Gulf Islands
Located between the southern end of Vancouver Island and Georgia Strait, lie the Gulf Islands. They are a string of islands with a rich tapestry of geology, biology, and culture. The climate is mild year around, and they have many sheltered anchorage's and harbours. These islands provide us with a world class outdoor environmental classroom. The variety of learning experiences range from encounters with the Orca Whales to Historic Native midden sites. The Gulf Islands are comprised of many islands. Here are a few that you may wish to select for your exploration.
Vancouver Island-Sydney Near the B.C. Ferry terminal at Swartz Bay and the Victoria International Airport lies the seaside town of Sydney. It makes a perfect jumping off spot for the Gulf Islands. Close to the marina is the whale museum and shops where students can purchase last minute items.
Haro Straits The flotilla is often fortunate enough to view the majestic resident and transient Killer Whales (Orcas) and play with the fun Dalls porpoise who love to surf in the bow wave of the sailboats.
South Pender Island-Bedwell Harbour The north and south islands are divided by a narrow channel. This island is an excellent place to kayak and see the largest archeological excavation site in the Gulf Island. Beaumont Marine Park has good hiking trails to spectacular view points high above the islands.
Salt Spring Island-Ganges This bustling island community is a great place for students to relax and explore the work of many artists and artisans who live locally and sell there work at the local market.
Galliano Island-Montague Harbour Montague Harbour marine park is rich with cultural history and marine life. Beach walks with marine biologists inform the students about inter-tidal life and the tidal salt marsh where native peoples harvested clams for hundreds of years. in the evenings a wonderful place to sit and have a beach fire.
Valdez Island-Shingle Point When the tide is low at Shingle Point sand dollar nurseries are exposed.
Vancouver Island-Cowichan Bay This small tour provides students the opportunity to explore the wooden boat center and the history of wooden boats on the west coast. The ecological station here involves students in marine life first hand with touch tables and other exciting programs.
Portland Island A provincial marine park with excellent walks and large open spaces, a great place to explore the inter-tidal region, kayak or learn about coastal rain forests.
Thetis Island-North Cove This cove provides a secure anchorage for the flotilla while we hike through the arbutus forest and examine the unusual geological formations.
Gabriola Island-Degden Bay A small fishing community offers a lovely walk to view the petroglyphs left by the first nations peoples hundreds of years ago.
Cabbage and Tumbo Islands on these more rugged and desolate islets is where the migrating California Sea Lions gather to breed and feed of the abundant sea life. These marine parks are the most remote in the Gulf Islands and are home to many seabirds and eagles.
Newcastle Island-Naniamo Historically famous for it coal deposits at turn of the century. Today this island has beautifully developed trails and large open playing fields where groups can gather for games and picnics.
To get in touch
e-mail us at mail@seaprograms.com
phone toll free 1-877-389-7245
fax 250-656-4540
and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.