INN TO INN - Southern Gulf Islands National Park

Indulge in this sea kayaking excursion where you’ll enjoy the scenic wonders of the Gulf Islands by day, and retire to a select number of local Inns during the evening.

Trip Details 

This itinerary is a sample only - the exact itinerary of your trip will be determined by factors such as weather, tides, and group interest, with the guides working within the parameters of safety, time, and the highlights of the area.

Day 1

Ferry transfer in the morning from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Mayne Island. After arriving on Mayne Island, we will be transferred to our kayaks. After a safety and instructional orientation to the boats and kayaking in general, we can enjoy a relaxing paddle before heading to the first nights accommodation. Overnight at a local Lodge or Inn.
Meals:  lunch  /  dinner

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Day 2 - 4

While the Southern Gulf Islands consist of six major islands, of which each is a world unto itself, with its own culture, history and characters, we usually focus our itinerary on the less inhabited islands. There is rustic Mayne Island offering historic buildings and sites from the late 1800’s, along with rolling orchards, endless, pleasing west coast forests and idyllic farmlands.

Nearby Saturna Island is a sparingly inhabited jewel, wild and rugged and possesses incredible natural beauty. Nearly half of the newly created Gulf Islands National Park incorporates undeveloped wilderness areas on Saturna Island. While being home to one of the largest estate vineyard and winery operations in BC, the island also offers opportunities to see wildlife, particularly birds, feral goats and marine mammals.

The Active Pass divides Mayne Island from Galiano Island. Rich in history and culture, this long, narrow island is the second largest of the Gulf Islands, and is home to many rare and protected plants as well as over one hundred different species of birds. Galiano Island has retained a secluded and undeveloped character with several areas being ecological reserves, seven beautiful parks, miles of country lanes and some interesting craft galleries and shops.
Depending on weather conditions and paddling experience of the participants, we may also visit the more rural and less populated of the Pender Islands: South Pender Island, known for its hidden coves and beaches, rugged trails, arbutus headlands and amazing tidal pools.

Our skilled guides work with all levels of paddlers and ensure you spend your time exploring the islands at a leisurely, comfortable pace. After a full day of activity and glorious scenery, you’ll be treated to five-star cuisine served “oceanside” by locale chefs.
Meals:  breakfast  /  lunch  /  dinner

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Day 5

Completing our tour of the Gulf Islands we return to Mayne Island before boarding the afternoon ferry, and returning to Tsawwassen. Please note that ferry schedules are subject to change, so please call our office prior to your trip departure to confirm the return time.
Meals:  breakfast  /  lunch

Meals

Since the Gulf Islands Inn to Inn is the gourmet's answer to sea kayaking, here are a couple of breakfast and dinner samples to make your mouth water:

Breakfast choices

EGGS ESCOFFIER  ~  Scrambled eggs and smoked ham in a toasted croissant with assorted fresh fruit,
butter & preserves

EGGS CARUSO  ~  Scrambled eggs and aged cheddar on toasted rosemary & pepper foccacia with assorted
fresh fruit

WOODSTONE WAFFLES  ~  Belgian waffles with sweet butter, maple syrup, smoked bacon & assorted
fresh fruit

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Dinner samples

Starters
Fresh bread basket
Roasted carrot & cambozola soup
Curly endive, apple & celery salad with toasted pecans

Main Courses
ROASTED DUCK ALSACIENNE  ~  Herb-rubbed boneless breast with sour cream mashed potatoes, sweet braised red cabbage & rosemary demi-glace sauce

FRESH, SEARED SNAPPER & SALT SPRING ISLAND MUSSELS in champagne dressing with sweet peppers & spinach on lemon rice pilaf

BAKED PASTA FLORENTINE  ~  layers of mushrooms, rice pasta, spinach, ricotta & parmesan on roasted garlic
tomatoe sauce

Desserts
Warm bread pudding with rum sauce
Bittersweet Belgian chocolate mousse
Creme de cassis & raspberry sorbet