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.
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.
We will provide a schedule of optional yoga classes which must be pre-registered for (due to current health guidelines). 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
Gulf Islands Hiking & Yoga 5 Days
Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Day 1+2
Galiano Island
Galiano Island, BC, Canada
Day 3+4+5
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 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
- GPS routes and maps
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
What's Not Included
- Ferry fares
- Yoga classes
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Start any date between Apr 1 and Oct 31. |
|---|
| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
5 days / 4 nights
Arrive/Depart
Salt Spring Island / Galiano Island
Activity Level
Moderate
3 to 7 hours hiking each day
1 to 1h30 yoga classes; Yoga classes are adjustable to your own level of experience
Terrain
This is a hilly region with elevation gains every day
Cost
Classic Accommodation: CAD $1,790
Single Supplement: CAD $450
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $2,060
Single Supplement: CAD $520
Yoga Classes*:
*Cost depends on classes and instructor availability.
Prices are per person 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. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate alterations. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Getting There
Your trip begins on Salt Spring Island, with Day 1 considered your arrival day.
To reach Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour ferry terminal), you can take a BC Ferries sailing from either Swartz Bay (Victoria) or Tsawwassen (Vancouver). Please visit BC Ferries for current schedules and fares.
Victoria International Airport is located north of Victoria, and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal is just a short taxi ride from the airport. Major airlines offer flights to Victoria International from Vancouver, Seattle, and other cities.
If you are travelling from the United States, you may also choose to fly into Seattle and take the high-speed catamaran from downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
1
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.
Distance: 3.8 km; elevation gain: 201 m
2
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.
Distance: 18 km; elevation gain: 280 m or 10 km; elevation gain: 100 m
3
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.
Distance: 4.3 km; elevation gain: 38 m
4
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.
Distance: 16.5 km; elevation gain: 480 m or 14.7 km; elevation gain: 390 m
5
Day 5
Depart
After breakfast, depart at your leisure.
Classic
Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa*, Galiano Island
This luxurious oceanfront resort and spa features large guest rooms, each with a breath-taking view, wood burning fireplaces, and a casually elegant décor. The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews for its inspired West Coast cuisine.
*Luxe Accommodation
Luxe
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.
Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa, Galiano Island
This luxurious oceanfront resort and spa features large guest rooms, each with a breath-taking view, wood burning fireplaces, and a casually elegant décor. The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews for its inspired West Coast cuisine.
Tour Reviews
“Really enjoyed the daily physical activity. Welcome and support from the Area Manager exceeded my expectations.”
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