12 Mar 2014
Take advantage of Easter's seasonal lateness this year, and make it a memorable holiday in BC's beautiful Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, in the Salish Sea. Cruise the 200+ islands by classic schooner, explore wild beaches, forest and villages. View wildlife that includes orcas, sea lions and marine birds.
Apr 19-22, 2014
Depart & return: Sidney, BC (near Victoria airport and ferry terminals)
Board: Saturday, Apr 19. Disembark: noon, Tues Apr 22.
About the Gulf Islands National Park and Salish Sea
Just outside Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle, this spectacular archipelago of 200+ islands is still wild and beautiful. It's filled with islands that are inaccessible by ferries.
Maple Leaf will take you sailing to remote beaches and wildlife colonies.
Board the classic, 92-foot schooner Maple Leaf at Sidney, BC, just outside of Victoria, and cruise away to experience of spring's rejuvenating bounty.
Remote, Hard-to-Access Islands
The Maple Leaf and her crew will take you far beyond the well-trod trail of people who are limited to their car and a ferry route.
You'll sail the channels to wild and remote islands that reflect the true nature of the original Gulf Islands. You may never have heard of these islands' names - Cabbage Island, Tumbo Island, the Belle Chains, Prevost Island, Wallace Island, Rum Island, Russell Island ...to name a few.
There, abandonned settler farmsteads, shell midden beaches, sandy beaches, wildlife colonies, and beautiful forest and vistas await your discovery. You'll be the only people there.
In the sea around you, seabirds will be diving or, in some places, performing their mating dance. Marine mammals will swim nearby and vultures, eagles and ravens may soar overhead.
Nature, Naturalist and Beauty
Wildflower meadows, migrating birds, marine mammals, and dry rainforests are just the beginning of the natural wonders you'll explore on this 3-night cruise with Maple Leaf's expert guides, naturalist, and crew.
Holiday Dinner and Other Special Features
Maple Leaf's gourmet chef will prepare a memorable Easter dinner. All meals are prepared from scratch and made to accommodate guests' dietary needs.
As these trips are like travelling on a private yacht with friends, you can expect other thoughtful, personal touches by crew members as well.
Booking
The trip is available either for a group of friends, couple, or for individuals.
Price: CDN $1450 per person
Includes: all accommodations, fine meals and snacks by our chef, all beverages including wine and beer, all shore excursions and services of our guides and naturalist, and use of gear on board including (optionally) kayaks.
Book Your Place | Ask For More Information
- View a sample itinerary for our Gulf Islands expeditions like this one.
- View a slide show from previous trips.
- You can also email us at info@MapleLeafAdventures.com, request that we contact you (you can do this with our web form), or telephone 1-888-599-5323 or 250-386-7245.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
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The Ship
On our trips, you'll be a special guest aboard a beautiful, restored, classic wooden ships.
Built on the coast and for the coast, these vessels have spent their lives in the inlets, fjords and archipelagos here.
They are beloved and welcomed to communities, and each has her own unique story.
For more information, please view The Ships.
8 Things Travellers Love About Our Boutique Expedition Cruises
- Access to remote wildlife havens & culture sites.
- Small, classic ships with 8 to 10 guests.
- As informative as hiring a private guide.
- Personal connection with all-Canadian crew.
- Be with the navigators in our open wheelhouse.
- Flexibility, kayak option, free time, beach time.
- Continuous access to naturalist for casual, informative chats.
- You’re a welcome participant and friend, not a spectator.
