• Moderate walking
• Whale watching- killer whales (orca) & humpback whales
• Small boat rides
• Marine mammal viewing (sea lions) and bird viewing
• Natural history through hands-on experience and talks with your naturalist
• Village visit, cultural history, and experience
• Sailing (on sailing ship)
• Exploring beaches
• Kayaking (optional)

Located in a rain shadow, the Gulf Islands have a very unique semi-Mediterranean climate that keeps the region drier than the rest of the BC coast.

This rare ecosystem is one the most endangered in all of Canada, making it a very important protected area for the conservation of rare species. One of Canada`s most recently designated parks, the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is an innovative protection strategy that exists among established communities.

While the remainder of the coast remains cooler in the early spring months, the gulf islands are experiencing warm weather, budding flowers, and blue skies. Similarly, fall continues to be a mild time of year with beautiful changing colors.

• Killer whale / orca
• Humpback whale
• Dall’s porpoise
• Sea lions
• Harbor seals
• Pacific white-sided dolphins
• Bald eagle
• Pacific salmon (in autumn)

Come to know the home territory of the Coast Salish First Nations. Learn about significant cultural sights and practices, and how alive and vibrant the culture is today. Possibly enjoy a visit with a Coast Salish Elder and dear friend of Maple Leaf Adventures. 

Our experienced crew and naturalist will take you to areas where you’ll be able to visit beautiful islands and witness wildlife events:

• Spring highlights berry blossoms, wildflowers, and migrations of birds will greet you in the early spring months. Whales will be returning to the area, make possible the sightings of humpback and killer whales.
• Autumn highlights marvel at the changing colors of the leaves as fall turns the islands from green to brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds. Pick apples from wild trees on islands where few visit. Watch sea lions, humpback whales, and harbor seals fill themselves on small fish.

See each trip’s sample itineraries for specific wildlife that it is customary to see in each season. Not all species are visible in all seasons. Also, wildlife have their own agendas and while we plan our trips in the peak season and areas for wildlife viewing, with very experienced guides, we do not guarantee sightings.

• Semi-Mediterranean climactic conditions that bring an early spring and warm autumn.
• A network of protected areas throughout the Gulf Islands make up the National Park Reserve, a strategy that is ecologically and community minded.
• Dry Rainforest with arbutus trees and Garry Oak Meadow ecosystems.
• Unique island culture
• Seabird migrations and the Southern Resident Orca population