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Gulf Islands in Fall - Discover Hundreds of Semi-Mediterranean Islands
Sail Intricate Waterways Across Hundreds of Mild Islands
This small ship cruise explores the Gulf Islands, Canada, an archipelago of islands in the protected Salish Sea between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia. It is one of the world’s best small-boat cruising destinations. You’ll island hop in the National Park, visit wildlife colonies, walk the rainforest and rocky bluffs, and explore remote beaches and tiny islands.
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.
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Gulf Islands in Fall - Discover Hundreds of Semi-Mediterranean Islands itinerary:
Day 1: Orientation, cruising into the Gulf Islands, Canada. Seabird island visit, wildlife watching, porpioses. Anchorage at Saturna Island, southern point of the Gulf Islands Canada.
Day 2: Morning hike on Saturna Island, forest ecology learning. Cruising, beachcombing a remote island, sea lion and seabird haul out. Wild life viewing through the gulf islands
Day 3: Village visit, sailing in Georgia Strait and one of many channels in the area. Anchorage Prevost Island, within the Gulf Islands BC. Exploring the interidal life at low tide. Hike to view and mariner’s light.
Day 4: Cruising to either Wallace Island, Penelakut Island or other central Island. Historic and First Nations history. Wildflower meadows or mushroom, fall foliage highlighs, island anchorage. Optional kayak.
Day 5: Sailing, Russell Island anchorage, woodland shore walk and Kanaka history.
Day 6: Morning shore walk, cruising to port watching for wildlife.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Gulf Islands in Fall - Discover Hundreds of Semi-Mediterranean Islands reverse itinerary:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 4: Cruising to either Wallace Island, Penelakut Island or other central Island. Historic and First Nations history. Wildflower meadows or mushroom, fall foliage highlighs, island anchorage. Optional kayak.
Day 5: Sailing, Russell Island anchorage, woodland shore walk and Kanaka history.
Day 6: Morning shore walk, cruising to port watching for wildlife.
Day 1: Orientation, cruising into the Gulf Islands, Canada. Seabird island visit, wildlife watching, porpioses. Anchorage at Saturna Island, southern point of the Gulf Islands Canada.
Day 2: Morning hike on Saturna Island, forest ecology learning. Cruising, beachcombing a remote island, sea lion and seabird haul out. Wild life viewing through the gulf islands
Day 3: Village visit, sailing in Georgia Strait and one of many channels in the area. Anchorage Prevost Island, within the Gulf Islands BC. Exploring the interidal life at low tide. Hike to view and mariner’s light.
Maple Leaf
Vessel Type: Schooner
Length: 92f / 28m
Passenger Capacity: 8
Maple Leaf is a 92-foot wooden schooner built in 1904, designed for intimate coastal exploration with a maximum of eight guests. She offers a deeply personal, human-scale experience that prioritises direct engagement with the natural world, accessing remote coastlines, rivers and anchorages unreachable by larger ships. Accommodation is simple but warm: four semi-private sleeping areas, shared washrooms, and communal spaces centred on conversation, observation and shared meals prepared onboard. Stability under sail, long range, and a highly experienced crew make her exceptionally capable despite her modest size.
Constructed from Douglas fir, yellow cedar and mahogany, Maple Leaf blends working-vessel toughness with Edwardian craftsmanship and modern functionality. Life on board revolves around open decks, zodiac landings, kayaking, wildlife observation and, for those inclined, hands-on sailing under crew guidance. Her long history — from luxury yacht to high-performing halibut fishing vessel to pioneering expedition ship — gives the experience a sense of continuity and authenticity. Travel aboard Maple Leaf is immersive, physically engaging, and deliberately unpolished, favouring depth, access and presence over luxury conventions.
Once the summer crowds begin to fade, fall is the perfect time to explore quiet towns and hundreds of islands off the roadmap.
• Unique Microclimate
Located in a rain shadow, the Gulf Islands have a unique semi-Mediterranean climate that keeps the region drier than the rest of the BC coast
• Diverse Landscapes
Some islands grow cacti, some great rainforests, and others host white shell beaches and meadows of wildflowers
• Nature’s Spectacle
Migrating birds, spawning salmon and marine mammals including seals, sea lions and orcas.