Go on an adventure with the experts!
Kayaking/Hiking | Wilderness Cruising/Sailing Adventures - Educational Excursions | Wilderness Learning Opportunities for Children | Water Taxi/Eco Tours | Whale Watching/Eco Tours | Sport Fishing/Eco Tours | Motorcoach Tours
Going out with one of our licensed operators is a great way to experience the park. Whether you are looking for a guided tour to discover the unique history and natural beauty of the park reserve or want to take a kayak adventure in the many sheltered bays and coves around the islands, you will benefit from a local operator’s expertise and knowledge on your visit to Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Kayaking/Hiking
Bennett Bay Kayaking
While visiting Mayne Island, experience some of the best kayaking areas in the Southern Gulf Islands. Offers guided half-day tours and kayak rentals, along with over 10 years experience providing kayaking adventures on Mayne Island. Guides are SKGABC-certified.
Address: Mayne Island, BC
Phone: 250-539-0864
E-mail: info@bennettbaykayaking.com
Website: www.bennettbaykayaking.com
Coastal Bliss Adventures Ltd.
Coastal Bliss Adventures Ltd. offers guided single and multi-day hiking, and kayaking tours to wilderness locations on and around Vancouver Island and BC’s coastal regions. Coastal Bliss Adventures also offers single & multi-day instructional kayak programs accredited by Paddle Canada.
Address: 6-5803 Banks Road, Duncan, BC V9L 1L3
Toll Free: 1-800-896-9525 (North America)
Fax: 1-866-931-3108
E-mail: coastalbliss@shaw.ca
Website: www.coastalbliss.ca
David Dreves Kayaking
Offers kayak and stand up paddle board lessons and tours in White Rock and Crescent Beach and the Gulf Islands.
Phone: 604-318-4019
E-mail: info@kayakcourses.ca
Website: www.kayakcourses.ca
Island Escapades
Offers ocean kayak guided tours (since 1990) with amazing scenery and wildlife viewing. Multi-day camping expeditions, beginner and advanced stroke and rescue clinics, rentals, BCCA accredited youth camps and guides courses available. All guides are SKGABC-certified with a wealth of knowledge about marine ecology. Eclectic beachfront shop in Ganges, Salt Spring Island offers outdoor gear, kayak accessories, lifestyle, surf and skate wear.
Address: 118 Natalie Lane, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2C6
Phone: 250-537-2571
Toll-free: 1-888-529-2567
Fax: 250-537-2532
Store: 250-537 2553
E-mail: escapades@saltspring.com
Website: www.islandescapades.com
Kelp Reef Adventures
Offers half-day adventures that highlight Saturna Island’s rich natural beauty. With rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, Saturna Island boasts thick kelp beds, Orca whales and Pacific white sided dolphins. All kayaking gear is provided (including paddling jackets).
Phone: 250-386-7333
E-mail: kelpreef@gmail.com
Website: www.kelpreef.com
Nature Trek Canada
Specializes in informative, nature-oriented tours and expeditions. Day and overnight trips take place in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and along the west coast of Vancouver Island. Expeditions take you to the remote wilderness of Canada’s north. Daytrips are organized to accommodate your schedule. NTC is a small and dedicated professional company established in 1992. Knowledgeable local guides make your trip informative and fun!
Address: 220 Hillcrest Drive, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1Y4
Phone: 250-653-4265
Fax: 250-653-4265
E-mail: information@naturetrek.ca
Website: www.naturetrek.ca
Ocean River Adventures
Ocean River Adventures is one of the premium paddlesport facilities on Vancouver Island. Offers guided kayak experiences in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve that highlight the area’s spectacular scenery while inspiring a passion for paddling..
Address: 1824 Store Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4K4
Phone: 250-381-4233
Fax: 250-361-3536
E-mail: bigkahuna@oceanriver.com
Website: www.oceanriver.com
Pender Island Kayak Adventures
From a two-hour introductory tour to a full day adventure, PIKA will fulfill your Gulf Islands paddling needs. Perhaps you have the skills to choose your own adventure? They rent as well. Don’t have the necessary skills? They’’ll teach you! Come to the centre of the Southern Gulf Islands for a paddling adventure that will keep you wanting more!
