GULF ISLANDS WALKING IN AN ARCHIPELAGO OF NATURAL WONDERS - Walking 7 Days - Great Explorations
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Great Explorations |1 GULF ISLANDS WALKING IN AN ARCHIPELAGO OF NATURAL WONDERS Walking · 7 Days E info@great-explorations.com W www.great-explorations.com T 1800.242.1825 or 604.730.1247
Great Explorations |2
GULF ISLANDS
Only Great Explorations
The Gulf Islands, an archipelago of green jewels lying in ·S mall groups, extraordinary guides,
the sheltered waters off the west coast of Canada, offer an and authentic experiences.
· Dinner at the atmospheric
amazing travel experience. Treehouse Restaurant, on
Saltspring where you will be
Get away from it all! Journey to a coves, where seals and orcas gambol
entertained by musicians under
place where lush forests meet the and seabirds wheel overhead. Slow
the stars.
deep blue sea. Sail away to the down and relax as you experience the
· A picnic at Lighthouse Park on
beauty and tranquility of western natural wonders that these coastal
Mayne Island, where whales may
Canada’s Gulf Islands. Explore four enclaves have to offer. Your days
be spotted offshore.
unique islands as you hop from one will be filled with experiences you’ll
· Order off the menu at restaurants
to the other. Follow peaceful trails treasure forever.
you won’t find in guide books.
and old logging roads to unspoiled
· Distinctive, charming hotels too
small for larger groups.
ITINERARY · We design and operate our own
trips so there are only good
Getting there Day 2 surprises.
Salt Spring Island Salt Spring Island
Trip Dates
Our tour begins on Salt Spring Today’s walk begins with a transfer
2017 2018
Island - Ganges Harbour. Day 1 of to Beaver Point Hall, from where
July 25-31 July 24-30
the tour is the day of arrival and you begin your exploration of the
Aug 3-9 Aug 2-8
your hotel is included on this day. southeast corner of Salt Spring Island.
Aug 31- Sept 6 Aug 30- Sept 5
To reach Salt Spring Island, you can You’ll follow well-marked trails to
June 23 -29
take a ferry from Vancouver Island Ruckle Provincial Park, named after
at Swartz Bay (near Victoria, arriving the family whose homestead this was Trip Size
Fulford Harbour) or from Vancouver in the 19th century. Walk along the 8-16 participants
Tsawwassen Terminal (via Swartz shore to King’s Point, with an option
Bay) or by float plane from downtown to continue to Yeo Point, where you’ll Total Days
Vancouver. We’ll meet you on arrival enjoy views of the Channel Islands, 7 days/6 nights
to Salt Spring Island. home to frolicking marine mammals
Arrive/Depart
Day 1 and a colony of cormorants. Continue
along the water’s edge through the
Victoria/Vancouver
Salt Spring Island
Tsawout Band Reserve. Then return to Activity Level
Our tour starts at Ganges Harbour your accommodation. Moderate
on Salt Spring Island, the largest Walking distance: up to 17 km. 3-7 hours hiking each day
Day 3
of the Gulf Islands, and famous for
its scenery, sunshine, and warm Terrain
hospitality. It’s also a haven for artists Galiano Island The terrain is hilly and there are
and everywhere you go you’ll find Begin with a transfer by taxi to climbs everyday.
galleries and studios. There’s time Ganges, walk down and enjoy the
for a short hike into the verdant Fern popular Saturday market. Then
Valley, which has the lush feel of a take the ferry to Sturdies Bay on
tropical rainforest. the southeast tip of Galiano Island.
