Not far from the urban centres of Puget Sound and Vancouver, lies a group of islands that offer refuge from modern life. The Gulf and San Juan Islands lie in the dry rain shadow of the mountains and create a unique ecosystem typified by Garry oak and the beautiful Arbutus tree (Madrone). 

This Sailboat Tour in Canada natural history voyage explores the protected waters of the Gulf Islands, off southern Vancouver Island. Our focus will be exploring the new Gulf Islands National Park and the remote islands of this beautiful region. 

How This Sailboat Tour in Canada Holiday Makes A Difference:

One of the joys of travelling along this coast is the islands, inlets and fjords that make up its absolutely stunning geography. Sailors consider this area one of the best cruising destination in North America with scenic anchorages and fabulous weather. Passengers will be thrilled by the excitement of porpoise, hundreds of seals, and sea lions out on the rocks. The Coast Salish First Nation people have lived here for thousands of years and we will see sites they once inhabited.

Operating a sailing vessel brings a number of challenges from an environmental impact point of view, which we try to minimize through refuse management practices that are the focus of many discussions on-board, on land and at the office. We recycle glass and tin along the coast, and in the small communities we work out of. Paper is a major issue. We find that burning paper along the ocean shores at low tide is a better choice than adding to very small landfill sites on remote islands. The tide washes it up in the next cycle.

We also compost out in deeper water. There are all sorts of marine organisms like crabs that are detritus feeders. Some of the organic matter, like orange peels, will float, so we avoid composting those in places that are more densely populated like the Gulf Islands.

All the lights on-board are 12-Volt, so they run off the batteries. We don’t have incandescent lights; everything is compact fluorescent. The efficiency of our conventional power train is enhanced by the shape of sailing vessels which are slender and foster easier movement through the water than more blunt hulls.

In all areas that are part of First Nations territory, we work collaboratively with them, and we are committed to hiring local guides. 

We have an on-going wildlife log so all significant sightings are catalogued. Often we travel to parts of the coast that researchers seldom get to. For 20 years, we have been doing marine mammal sightings in conjunction with the Vancouver Aquarium and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo.

“Appreciate wilderness, respect wildlife and native cultures”

We only travel in small groups of 12-16 guests. Small groups can watch in awe as a bear feeds on salmon. Smaller boats can float silently among the whales.

We adhere to the principals of ecotourism. We support local communities, promote conservation, ensure our practices are low impact, and provide guests with world-class knowledge about the coast, the wildlife and Native cultures. We travel together in a relaxed, fun style (our lives are here to be enjoyed). We contribute to a variety of whale and seabird research programs and support conservation groups working to protect coastal wilderness.

On each trip we are committed to introducing participants to the wonders of nature. An experienced naturalist leads daily walks ashore and often provides short evening slide shows or presentations. Participants find learning engages their curiosity, and enriches the trip immensely.

On all our voyages we intentionally keep our itineraries flexible to take advantage of wildlife sightings, weather and tides, and the interests of the group.

Personal Identification Needed:

Passengers will require a valid passport when crossing the US/CDN border for all trips.

What's Included:

All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day; all accommodation onboard ship; skipper, cook, naturalist; full use of all onboard facilities.

Not Included:

Transportation to the start point and from the finish point of the trip; any accommodation or meals prior to the start of the trip or after the completion; travel or cancellation insurance; airport transfers. The only money participants require during the trip is for optional purchases and gratuities for the crew.

Notes:

• We ask you to bring a sleeping bag, as there are no facilities for laundry onboard. If you are taking a trip in the Spring or Fall a warm sleeping bag is recommended.

• Rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear. Rubber boots should be comfortable. Knee high boots will ensure dry feet. Expect daily use stepping ashore from small boats at the ocean's edge and walking in west coast rainforest.

• We cannot accommodate suitcases aboard the boat and ask that your clothing and equipment be brought aboard in soft sided, compressible bags, for example duffel bags or some other soft case that can be easily stowed.

• Be prepared to dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather. Good warm outer clothing (including warm hat and gloves or mittens) and good rain clothing allows you to remain comfortable in windy or wet conditions. A good, light thermal layer can go along way to providing comfort. (Remember the whales don't stop just because it's raining).

• Please be aware that there may be weight restrictions for floatplanes, if your trip includes this option. If you are concerned about seasickness your doctor can recommend medications designed to prevent motion sickness.

Meals

A professional cook is in charge of all the cooking during the trip. We carry ample quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, grains and dairy products for the duration of the voyage. Meals are served buffet style. We are confident that you will be very impressed with the variety and excellence of the meals that are prepared for you. Complimentary wines are served with dinner. There is no bar onboard to purchase additional drinks. Guests are responsible and welcome to bring their own cocktail, beer and soft drinks.

Join our Sailboat Tour in Canada Holiday!