Day Trip - Gulf Islands

Whatever your speed — sea kayaking among orcas, touring around a local artist market or relaxing fireside — there’s a Gulf Island to suit.

Outdoor adventures aren’t necessarily the main reason to visit the Gulf Islands. It’s quite legitimate to spend five days shacking up in a B&B that serves organic espresso, buying pottery from an artist who lives “in one of those Bucky Fuller domes” and reading last year’s magazines by a bay window overlooking the strait.

If such comforts on their own sound like an invitation to a coma, adventures are readily available. Seasonal activities include fishing, swimming, beach walking, scuba diving, bike tours, sailing and, best of all, kayaking.

The Gulf Islands, like the San Juans to the south, are renowned as some of the best kayaking in the world for the gorgeous scenery and frequent sightings of orcas and other mammals. Kayaking at night in bioluminescent waters is also, as the locals might say, a trip. But be sure to get expert advice or a guide: the strong currents and treacherous tidal phenomena are equally legendary.

Once you’ve satisfied your outdoorsy cravings, you can head in for a pint or three at an island pub like the Hummingbird Inn on Galiano. This is where you’ll find the occasional adventurous Vancouverite, playing darts and recuperating after a one-kilometre bike ride from a rented cottage.

Getting There:
For ferry information, call BC Ferries at 888-223-3779. Contact Tourism Vancouver Island, 250-754-3500, for Gulf Islands travel info.

The Sight:
The dorsal fins of a pod of resident orcas. Much more satisfying when spotted from a kayak than a whale-watching skiff.

The Sound:
Sacred quiet, Mayne Island style: sitting in the garden of the immaculately preserved st. mary magdalene anglican Church (circa 1897) or wandering the island’s new Japanese garden (circa 2001). www.mayneisland.com.

The Souvenir:
A wheel of ash-ripened camembert from Moonstruck Organic Cheese on Salt Spring Island. Moonstruck, 1306 Beddis Road, Salt Spring Island, 250-537-4987.

Kayaking: Batstar, 877-449-1230.
Tours: Great White Charters, 250-818-6050.
Hummingbird Inn, 47 Sturdies Bay Rd., 250-539-5472.