Walking distance: 3km. Named for the Spanish sea captain
who explored the surrounding waters
E info@great-explorations.com W www.great-explorations.com T 1800.242.1825 or 604.730.1247
Great Explorations |3
Temperature in Victoria
(Avg. Daily High) °C °F
Vancouver April 13 56
May 17 62
GULF ISLANDS
June 19 67
July 22 71
Galiano
Island August 22 72
September 19 67
Vancouver
Island October 14 58
Mayne
Saltspring Island
Island
Pender
Islands Saturna
Island
Victoria
VICTORIA
in 1792, Galiano Island is home to
more than 130 species of birds and
a haven for naturalists. Enjoy quiet
roads and Douglas fir forests. Walk to
will take you to South Pender Island
Bellhouse Provincial Park, where the
this morning. Start at the canal that
wind and the sea have carved and
separates the two Pender Islands and
Day 7
pocked the sandstone rocks of the
climb an old logging road to the edge
beach. Watch for the many eagles
of Mount Norman Provincial Park.
that glide overhead. Return to Swartz Bay near Victoria or
Walk into Beaumont Provincial Marine
Walking distance: 4km. Vancouver and depart for home or on
Park, then up to the summit of Mount
Day 4
to your next adventure.
Norman, from where you can see
Galiano Island part of the San Juan Islands and the
Today’s walk takes you to three great Olympic Range in Washington. As you
viewpoints. Climb up Mount Galiano descend, you might be able to see
where there’s a wonderful view of the Vancouver skyline in the distance.
Active Pass and the southern Gulf Return to the canal, from where you’ll
Islands. Head into Bluffs Park, where be transferred back to Saturna for the
you hike amongst cedars and ferns night.
to the top of the bluff, where there Walking distance: 15km
are stunning views of Prevost Island
and the south face of Mount Galiano.
Day 6
Saturna Island
From Galiano Cemetery you’ll see
This morning, follow old logging roads
seals sunning themselves on their
and goat trails to the top of Mount
private island.
Warburton Pike, then descend to
Walking distance: 12 km.
the Saturna Winery, in a spectacular
Day 5 setting near the water, and the pebbly
Pender Island beach at Thomson Park. Then head
Hop onto a private water taxi, which back to your accommodation.
Walking distance: 10 km.
E info@great-explorations.com W www.great-explorations.com T 1800.242.1825 or 604.730.1247
Great Explorations |4
HOTELS
e Inn
Hastings House Inn
us
Salt Spring Island
Hastings Ho
This 3-star hotel is modest, yet
comfortable and has a great location
close to town; they have an organic
garden and restaurant, but the luxe
choice, Hastings House, is definitely
worthwile if you want to splurge.
Galiano Inn & Spa
Galiano Island
This luxurious oceanfront resort and
spa features large guest rooms, each
with a breath-taking view, wood
burning fireplaces, and a casually
elegant décor. The restaurant has
been receiving rave reviews for its
inspired West Coast cuisine.
Saturna Lodge
Saturna Island
Overlooking a quiet cove, this elegant
yet casual country inn offers guests
comfortable and individually themed
rooms, extensive wine cellar and fine
Galiano Inn
dining.
Lodge
Saturna
E info@great-explorations.com W www.great-explorations.com T 1800.242.1825 or 604.730.1247
Great Explorations |5
OUR GUIDES
Cost
Our guests tell us time and time again that our guides Land Cost (current year):
CAD $2680/US $2680
are what set us apart from other companies. Caring, Includes 6B/2L/5D
knowledgeable, athletic, articulate and fun-loving, Single Supplement:
CAD $530/US $530
each one is a natural leader…
Here at Great Explorations, we are with their travel regions, having either What’s included in cost?
tremendously proud of our guides. lived or traveled there extensively. ·S ervices of one or more
A diverse group of passionate and experienced Great Explorations
Comfortable speaking the local
charismatic professionals, they have guides and support vehicle
language and knowing all of the
the local know-how and expertise · 6 nights lodging
off-the-beaten track secrets, our
to make your vacation incredibly · All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all
guides ensure you’ll have the journey
rewarding. Whether it’s fitting your dinners but 1
of a lifetime. Our website features
bike, arranging a one-of-a-kind · Entrance fees for selected
detailed bios on some of the more
activity or being your personal historical sites and museums
than sixty guides who lead trips for us
interpreter, our guides wear many hats · Detailed map and route
worldwide.
with ease. They are intimately familiar instructions.
