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Two-Day or Three-Day  Gulf Islands Camping Tour

If you love rowing and have a strong affinity for adventure and nature, the Gulf Islands Camping Tour is the perfect adventure for you. The two-day or three-day tour will give you the opportunity to experience the West Coast like you never could imagine, combining rowing, beautiful nature, and camping. We will hear barking seals and cawing seagulls and the lulling sounds  of waves. We will paddle from island to island, pulling up on beaches and watching the red rosy sun go down at the end of a picture perfect day.

We offer our two-day tour as a supported or un-supported tour. If you are ready for the adventure contact us an ask about the un-supported camping experience. Bring everything you need with you in the rowing shell from your tent and sleeping bag to food and water. Max group size for the un-supported trip is 4.

Our three-day tour will give you the opportunities to row to more distant islands, go for a hike, swim or take time to explore the beaches. 

As a long-time favorite refuge for British Columbia (BC) residents and visitors, the Southern Gulf Islands have a magical quality. Situated between Vancouver Island and the mainland of BC, this area is an ecological paradise  with 15 islands, plus numerous small inlets and reef areas. The area shares with the visitor, sunny arbutus-lined rocks, demp fern forests, sandy beaches and stunning views along with the possibility of spotting amazing wildlife, Bald Eagles, Porpoises, Sea Lions, Seals and Whales.

Duration

2 days – 1 night

2 days – 2 nights

Price

CAD 450

CAD 625

Group Size

2 – 4 un-supported

4 – 8 supported

Distance per day

12 – 30km

Accommodation

Primitive camping sites

Boats

Solo / Double / Coxed Quad

Campsites

We choose our itineraries and campsites based on a number of factors such as availability, number and experience of participants on the tour, as well as weather and tide conditions, making each tour very unique.

Getaway Program

Day 1

Your adventure will start in Swartz Bay at the Barnacle Road Government Dock, where you will be transported by Sidney Harbour Cruise ferry to Piers Island. This iconic small island quietly lays between Salt Spring Island and the Saanich Peninsula. This is where your rowing journey will start. After a welcome snack, a safety briefing, and loading the equipment onto the support boat, you will start rowing towards your campsite , approximately 12 to 20km. At your destination and after setting up camp, you will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings before enjoying a delicious dinner and discussing the day with new friends.

Day 2

Your row back to Piers Island will most likely take you on a different route. South or North of Portland Island? West or East of Prevost Island? Our options make the return rows different every time.

Once on Piers Island, the taxi ferry will take you back to Vancouver Island.

Locations

Standard Price Includes:

  • Use of quality coastal rowing shells and oars *
  • Two days of rowing
  • One dinner, two lunches and one breakfast
  • Guide services and tour support
  • Water ferry to and from Piers
  • Equipment handling
  • Provincial Parks Permits and Fees

* You have your own boat? Bring it with you and contact us for a discount price.

Does not include

  • Transport to and from Victoria
  • Personal clothing (see “packing list”)
  • Camping gear **

 

** We can provide camping gear if necessary. Please contact us for more details

Check our packing List to make sure you are not forgetting anything; Packing List Camping Adventures