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British Columbia's British Columbia’s Gulf Islands National Park 5-days of sailing and exploring the nature and cultures of the Salish Sea Experience the Mediterranean climate of this unique island archipelago Discover Encounter Learn The marine wilderness of Seals, sea lions, porpoises, How the Coast Salish First BC’s Southern Gulf Islands ravens and eagles Nations lived among these Archipelago islands for thousands of years British Columbia’s Gulf Islands National Park Discover the Salish Sea For thousands of years Coast Salish First Nations have called this collection of islands and inlets located between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia home. Today, the Salish Sea draws visitors for its unique Mediterranean climate and marine and land ecosystems teeming with wildlife that includes seabirds, seals, sea lions, humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, diverse intertidal life, and rare plant communities. The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve was established in 2003 to safeguard this ecologically and culturally sensitive region. 2 This expedition aboard our classic wooden schooner Passing Cloud provides the opportunity to explore, Nanaimo photograph, and experience the many islands, beaches and forests, fascinating ecology, and cultural and natural history of this region. 5-days / 4-nights 2015 departures: Oct 12, 17, 23 Price per person: $2400 CAD Departs from / Returns to: Port Sidney VANCOUVER ISLAND What’s Included? All meals, accommodation, transportation, user fees, use of onboard gear and resources, rubber boots. What’s not included? 5% GST, travel and accommodation before and after Sidney BRITISH COLUMBIA the expedition, gratuities, any personal expenses incurred due to weather, logistical delays, delayed departures of chartered aircraft, taxis, ferries. VANCOUVER Victoria 3 Sample Itinerary: British Columbia’s Gulf Islands National Park Day I have searched the globe 1 for authentic trips to build Our adventure begins at Port Sidney Marina, located inspiration, appreciation, and a just a short walk from the charming seaside town of sense that we are all connected. Sidney, British Columbia, and less than 10 km from Victoria International Airport. Upon arriving and Outer Shores and Passing Cloud boarding our schooner, Passing Cloud, we set sail gave this to our family. for the Salish Sea, the network of coastal waterways named for the Coast Salish First Nations who used the Melissa Hills, Outer Shores Traveller waterways as vital trade routes and as an important source for food. As we make our way through the intricate waterways, we are keenly on the lookout for the pods of salmon-eating orcas (killer whales) that reside here. Day 2 This morning, we start with a beach and forest walk on Russell Island. Part of the National Park Reserve, this island was once a First Nations village and in the 1880s was settled by Hawaiian immigrants. We explore the island’s cliffs, coves and sand beaches, and stroll through the Douglas fir and arbutus – a tall broadleaf evergreen tree – forest. In the afternoon, we set sail for Haro Strait, a major entrance point for the Fraser River salmon run, where we search for whales, porpoises and seabirds. 4 Day 3 Today we explore the intriguing intertidal ecosystems and beaches on Tumbo Island. The island’s rich and historic past has included fur farming, timber harvesting and coal mining, but today it is mainly forested with old growth Douglas firs and Garry oak meadows. Historically, Coast Salish First Nations found safe harbour on Tumbo Island during their journeys across the strait and while hand trolling for fish offshore. It remains an important spiritual site to this day. In the afternoon, we have a unique opportunity to observe a sea lion haul-out, where hundreds of these sea mammals take to the rocky shore, as Passing Cloud sails past Tumbo Island’s East Point. Day 4 Our day begins with a hike through the regenerating Garry oak and arbutus forest on the mountainous Saturna Island, leading to an unspoiled view of Narvaez Bay. In the afternoon, we take advantage of our sea kayaks and paddle along the quiet shoreline, while also having time for a beach walk and zodiac tour of the island’s surrounding waters. Later, we raise all sails and enjoy cruising gracefully through Boundary Passage and Haro Strait, on the look out for southern resident killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, and other marine mammals and seabirds. Our overnight anchorage is located on Pender Island. Day 5 On the final day of our expedition, after one more delicious breakfast, we make our way back to Port Sidney to say our farewells and disembark by late morning. 5 If you have any questions about our 360 B Harbour Road expeditions, or a specific detail about the Victoria, British Columbia expedition you have booked, please let V9A 3S1, Canada us know by phone or visit our website for more information. [email protected] Photo Credits: James Thompson, Ryan Flett, Gem 1-855-714-7233 (Toll Free in North America) Salsberg, Tavish Campbell, and Russell Markel. 1-250-220-2311 (Local and International).
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