Island waterways. Two ways to paddle.

Saltwater island exploration

Gulf Islands Sea Kayaking

3, 4, 5 or 6 days | Sheltered coastal exploration and island camping

Explore the sheltered waterways of British Columbia's Gulf Islands, where forested shorelines, sandstone beaches, and countless small islands create an inviting setting for a multi-day sea kayaking adventure. Our journeys explore the waters around Salt Spring Island and the surrounding islands, sometimes extending north toward Gabriola Island and south toward De Courcy Island.

What makes the Gulf Islands special is the contrast between their lively island communities and the surprisingly quiet wilderness found just a short paddle away. We travel through narrow passages, explore secluded coves, and camp on smaller islands where the bustle of everyday life can feel remarkably distant. Along the way, there are opportunities to observe marine wildlife, discover the natural and human history of the islands, and explore their shores on foot.

The Gulf Islands offer an excellent introduction to multi-day sea kayaking. The islands provide considerable shelter from the open Pacific, although tides, currents, and afternoon winds still make thoughtful route planning important. We generally take advantage of calmer morning conditions for paddling, leaving afternoons for exploring, relaxing, or simply enjoying our island campsites.

With trips ranging from three to six days, these journeys are well suited to beginners and less-experienced kayakers who want to develop their skills while enjoying a genuine coastal camping adventure. They also appeal to experienced paddlers who appreciate the varied scenery, relaxed exploration, and quieter corners of the Salish Sea.

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Freshwater wilderness exploration

Main Lakes Wilderness Canoeing

5 days | Gentle freshwater paddling and family-friendly wilderness camping

Discover a peaceful freshwater wilderness in Main Lake Provincial Park on Quadra Island, in the heart of British Columbia's Discovery Islands. This remarkable park protects a network of forest-fringed lakes connected by narrow waterways and shallow marshes, creating an ideal setting for exploring by canoe.

Unlike more demanding canoe expeditions, our Main Lakes journey is designed to make wilderness travel accessible and enjoyable for families, beginners, and anyone who prefers a gentler pace. The interconnected lakes allow us to travel for several days with little or no portaging, leaving more time to enjoy the experience rather than moving boats and equipment overland.

Days are spent paddling across quiet lakes, winding through narrow channels, and discovering secluded places along the forested shorelines. Evenings bring the simple pleasures of wilderness camping beside the water. With no long distances to cover or demanding travel schedule, there is time to explore, observe the surrounding landscape, and enjoy being outdoors together.

The journey also offers an introduction to the distinctive geography and cultural history of the Discovery Islands. Quadra Island sits in the narrow passages between Vancouver Island and the rugged mainland coast, while the Main Lakes themselves provide a different perspective on the region's natural environment and long history of human connection to the land.

This is an especially appealing trip for families with children, first-time canoeists, or travellers looking for an accessible multi-day wilderness experience. The paddling is generally straightforward, although wind and weather can still present challenges. For those who want to experience backcountry camping and the satisfaction of travelling under their own power without the physical demands of a more strenuous expedition, Main Lakes is an excellent choice.

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