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Gulf Islands in Spring – Wild Blooms and Majestic Landscapes

Gulf Islands in Spring – Wild Blooms and Majestic Landscapes

GUUML
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Description

Delve Into an Odyssey Through Geologic and Human Timescales
Walk through wildflower meadows, historic homesteads, and beautiful beaches this spring in the Gulf Islands, BC. Home to southern resident killer whales and many marine birds, seals, and sea lions- enjoy ample wildlife viewing and possible whale watching. Sail among eclectic island communities, under spring skies, and over sparkling waters.
Some people think they’ve “done” the Salish Sea or Gulf Islands if they’ve visited Victoria and Salt Spring Island. They’ve seen only the tiniest, most human-impacted snippet. Our trips leave off where the road ends, alongside sculpted sandstone shorelines, moist rainforests and eagles soaring along rocky bluffs. You’ll learn of Canada’s history in the region, and a history that’s existed far longer, the Coast Salish, as well as the diverse natural history.

Trip Name
Gulf Islands in Spring - Wild Blooms and Majestic Landscapes
Days
5
Overview
Vessel Type: Schooner Length: 92f / 28m Passenger Capacity: 8 Maple Leaf is a 92-foot wooden schooner built in 1904, designed for intimate coastal exploration with a maximum of eight guests. She offers a deeply personal, human-scale experience that prioritises direct engagement with the natural world, accessing remote coastlines, rivers and anchorages unreachable by larger ships. Accommodation is simple but warm: four semi-private sleeping areas, shared washrooms, and communal spaces centred on conversation, observation and shared meals prepared onboard. Stability under sail, long range, and a highly experienced crew make her exceptionally capable despite her modest size. Constructed from Douglas fir, yellow cedar and mahogany, Maple Leaf blends working-vessel toughness with Edwardian craftsmanship and modern functionality. Life on board revolves around open decks, zodiac landings, kayaking, wildlife observation and, for those inclined, hands-on sailing under crew guidance. Her long history — from luxury yacht to high-performing halibut fishing vessel to pioneering expedition ship — gives the experience a sense of continuity and authenticity. Travel aboard Maple Leaf is immersive, physically engaging, and deliberately unpolished, favouring depth, access and presence over luxury conventions.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 1-3 Welcome Aboard!
Day 1: Orientation, cruising in the Gulf Islands, BC. Seabird island visit, wildlife watching, porpioses. Anchorage Saturna Island.Day 2: Morning hike on Saturna Island, forest ecology. Spectacular views and picnic. Cruising some of the most productive in the waters of the southern Gulf Islands. Anchorage and beachcombing, early farm history exploration. Sea lion and seabird haul out.Day 3: Village visit, sailing in Georgia Strait and one of many channels in the area. Anchorage Prevost Island, within the Gulf Islands BC. Exploring the interidal life at low tide. Hike to view and mariner’s light.
Day 2 - Days 4-5 Island Exploration
Day 4: Cruising to either Wallace Island, Penelakut Island or other central Island. Historic and First Nations history. Wildflower meadows or mushroom, fall foliage highlights. Cruising to Russell Island. Optional kayak.Day 5: Morning woodland shore walk. Kanaka history. Cruising to Sidney.
Day 3 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Eclectic Communities Spring is the perfect time to explore quiet towns and hundreds of islands off the roadmap.
    • Islands in Bloom The sweet sights and smells of wildflower blooms attract delicate songbirds and newly-born fawns.
    • Geological Wonders Sculpted sandstone shorelines, moist rainforests and eagles soaring along rocky bluffs,
    • Wildlife Abound Upwelling creates food for the denizens of a rich marine world—orcas, seals, seabirds, and others.

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