Address: Port Browning Marina Resort, 4605 Oak Road, North Pender Island, BC V0N 2M0
Phone: 250-629-6939
E-mail: info@kayakpenderisland.com
Website: www.kayakpenderisland.com
Poets Cove Resort and Spa
Offers both hotel and villa-style accommodation. Located at Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island. There is a 100 slip marina, spa, restaurants, a range of activities (hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, aqua-fit), 2 heated pools and tennis court available on the property.
Address: 9801 Spalding Road, Pender Island, BC V0N 2M3
Phone: 250-629-2100
Fax: 250-629-2105
E-mail: resortadmin@poetscove.com
Website: www.poetscove.com
Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society
Provides inclusive adventure programs designed to support people facing significant life barriers. Through collaboration, they connect individuals with nature to discover their limitless ability. Their Adaptive Recreation program is a positive community response for people living with a disability to gain access to outdoor programs, while their Wilderness School fosters positive social development and life skills in youth, which encourage leadership and success in other areas of life.
Address: 1009 Langley Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1V7
Phone: 250-385-2363
Toll-free: 1-800-375-2363
Fax: 250-385-2360
E-mail: info@powertobe.ca
Website: www.powertobe.ca
Salt Spring Adventure Company
- Day and Multi-Day Kayak Tours
- Bike Rentals/Servicing
- Sailing Charters
- Yoga – Private's Mobile
Address: #7-126 Upper Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Phone: 250-537-2764
E-mail: info@saltspringadventures.com
Website: www.saltspringadventures.com
SKILS
SKILS offers kayaking, canoeing, SUP and kayak fishing courses as well as private customized instructional courses and guided trips. Staff are highly certified and experienced.
Address: 8592 Deception Place, North Saanich, BC, V8L5C4
Phone: 250-726-5119
E-mail: info@skils.ca
Website: www.skils.ca
Wilderness Cruising/Sailing Adventures
Bluewater Adventures Ltd.
Offers multi-day wilderness, wildlife and cultural tours (since 1974). They provide learning journeys for students and adults along coastal B.C. and into southeast Alaska. Their experienced crew lead small group tours along the BC coast on our liveaboard 68” motor-sailors-- the Island Odyssey and the Island Roamer. With respect and admiration for their surroundings, they aim to provide guests with a memorable experience.
Address: 3-252 E. First Street, North Vancouver, BC V7L 1B3
Phone: 604-980-3800
Fax: 604-980-1800
E-mail: info@bluewateradventures.ca
Website: www.bluewateradventures.ca
Great Bear Coastal Maritime Co. Ltd.
Cruise the BC Coast aboard the 1943 wooden-hull and interiors Pacific Yellowfin to discover beautiful landscapes and stunning wildlife. Take a culinary cruise through the calm waters of picturesque Gulf Islands. Go further afield outside the park to discover the spectacular fjords of Desolation Sound or venture into the majestic Great Bear Rainforest, home to grizzly, black and the most elusive Spirit Bear.
Address: #102-8380 St. George Street, Vancouver, BC V5X 3S7
Phone: 604-321-2124
Toll-free: 1-866-640-5935
Fax: 604-266-1938
E-mail: info@pacificyellowfin.com
Website: www.pacificyellowfin.com
Maple Leaf Adventures
Rated "Trip of a Lifetime" by Frommer’s and "Best Adventure Travel Company on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure, step aboard the classic, 92-foot schooner Maple Leaf for a multi-day cruise of the Gulf Islands’ best. Sail to remote locations, from white shell beaches to rainforests to wildlife colonies. Explore ashore often, guided by expert naturalists. Includes gourmet cuisine, a top-notch crew and comfortable accommodations.
Address: P.O. Box 8845, Stn Central, Victoria, BC V8W 3Z1
Phone: 250-386-7245
Toll-free: 1-888-599-5323
Fax: 250-386-7246
E-mail: kevin@mapleleafadventures.com
Website: www.mapleleafadventures.com
Wilderness Cruising/Sailing Adventures - Educational Excursions
SALTS Sail and Life Training Society
Groups participate in five-day voyages to the Gulf Islands each spring and fall. Individual young people join in ten-day summer voyages. Trainees aboard the tall ships Pacific Grace and Pacific Swift are exposed to technical, personal, critical thinking and decision skills required for life and are given opportunities to practice, and learn these skills in a dynamic and genuine environment throughout a sail training voyage.
