Day 1: Wallace Island Provincial Park – We will drive to our launch site at Hudson’s Point where your guide will go over the finer points of expedi on kayaking: paddle technique, boat safety, proper packing of a kayak, etc. A er packing, we will launch from Hudson’s Point on Salt Spring and paddle the 30-minute crossing over to Wallace Island Provincial Marine Park, then head straight to Chivers Point and set up camp. A er lunch, we will head back out to explore Wallace Island and the Secretaries. Wallace Island, located in beau ful Trincomali Channel between the northern ends of Saltspring Island and Galiano Island, offers numerous beaches, coves and offshore islets to explore. Bald eagles, black-tailed deer and mink are common in the park, as well as harbour seals, sea lions and river o ers.
**First Nights Menu: Roasted Garlic and SSI Cheese Pla er, Wild Salmon in Mustard-Caper Bu er with a chilled SSI Mistaken Iden ty Rose.
Day 2: Dionisio Point Provincial Park – In the morning, we will learn to predict the day’s des and currents over Salt Spring Organic Coffee and come up with a plan for the day. Our ming for the day must be just right as we head to Porlier Pass, an area of fast dal currents that result in whirlpools and standing waves. We need to be there at slack de for safety’s sake. The dal currents of Porlier Pass have created a rich inter dal life - sea-stars, nudibranchs and chitons can be seen in the de pools, and at mes large quan es of swimming scallop shells can be found on the beaches. Stellar Sea Lions are o en spo ed swimming and playing in the churning waters.
Dionisio Point offers a beau ful, serene campground with incredible scenery, including headlands flanked by sandy beaches, picturesque bays and a unique shoreline that includes sculpted sandstone shelves, pebble and sand beaches and colorful wildflower meadows.
** Second Nights Menu: Fresh Taco Salad, with Organic Local Tofu seasoned with delicious Mexican flavour and topped with fresh sautéed vegetables on a bed of greens, sprinkled with delicious corn chips.
Day 3: Blackberry Point on Valdes Island – We will head back through Porlier Pass to Blackberry Point. While sipping your Pinot Gris on the white shell beach of Blackberry Point, you’d swear you were in the Mediterranean. This is one of the Gulf Islands most beau ful campsites with an extensive sand beach, an a rac ve meadow for camping and extensive eroded sandstone forma ons to explore nearby.
** Third Nights Dinner: Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes, Pine Nuts and Smoked Pacific Albacore Tuna with Prospect Gallery Pinot Noir.
Day 4: The s and Kuper Islands: We will paddle south along the First Na ons Reserve that is Kuper Island, past incredible sandstone forma ons filled with cormorant nests, and back to Southy Point on to Salt Spring for goodbyes and final pictures on the beach.
**Fourth Nights Dinner: Organic Yam Quesadillas with homemade Chipotle Yogurt Sauce and a Garry Oak Pinot Gris.
Day 5: Tent Island: Owned by the Penelakut First Na ons, this Island is a li le taste of heaven with a great li le bay for swimming, walking trails around the island, and a nice view of the Northern Islands, it is a great place for a last night on the water.
VALUE ADDED TOURS
We do our very best to give every customer their money’s worth, which is why on any Salt Spring Adventure Co. Expedition there is the opportunity for you to learn more about the finer points of kayaking such as:
• Paddle stroke technique • How to read nautical charts • Weather prediction • Calculating currents and tides for a given area • Wet exits and rescues FAQ’S
What is included?
All meals, snacks, drinks (incl. one large glass of local wine with dinner), all kayak related personal / safety / emergency gear, 2 cer fied guides, tents, sleeping pads, pillows, and dry bags. Not included: Sleeping bags $25 extra flat rate, pub lunch on day 4 (op onal). What about food? We provide all kitchen equipment, meals, drinks, and snacks. We do our best to create well rounded meals containing as must local organic produce and free range meats as possible. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know on your medical form which is due 30 days prior to trip departure.
How large are the groups?
The maximum group size on our kayak trips is 10. The ra o of guides to clients is 1:5.
What is the difficulty level?
A mul day kayak adventure in the Gulf Islands requires that you have a moderate level of fitness. If you lead an ac ve lifestyle and feel physically up for the challenge of paddling for 4 – 5 hours a day, you will do just fine. Some upper body exer on is involved, but you do not need to be athle c to enjoy sea kayaking in the Gulf Islands. Hi ng the gym for some pre-trip condi oning may make some people’s experience more enjoyable.
How much will we paddle each day?
The amount of paddling / day depends on a number of factors: route, winds, currents, group ability, and daily i nerary requirements but generally we will paddle no more than 4-5 hours a day.
Alcohol?
We do provide one healthy glass of wine with your dinner meal, at the end of the day, as we feel it complements the food and se ng. Alcohol can only be consumed at the end of the paddling day when we have no further plans of heading out on the water. We ask that you do not bring alcohol on the trip with you. If you have a special bo le of wine you would like to share over dinner, we can subs tute it for our bo le of wine and share it with the group.
When should we arrive?
If you are arriving the morning of, please plan to be at our office close to Ganges by 8:30am on the day of departure.
Where can we leave our cars?
If you are intending on leaving your car somewhere during your expedi on, we can show you some close parking op ons by Ganges. You are not able to park at our office, as we have limited space.
Where are we mee ng?
On the day of the trip departure we will be mee ng at our office at #7 – 126 Upper Ganges Rd. Our office is located at the Salt Spring Marina and is adjacent to Moby’s Pub (well known by locals). Our trip will begin at 8:30am on the day of departure.
When will the trip end?
The trip will end by 5pm at the latest, on the final day of the trip. If you have ferries / planes to catch please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate. If making reserva ons for ferries / planes please ensure their departure me is no earlier than 5pm. However, the possibility of a delay due to winds and weather is always possible. Please keep this in mind when making transporta on reserva ons.
Deposit and Cancellation Policy: A $200 non refundable deposit/person is required at time of registering. Balance of payment is due no later than 30 Days prior to the trip start date. No refunds will be given for cancellations within one week of the trips departure.
• Payment may be made in cash, credit card (VISA / MC) or cheque. Please make the cheques out to the Salt Spring Adventure Co.
• What to Bring: Upon registration for an expedition, you will receive a detailed packing list.
• Medical / Cancellation Insurance: the SSAC strongly recommends to its clients & guests to purchase travel insurance. This can include trip cancellation insurance, medical or non-medical and evacuation insurance. Medical Insurance is especially important to visitors from outside of British Columbia and Canada.
ÿ Tetanus Shots: Please make sure you have had a tetanus shot within 10 years, 5 years is recommended. We cannot take you out without the shot.
ÿ Recent Injuries/Illness: Please make sure you inform us when booking if you have recently had a major injury, surgery, or significant illness. We reserve the right to cancel your spot on the trip if we feel your condi on is not safe on the trip.
• Questions / Concerns: Give us a call at 1-877-537-2764 or email us at [email protected]
Salt Spring Adventure Co. Ltd #7-126 Upper Ganges Rd. PO Box 276 Stn Ganges, Salt Spring Island BC V8K 2V9