Transfer Option:

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
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
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

The following is a list of the clothing and equipment you will need on your expedition. It is of utmost importance that you follow this list accurately for your own comfort and well-being. Proper preparation is a vital ingredient in your enjoyment of the program. When selecting your clothing, keep in mind the following principles about staying warm and dry:

Layering
It is very effective to wear layers of clothing to stay warm, as the air trapped between the layers acts as an insulator. Layering also allows you to regulate your body heat by adjusting the number of layers, depending on the temperature and your activity level. There are 3 main layers: ‘Transfer’ which is the layer next to your skin; ‘Insulating’ which is the main warmth layer(s); and, ‘Protective’ which is the outer layer to protect you from wind, rain, and other elements.

Keeping Dry
Wetness increases the loss of body heat and is uncomfortable, so it’s important to stay as dry as possible. Some clothing is hydrophobic, and therefore, stays dry (i.e., synthetics such as polypropylene, polyester, capilene, and natural fibres such as wool and silk). Clothes made of these materials make great expedition clothing. Be careful of other materials (e.g., cotton and down), because they are absorbent and stay wet. Also, avoid overdressing as it can cause excess perspiration and therefore wetness.
Please avoid cotton clothing (including jeans) if possible. Once it is wet, cotton takes a very long time to dry in this coastal environment.

Clothing List
Footwear
1 pair shoes to be worn during the day while kayaking. We recommend a pair of quick drying running shoes or a pair of wind surfing shoes such as Nike Aqua Socks, neoprene wet suit boots or amphibious sandals like ‘Tevas’, however ‘Tevas’ do not protect your feet from scrapes as well as running shoes and socks. Whichever you choose, make sure they have strong thick soles for walking on pebbles.
1 pair of sturdy running or walking shoes for wearing around the Inns and on short walks
2 pairs of wool or thermal socks
** Please do not bring rubber boots for in the kayak!

Headwear
Wool/fleece hat
Sun hat or visor (ballcap)
Rain hat (sou’wester), not needed if you have a hood on your raincoat
Handwear
Pair of wool or synthetic gloves with waterproof shell that closes tightly around your wrists (or kayaking pogies). These are to be worn on bad weather days while paddling or to cover hands that need protection from the salt water and sun.
Also optional to bring cycling gloves or light neoprene gloves to protect from blisters
Upper Body
2 synthetic fabric shirts (1 lightweight, 1 medium-weight) for paddling
2 t - shirts
1 long-sleeved shirt with collar
1 fleece zip-front jacket or pullover (for cool evenings and mornings)
1 coated nylon waterproof raincoat with sleeves that close tightly (make sure that it’s durable)
Lightweight windbreaker or paddling jacket
Lower Body
1-2 pairs shorts (light/fast drying nylon is best)
2 pairs polypropylene long underwear
2 of quick drying light nylon (or nylon blend) pants
Pair waterproof rain pants (Note: A full length coated nylon cagoule can be substituted for rain coat/pants)
Duffel Bag / Pack
Duffel bag for carrying gear to the trip departure point – make sure that it stuffs small as it will be carried in the kayak (see below ‘Packing for your kayaking trip’)
Several small to medium stuff sacks or drybags
Small sturdy nylon daypack for in kayak & on hikes (beltpack)

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Additional items
Any relaxing evening clothes you wish to have while you are at the Inn’s
1 pair sturdy, dark sunglasses with neck cord (100% UV protection)
1 pair extra prescription glasses if you wear them or contact lenses
1 water bottle (litre / quart size) with widemouth
1 cup for lunches (heavy plastic recommended)
1 toiletry kit – biodegradable soap, (bar soap does not work well in slat water, we suggest ‘Sea Suds’ a liquid product designed for use in salt water), toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste, small container moisturizing cream, small container of hand sanitizer
1 tube waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher recommended)
1 tube lip slave (with PABA recommended)
1 quick dry towel
Extra garbage bags (for waterproofing gear)

Optional items
Camera (insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended) with extra memory card/film and batteries
Waterproof box or bag for storing camera (see below ‘Packing for your kayaking trip’)
Small binoculars (also insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended)
Journal and pencil / pen
Small musical instrument
Chart of the area (see ‘Maps & Charts’ in Further Information package), laminate your charts or cover them with waterproof vinyl (e.g., Mactac). Naturally your guide(s) will bring charts as well to discuss daily paddling distances.
Favorite ‘goodies’

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First Aid
Your guides will carry an extensive wilderness first aid kit, however, you should bring the following items for your own personal use:

Band-aids (elastoplast or fabric type are best)
1 roll gauze
Blister kit (moleskin or ‘second skin’)
Tensor bandage
Adhesive tape, small gauze or telfa pads
Topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., polysporin)
Antacid
Mild analgesic (e.g., aspirin, Tylenol)
Mild anti-inflammatory (e.g., Ibuprofen)
Motion sickness medication (e.g., Gravol, Transderm patches); any personal medication (bring extra!)

Equipment
Group equipment such as paddles, sprayskirts, PFDs (lifejackets) are all provided. However, if you would prefer to bring your own equipment please clear its performance with the office and then confirm that you will bring it.

Packing for your kayaking trip
The object of packing for a kayak trip is to have all your equipment and clothing organized in many small waterproofed bags. Stuff sacks (nylon bags with drawstring closures) in various sizes (available at any outdoor supply store or easily made yourself) lined with the garbage bags are helpful in organizing and waterproofing your gear. Use small to medium size bags as they will be easier to fit into the kayak storage areas. Divide your gear in some logical order. For instance, pack one bag with things you will need for evening - e.g., shoes, jacket, long pants, etc.). In another bag, pack your extra clothing (clothing that you will need only in an emergency or extremely bad weather). Continue dividing gear in such a manner.

To ensure that your gear is waterproofed, line each of the nylon stuff sacks with two large garbage bags, put in your gear, then twist each bag’s top individually and tightly and tuck it into the stuff sack. Alternatively, you may opt to buy stuff sacks that are guaranteed to be 100% waterproof, however, these bags are more expensive, often do not keep gear 100% dry, and can develop holes. If you do use these bags, bring along some extra plastic garbage bags. All your stuff sacks should fit inside your large duffel bag. Please arrive with your gear organized and waterproofed as described above.
Your camera gear deserves special attention. First, before you leave home, make sure it is insured for any accidental damage as well as loss or theft. On the trip, it is best kept in a waterproof box such as a Pelican box, or some other commercially made waterproof and dustproof hard shell case. Check with your local diving stores and larger camera stores for the various models available.

All overnights are at local islenad inns.

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

Healthy lunches on the water are prepared by your guides and usually include cold cuts, a variety of breads and
crackers, fresh fruit and vegetables.

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

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognised for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.