Address: Box 5014, Station “B", Victoria, BC V8R 6N3
Phone: 250-383-6811
E-mail: info@salts.ca
Website: www.salts.ca
SEA Programs
SEA Programs Inc. provides five-day sailing educational adventures in the Gulf Islands. They work exclusively with school groups of 10 to 32 during the school year.
Address: P.O. Box 2092, Sidney, BC V8L 3S6
Phone: 250-896-3559 or 250-889-8227
Fax: 250-652-1433
E-mail: info@seaprograms.com
Website: under construction
Wilderness Learning Opportunities for Children
Gulf Islands Centre for Ecological Learning
Provides nature-based experiences for youths, 6-12 years old. These are day programs held on four of the Southern Gulf Islands. Participants explore the wonderful diversity of the marine, forest, agricultural, freshwater systems and First Nations culture using art, music, science and free exploration.
Address: 171 Georgina Point Road, Mayne Island, BC V0N 2J1
Phone: 250-539-5745
E-mail: gicel@gicel.ca
Website: www.gicel.ca
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
Offers Salish Sea School Summer Camps at various locations in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Children will enjoy learning about the natural history of the creatures and plants of the Salish Sea with a focus on instilling respect for natural spaces, wildlife and First Nations knowledge.
Address: 9811 Seaport Place, Sidney, BC V8L 4X3
Phone: 250-665-7511
E-mail: oceaneer1@oceandiscovery.ca
Website: www.oceandiscovery.ca
Water Taxi/Eco Tours
Island Camping Water Taxi Services
Water taxi service providing 24hr, seven-day/week transportation throughout the Southern Gulf Islands. Private charter to marine park areas for hiking, camping, sightseeing, bird watching and enjoying 100% pure nature. Drop-off and pick-up service for day trips to the park and camp/kayak transportation to distant areas. Take a marine wildlife sightseeing adventure through the Salish Sea and national park reserve. Get a group together and “create your own adventure”.
Address: 9461 Braun Crescent, Sidney, BC V8L 4Z2
Phone: 250-656-4826
E-mail: islandcamping@shaw.ca
Website: www.islandcamping.ca
Sidney Harbour Cruise Ltd. / EcoCruising Tours and Charters
Within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, EcoCruising Tours and Charters offers scheduled boat tours and private group charters along Sidney waterfront including the waters around the Little Group islets and Dock Island. The company also provides water taxi service for hikers and campers to Portland Island, Russell Island and Isle-de-Lis (Rum Island). A water taxi service is available to Sidney Spit during the off-season of the Sidney Spit Alpine ferry service usually early September through to mid-May. Departures in two 12-passenger enclosed vessels are from Sidney Pier (June-September) and Canoe Cove Marina (year-round). Skippers are ecologist guides.
Address: 4096 Raymond Street North, Victoria, BC V8Z 4L6
Phone: 250-655-5211
E-mail: brian@ecocruising.com
Website: www.ecocruising.com
Whale Watching/Eco Tours
SeaQuest Adventures/Sidney Whale Watching
Sidney Whale Watching offers whale watching trips right out of Sidney, in the heart of the “whale zone”. You will have less travel time and more “whale time” providing for the best experience possible.
Address: #105-2537 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC
Phone: 250-656-7599
E-mail: info@sidneywhalewatching.com
Website: www.sidneywhalewatching.com
Sport Fishing/Eco Tours
Edgewater Pacific Navigation
Offers school at sea, eco-tours and sport fishing charters in the Gulf Islands area. The Edgewater Fortune is a 154-foot converted mine sweeper. It is available for private and corporate charters.
Address: 64 Seymour Court, New Westminster, BC V3L 4M6
Phone: 604-526-0248
Fax: 604-526-0293
E-mail: normjohansen@telus.net
Website: www.edgewaterfortune.com
Motorcoach Tours
Wells Gray Tours
Address: 250 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops, BC V2B 5Y3
Phone: 250-483-5231
E-mail: info@wellsgraytours.com
Website: www.wellsgraytours.com