Islands & Gardens Cruise
The Gulf Islands are often referred to as “Canada’s Mediterranean” because of the area’s mild temperatures and growing season. As the home to a large number of small farms and gardens, this Gulf Island cruise is perfect for those guests wanting to see what lies inland as well as on the water.While you’re onboard the lovingly restored Pacific Yellowfin, you can sit back and revel in one of the most unique luxury boat cruises in British Columbia.
| Sample Itinerary | |
| Day 1 |
Welcome to the Gulf IslandsYour seaplane (not included) will take you from Vancouver International Airport to Saturna Island where you’ll rendezvous with the Pacific Yellowfin. After a champagne welcome reception onboard, you’ll cruise to nearby Pender Island and embark on a guided kayaking trip around luxurious Bedwell Harbour. You’ll see ridges of wind-swept arbutus ringing this area of South Pender Island as you kayak along the calm waters. As with every night on board, Executive Chef Milan Kocourek will prepare your meals with fresh local ingredients and you will have a choice of our wide selection of BC’s finest wines. You will overnight onboard the ship in your cabin of choice.
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| Day 2 |
Views of above… and belowYou’ll have a chance to join our guide for a trek up nearby Mount Norman to greet the day before breakfast. As a reward for your efforts, you’ll spend the rest of the day onboard floating near marine wildlife including orcas, porpoises and seals that call the protected waterways of this area home. After a late afternoon cruise along the Saanich Inlet to Brentwood Bay where we’ll have dinner onboard and overnight.
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| Day 3 |
Beautiful Victoria and its world-famous gardensIn the morning, you can visit the famous Butchart Gardens and then enjoy a relaxing lunch on site. In the afternoon, perhaps you ask us to arrange a for a backdoor-guided tour (not included) of the gardens or choose to join in the tradition of Victoria’s English tea shops and take a quiet afternoon tea, complete with crumpets. Then marvel at the highlights of this provincial capital with its olde English nature from the seat of a horse-drawn carriage. As you stroll around the inner harbour, you’ll pass BC’s Parliament Buildings and the renowned Empress Hotel. Return to the boat for dinner onboard and overnight.
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| Day 4 |
Salt Spring, then homeIn the morning, you’ll cruise to Ganges, the largest town on Salt Spring Island. Known for its farming community and local market, Ganges is the unofficial capital of the Gulf Islands and home to an eclectic collection of artisans. Stroll around this very walkable village before returning to the boat for lunch onboard. You will eventually board a seaplane to transfer back to Vancouver International Airport (not included). |
| Best fun I've had in 46 years! |
| D. Chapman |