Salish Shorelines: A Saltwater Journey

Join Cortes Island guides and mariners for a kayaking exploration of the Salish Sea surrounding the renowned Hollyhock Campus. Each day’s adventure offers a safe and comprehensive foray into the seascapes and histories of Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands.

Launching from various beaches around Cortes Island as well as from the 43 foot schooner Misty Isles, each day will involve fresh itineraries, with Hollyhock serving as our beautiful base camp. We will set out to explore the expansive and intricate coastlines of the Discovery Islands while learning about the geology, history, and ecological systems of the Northern Salish Sea. Expand your kayaking skill set as we learn basic kayak safety, strokes and maneuvering. On one of our evenings we will venture out for sunset on the water, followed by a bioluminescence paddle as dusk falls.

While traveling aboard Misty Isles, discussion topics will touch on themes of oceanography, marine ecosystems and coastal navigation. The warm, protected waters of the Northern Salish Sea will serve as an educational canvas for adventurers with a yearning for discovery and contemplation in one of the world’s most stunning coastal environments.

Don’t miss out on a unique and rare opportunity to explore the stand alone coastlines and waterways of western British Columbia. Guides, Captain and crew are all certified in Wilderness First Aid, and are Transport Canada and Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC accredited.

With only 10 spots available, this popular program fills quickly. We are pleased to offer this annual program in partnership with Cortes-Island based, family-run businesses; Misty Isles Adventures and Cortes Kayaks. We may add a 2nd program so please join the waitlist when full. 

Kayaks and most gear provided. Participants will receive a packing list 6 weeks before the program.

Daily Schedule

The detailed schedule for this program will be provided at least 30 days prior to the start date. Locations and timing are dependent on weather conditions but you can expect a typical day to look like the following:

Sample Schedule

7-8am – Guided Yoga or Tai Chi practice
8-9am – Breakfast in the Lodge
10am start – On the water (Kayaking or Boating & Kayaking) with packed lunch
6:30-7:30pm – Dinner in the Lodge
7:30-10pm – Sunset Paddle (one evening)
*One afternoon off will be scheduled during the program
*Extra activities include yoga, garden tour, guided naturalist tours, oyster BBQ, etc.