Island Escapades - Kayaking Expeditions in the Gulf Islands, BC

Island Escapades Kayak Expedition Dates:
With 4 or more people we can create kayaking and camping expedition dates that suit your group's needs and there are discounted prices for youth.

The cost is $180/person per day (Canadian). Price for youth under 12 is $135 and for youth 12 to 15 is $150/person. That includes all your equipment, food, camping fees, and of course guides.

May 16th -19th Early Paddlers Catch the Bird with local Salt Spring Biologist. This paddle gets a glimpse of all the Spring Mammals, and spring Flowers. (The first summer long weekend!!) Kayak lessons, and training along with interpretive wildlife viewing.

June 6th -8th Spring Flowers & Marine Mammals on this 1st Weekend in June the expedition will be lead by Jack Rosen SKBABC examiner with 25 years of guiding experience. (Options for Camping or B&B accommodations.)

June 20th -22nd Women's Paddling Weekend (Expedition or B&B Options) The weekend begins with a Kayak Rescue Clinic, teaching session on Currents & Tides and then some fabulous paddling in the Northern Gulf Islands, camping on Valdes Island. Weekend course lead by Allison McTavish

June 22nd -24th Camping expedition to Wallace Island and Dionisio Marine Park. Learn to calculate currents and make your own route plans. Practice paddling in the currents, ferry gliding and landing in small swells. Weekend course run by SKGABC Examiner Jack Rosen

June 28th – July 1st Mammal Watch - In search of Seals, Sea Lions & Porpoise with local marine biologist. Paddle in to watch the Fireworks and Canada Celebrations in Ganges! Camping at Prevost Island and B&B provided on the last night (July 1st). Sailing option on July 2nd .

July 22nd-25th Northern Gulf Island Expedition – First Nations History to present day Marine Parks and fabulous wildlife watching and intertidal viewing! – Active Waters and Active Bodies. This Trip will be Pontiki escorted! The ultimate mother ship that aids the group and makes this excursion fun but offers everyone versatility on whether they will paddle early or sleep in and enjoy a coffee & Pancakes on the Pontiki as your relax and are taken to our lunch location. The pontiki awaits us at our next campsite with Appetizers, music and drinks ready. Pontiki escorted trips are great for couples who want to be together on a wilderness trip but don’t always have the same energy levels.

July 25-27th Paddling to the Spiritual heart of Salt Spring. Kayaking to Sansum Narrows and camping in Luxury at Bold Bluff’s TeePee. Enjoy a hot water shower as you look out over the ocean! Night Paddles to view the phosphorescence and hikes through the pristine forests of Mt. Bruce. Two nights camping accommodation at Bold Bluff. The last day we ride the current out of Sansum narrows and exit via Baiders Beach!

Aug. 2-4th B&B adventure weekend. Two nights at one of Salt Spring's classic accommodations mixed with great paddles to Marine parks with Picnic Lunches and Gourmet Dinners served on sheltered beaches. Enjoy live entertainment in the evenings in Ganges while you view wildlife and taste the west coast wilderness during the daytime.

July 31st – Aug. 2nd. Two nights and three days of camping, enjoying the best weather the west coast can offer. Long days and evenings that cool off so you can sleep comfortably. Enjoy camping at Princess Margaret Island and Prevost Marine Park. On our return we’ll stop at Walker Hook- the Gulf Islands’ longest Beach where you can swim and enjoy this beauty. To conclude this expedition you’ll enjoy a fabulous Salmon Dinner BBQ on Island Escapades beach in Ganges.

Aug. 20th -24th National & Provincial Parks Expedition Northern Loop. This is an epic trip taking you all the way up to Gabriola from Salt Spring Island. We serve gourmet foods and treat you to some of the most interesting coastal waters on the inside Passage. Camping, Wildlife, Sunsets, Scenery and Fitness, Relaxation and the Pontiki. This trip is escorted by the Pontiki—the ultimate mother ship that aids the group and makes this excursion fun but offers everyone versatility on weather they will paddle early or sleep in and enjoy a coffee on the Pontiki as you relax and are taken to our lunch location. The pontiki awaits us at our next campsite with Appetizers, music and drinks ready. Pontiki escorted trips are great for couples who want to be together on a wilderness trip but don’t always have the same energy levels.

Aug. 27th – 30th New Moon Wild Women’s Escapades (Women Only!) Enjoy this expedition through the Islands, learn the finer skills of Kayak navigation, route planning and paddling in currents while you share stories and enjoy wine with gourmet camp side meals. We’ll paddle in the moonlight on the evening of the 28th, howling at the moon! (This is a New Moon, so bring those headlamps! )

Pon Tiki Tours: The cost is $239/person per day (Canadian). Pon Tiki escorted tours include “the ultimate mother ship" that aids the group and makes an excursion fun but offers everyone versatility on whether they paddle early or sleep in and enjoy the calmness of the campground. Enjoy a coffee & pancakes on the Pon Tiki as you relax and are taken to our lunch location. The Pon Tiki awaits us at our next campsite with appetizers, dinner music and drinks ready. “Pon Tiki” escorted trips are great for couples who want to be together on a wilderness trip but don’t always have the same energy levels.

For those wanting more pampered comforts, we offer B&B packages where you may still enjoy the unique wilderness experience yet have the pampered comforts of a Bed and Breakfast. Please see Adventure Packages for more details.

Coastal British Columbia ranks as one of the premier kayaking destinations in the world. The intertidal zone here encompass nearly 27,000 km (16,900 mi) of coastline and includes islands and islets, rocky shores and headlands, reefs, inlets, sandy beaches, estuaries, and tidal lagoons. Over 3,800 species of invertebrates inhabit these coastal waters.

Our friends Kris and Steve have been leading tours on the coast for three years. This year they've started their own company and offer all-inclusive, natural & cultural history tours around Vancouver Island. Kris has a background in archaeology and loves to entertain guests with stories of the prehistoric settlement of BC and early european explorers, as well as pointing out ancient village sites, stone fish traps, petroglyphs, culturally modified trees and other cultural treasures. Steve grew up in a canoe but has acquired a passion for exploring the wilds of the BC Coast by kayak. His passion will be evident during each day of your tour as he surprises you with his knowledge of the many unique and secret locals he's discovered.

Kris and Steve are Lead Guides with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC and hold certificates in Coastal Adventure Tourism and Advanced Wilderness First Aid. All their tours include quality equipment and delicious wholesome cuisine.