· All baggage transportation
· All transportation from initial
meeting point to final dropoff
including seaplane flight to
Vancouver at end of trip
(see arrive/depart cities).
Ready to reserve?
·C all or email Travel Advisor
with any remaining questions
and to reserve your space
1.800.242.1825 or 604.730.1247
· Reserve your flights to and from
the region
· Book your night before hotel,
if necessary
· Consider travel insurance
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision;
any changes made are done so in an attempt to
provide the best possible trip given route conditions
and available services. Due to the nature of our
business and exchange rates, prices are subject to
change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we
gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due
to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability
fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would
like to confirm space on this trip before making
your reservation, please contact us at info@great-
explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
E info@great-explorations.com W www.great-explorations.com T 1800.242.1825 or 604.730.1247
Great Explorations |6 OUR CONNECTION I moved to Vancouver, British to hear the history of the islands Then I popped into an art gallery Columbia in 1992, attracted by the from him. Afterwards, I continued owned by Jill Mitchell, who told me Pacific Ocean, Coast mountains north, stopping at Cusheon Lake of the large number of artists who and infinite outdoor recreation for a refreshing swim. Arriving in have made this island their home. My opportunities in the region. I kept Ganges, the thriving weekly farmers adventure continued to the islands of hearing about the idyllic Gulf Islands market featured artisans of all kinds, Galiano, Pender, Saturna and Mayne as a cycling destination and set flower growers, and more. With a and I was struck by how unique each off. I chose to begin the tour from population of only 5,000 this market was. Idyllic only begins to describe Victoria, a vibrant waterfront city was larger than the one I shopped this chain of islands in the Pacific, a that embraces bike culture. Perhaps at in Vancouver (and way more world away from city life. Naturalists, best of all, there is a 30 km dedicated interesting). For dinner, I went to artists, musicians (and a share of bike way that conveniently links the Treehouse Café, located in the hippies) have made this their home downtown to Swartz Bay, where former home of Margaret Manson, and warmly welcome visitors. Over ferries depart for the Gulf Islands. who lived in the tiny shed until the the years, I’ve guided 30-40 trips On arrival to Saltspring Island, I let age of 95. This spot is now where in the Gulf Islands and our itinerary the few cars depart while enjoying musicians play almost every night includes encounters with some of the some Salt Spring Island coffee at throughout the summer. I stayed at people I met on that first trip. the quaint Fulford Harbour. Making the Old Farmhouse, an enchanting As the song says, ‘my friends, are your my way towards Ganges, I met a B&B. Next day, I circled the north end friends…’ local farmer named Mike who waved of the island on a ocean-side road. at me as I was passing. We got to The few cars I encountered slowed Robbin McKinney, talking and I learned that his family down to wave. Back in Ganges, I went Founder and owner of Great had homesteaded here. Mike was the sea-kayaking, accompanied by an Explorations, makes his home in history teacher at the local school but expert naturalist guide, who added Vancouver and gets to the Gulf Islands also farmed, raising sheep and tilling immeasurably to the experience. frequently. the land. It was fascinating E info@great-explorations.com W www.great-explorations.com T 1800.242.1825 or 604.730.1247
Great Explorations |7 ACCOLADES Hannah Spence, publisher of Biciklo Magazine, wrote about her Gulf Islands trip with Great Explorations in a recent issue. Visit http://great-explorations.com/images/pdfs/ GE.pdf to read the full account. Almost every bite and sip we enjoy on the tour is cultivated, grown, harvested and packaged on the islands with love and hard work. Thanks to the moderate climate, vegetables, herbs, grains and fruit grow with ease, guaranteeing a bountiful spread of flavourful mains, fruity desserts and excellent wines, beers and ciders.”Hannah Spence, Bici Klo Magazine “We found the people we met made the trip so special. Several of us have already been talking about which trip to go on next year.” Kay & Jim D - Burlington, VT For additional testimonials, please visit www.great-explorations.com/ testimonials. E info@great-explorations.com W www.great-explorations.com T 1800.242.1825 or 604.730.1247
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