional items
Camera (insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended) with extra memory card/film and batteries
Waterproof box or bag for storing camera (see below ‘Packing for your kayaking trip’)
Small binoculars (also insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended)
Journal and pencil / pen
Small musical instrument
Chart of the area (see ‘Maps & Charts’ in Further Information package), laminate your charts or cover them with waterproof vinyl (e.g., Mactac). Naturally your guide(s) will bring charts as well to discuss daily paddling distances.
Favorite ‘goodies’

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First Aid
Your guides will carry an extensive wilderness first aid kit, however, you should bring the following items for your own personal use:

Band-aids (elastoplast or fabric type are best)
1 roll gauze
Blister kit (moleskin or ‘second skin’)
Tensor bandage
Adhesive tape, small gauze or telfa pads
Topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., polysporin)
Antacid
Mild analgesic (e.g., aspirin, Tylenol)
Mild anti-inflammatory (e.g., Ibuprofen)
Motion sickness medication (e.g., Gravol, Transderm patches); any personal medication (bring extra!)

Equipment
Group equipment such as paddles, sprayskirts, PFDs (lifejackets) are all provided. However, if you would prefer to bring your own equipment please clear its performance with the office and then confirm that you will bring it.

Packing for your kayaking trip
The object of packing for a kayak trip is to have all your equipment and clothing organized in many small waterproofed bags. Stuff sacks (nylon bags with drawstring closures) in various sizes (available at any outdoor supply store or easily made yourself) lined with the garbage bags are helpful in organizing and waterproofing your gear. Use small to medium size bags as they will be easier to fit into the kayak storage areas. Divide your gear in some logical order. For instance, pack one bag with things you will need for evening - e.g., shoes, jacket, long pants, etc.). In another bag, pack your extra clothing (clothing that you will need only in an emergency or extremely bad weather). Continue dividing gear in such a manner.

To ensure that your gear is waterproofed, line each of the nylon stuff sacks with two large garbage bags, put in your gear, then twist each bag’s top individually and tightly and tuck it into the stuff sack. Alternatively, you may opt to buy stuff sacks that are guaranteed to be 100% waterproof, however, these bags are more expensive, often do not keep gear 100% dry, and can develop holes. If you do use these bags, bring along some extra plastic garbage bags. All your stuff sacks should fit inside your large duffel bag. Please arrive with your gear organized and waterproofed as described above.
Your camera gear deserves special attention. First, before you leave home, make sure it is insured for any accidental damage as well as loss or theft. On the trip, it is best kept in a waterproof box such as a Pelican box, or some other commercially made waterproof and dustproof hard shell case. Check with your local diving stores and larger camera stores for the various models available.