Gulf Islands Hiking & Yoga 5 Days

Get away from it all on a journey to a place where lush forests meet the deep blue sea. This trip explores the unchallenged beauty and contagious tranquility of western Canada’s Gulf Islands. British Columbia has everything the relaxed and adventurous could ask for. As well as exploring unique islands’ trails, forests and shores you’ll also relax and awaken your body, mind and spirit with daily private yoga practices. After a day of sensory and physical exertion you’ll arrive “home” to unwind, sink into asanas, inhale pranayama and soak up blissful meditation practice.

On this trip, you’ll follow peaceful forest trails to beautiful rocky outlooks and old logging roads to unspoiled coves where seals and orcas gambol and seabirds wheel overhead and tall cliffs echo. Each day you’ll experience the natural wonders that these coastal enclaves offer. Many parks on the islands host cultural events to offer teachings on the deep traditional and intimate bond between Coast Salish people and the land and sea. Join a First Nations’ educator during the summer months and enjoy storytelling, singing and drumming. First Peoples will enthrall you with ancestral stories of the islands and their personal connection to the area.

Notes on Yoga
We will provide a schedule of optional yoga classes which must be pre-registered for (due to current health guidelines). On some days, there will be a 9am or a 4:30pm session, typically mixed levels. Yoga sessions will take place in a yoga studio walking distance from the accommodation or in the lodging. Privates may be available, subject to availability. Self-practice is available and we will suggest outdoor locales for yoga/meditation also.

Straight Talk

Location

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada

Day 1+2

Galiano Island

Galiano Island, BC, Canada

Day 3+4+5

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

4 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers (we enlist your help getting the luggage onto and off the ferry)
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits

Not Included

Ferry fare
Yoga classes

Specifics

TRIP DATES

Start any date between April 1 - July 31 & September 1 - October 31
We recommend that you start your trip on a Thursday so that you can enjoy the Ganges Market held every Saturday on Salt Spring!

Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

TOTAL DAYS

5 days / 4 nights, with 3 ½ days of hiking and yoga classes

ARRIVE / DEPART

Salt Spring Island / Galiano Island

ACTIVITY LEVEL

3 to 7 hours hiking each day. 1 to 1h30 yoga private class daily with experience and certified yoga teachers; 30min meditation session. Yoga Classes are adjustable to your own level of experience.

TERRAIN

Hilly: there are climbs every day

COST

Classic Accommodation: CAD $1,650
Single Supplement: CAD $425

Luxe Accommodation: CAD $1,850
Single Supplement: CAD $475

Yoga classes are additional*:
$15 pp for group classes
$80 for privates
$30 pp for groups of 3+ privates

*Depending on instructor availability

Prices before tax. British Columbia applies a 5% GST. Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. Any discrepancy between website itinerary and detailed itinerary - assume website itinerary price is correct. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.

Getting There Your trip begins in Salt Spring Island, Day 1 of the trip is the day of arrival. To reach Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour ferry terminal), you can take a ferry from Swartz Bay (Victoria Ferry terminal) or from Vancouver Tsawwassen Terminal. Please visit www.bcferries.com for Schedules and Fares. International Airport and ferry terminal is a short taxi ride from the airport. Major airlines fly from Vancouver and Seattle to Victoria International Airport, located north of Victoria - beautiful British Columbia's capital city. Swartz Bay is located on Vancouver Island, north of the Victoria. For Americans, you may choose to fly into Seattle and take the high speed catamaran from the harbour in downtown Seattle to Victoria harbour.

Day 1

Salt Spring Island

Your trip starts at Long Harbour ferry terminal on Salt Spring Island (this is one of three ferry terminals on the island). If you have arrived in time for a hike, there is a hike option up Mt. Erskine.

Hiking Distance: 3.8 km, elevation gain 201 m.*

Day 2

Salt Spring Island

Today’s walk begins with a transfer to Beaver Point Hall, from where you begin your exploration of the southeast corner of Salt Spring Island. You’ll follow well-marked trails to Ruckle Provincial Park, named after the family whose homestead this was in the 19th century. Walk along the shore to King’s Point, with an option to continue to Yeo Point, where you’ll enjoy views of the Channel Islands, home to frolicking marine mammals and a colony of cormorants. Continue along the water’s edge through the Tsawout Band Reserve. Then return to your accommodation.

Hiking Distance: 18 km, elevation gain 280 m or 10 km, elevation gain 100 m.*

Day 3

Galiano Island

Take the ferry to Sturdies Bay on the southeast tip of Galiano Island. Named for the Spanish sea captain who explored the surrounding waters in 1792, Galiano Island is home to more than 130 species of birds and a haven for naturalists. Enjoy quiet roads and Douglas fir forests. Walk to Bellhouse Provincial Park, where the wind and the sea have carved and pocked the sandstone rocks of the beach. Watch for the many eagles that glide overhead.

Hiking Distance: 4.3 km, elevation gain 38 m.*

Day 4

Galiano Island

Today’s walk takes you to three great viewpoints. Climb up Mount Galiano where there’s a wonderful view of Active Pass and the southern Gulf Islands. Head into Bluffs Park, where you hike amongst cedars and ferns to the top of the bluff, where there are stunning views of Prevost Island and the south face of Mount Galiano. From Galiano Cemetery you’ll see seals sunning themselves on their private island.

Hiking Distance: 16.5 km, elevation gain 480 m or 14.7 km, elevation gain 390 m.*

Day 5

Departure Day

Departure from Galiano and depart for home or on to your next adventure.

Classic

Harbour House, Salt Spring Island

This upmarket hotel has recently undergone a major renovation inside and out and has a great location close to town and overlooking Ganges harbour.

Galiano Inn (Luxe), Galiano Island

This oceanfront luxurious resort and spa features large guest rooms each with a breathtaking view, wood burning fireplaces and a casually elegant décor. The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews for its inspired west-coast cuisine. The Galiano Inn features intimate yet luxurious facilities, all thoughtfully designed and furnished to inspire relaxation and comfort.

Luxe

Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Gulf Islands

Hastings House, Salt Spring Island

A luxury waterfront lodge, spa and restaurant on 22 acres close to the village of Ganges. It is a magnificent 11th century Sussex-style Manor House overlooking peaceful Ganges harbour. Member of Small Luxury Hotels; Relais & Chateaux.