An introduction to paddling & navigating in a coastal environment. Get ready for a friendly overnight trip while discovering the waterways around BC's beautiful Southern Gulf Islands.

The 1-night/2-day SUP expedition will take place near Sidney, BC and includes 1 night of self-supported camping at a remote island location reached by boat or paddleboard, depending upon conditions.

This trip is best for paddleboarders who are interested in exploring their coastlines for multiday overnight trips. Participants are introduced to paddling and navigating in a coastal environment with a loaded board, route planning, campsite selection, leave no trace camping practices and much more! As always, we place emphasis on knowledge, navigation and safety skills.

The scenic waters of the Southern Gulf Islands near Salt Spring and Pender Islands provide the backdrop for learning and exploring that will have you confidently and safely setting off on your own paddling adventures.

You can opt to work towards your Paddle Canada Coastal Touring Level 1 Skills certification too!

Location : Princess Margaret Marine Park, Southern Gulf Islands, BC, Canada

Over the course of 1 night, we stay in campsites within the Princess Margaret Marine Park, Southern Gulf Islands, BC.  Princess Margaret (Marine Park) is a part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, one of Canada’s newest national parks. The park protects a portion of British Columbia’s beautiful southern Gulf Islands – a landscape of rocky headlands, forested hills and shorelines studded with colourful tidepools. The park resembles a patchwork quilt of protected lands scattered over 15 larger islands, and many smaller islets and reefs.

Location : Princess Margaret Marine Park, Southern Gulf Islands, BC, Canada

This overnight trip is the ideal way to take your SUP skills to the next level while learning the basics of backcountry camping. 

• Must feel comfortable Stand Up Paddleboarding at an easy pace (with rest breaks) for 3 to 4 hours per day

• Advanced flatwater SUP certification or equivalent experience, skills and knowledge as assessed by the instructor. Please contact us if you are unsure if you meet the prerequisites.

• No previous camping experience is necessary

• Age restrictions 18+ (may consider mature 16+ who are strong paddlers)

Our island campsite set within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve will serve as basecamp for 2 days. Here you will get a taste of remote wilderness camping while minimizing the concerns that first time wilderness campers face. 

Amenities include animal-safe food storage (don’t worry there are no large animals on the island) and a composting outhouse. It is the perfect set up for learning the basics of Leave No Trace back country camping. 

You will feel worlds away from civilization. Our campsite overlooking the ocean and a white shell beach is the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset while we eat dinner. You will be soothed to sleep in your cozy tent by the sounds of seals frolicking in the water and owls hooting from the Arbutus trees. There will be few signs of people and lots of immersion in nature.

For Pam Martin, adventure isn’t just about adrenaline - it’s about immersion. Since 2017, she’s been guiding people deep into the wild waters of Vancouver Island through her company, Blue Jellyfish SUP Adventures—a standout on Canada’s SUP scene for its blend of coastal exploration, ocean literacy, and soulful adventure.

A certified Paddle Canada instructor and seasoned backcountry guide, Pam leads everything from bioluminescence night paddles and coastal wildlife tours, to multi-day SUP expeditions that push comfort zones and spark transformation. Whether it’s navigating remote inlets, camping under the stars, or paddling through glowing ocean waters, her trips are designed for those who crave raw, real connection - with nature, community, and themselves.

Drawing from her background in marine biology, photography, journalism and event planning, Pam brings a unique lens to every journey - combining technical expertise with deep storytelling and stewardship. She’s also a leader in youth empowerment and ocean advocacy, partnering with Girls on Boards, Oceans Week Victoria, and citizen science projects across the coast.

With Pam, expect more than a tour - expect a deep dive into British Columbia’s coastal wild, guided by passion, purpose, and a whole lot of salty laughter.

This stretch of the Salish Sea is alive with wild beauty - and you’ll spend two days paddling amongst it. As we navigate around the island, keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching in the distance, porpoises arcing through the water, and seals or sea lions lounging on the rocks. Above the shoreline, bald eagles soar and call from towering firs, while owls may surprise us with their haunting calls on the forested trails near camp. Each moment on the water is a chance to witness nature’s rhythm up close. And as the day winds down, you’ll watch the sun melt into the horizon from our west-facing campsite - where fiery skies and the hush of the ocean make every evening unforgettable.

Here is a comprehensive list of what you are required to bring for this trip:

2 DAY TRIP PACKING LIST

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any questions about what is needed.

When to Arrive/ Depart

• We meet at approximately 8 am on Day 1 at a marina in or near Sidney, BC. The exact meeting time and location will vary due to conditions and boat support utilised.

  • If you need to travel into the area, we recommend you do this the day prior and stay in Sidney overnight.  

• Our program ends at approximately 5pm on Day 3 

  • Please book flights for after 9 pm or the next day to ensure you have time to get to the airport and through security. 

Planning Your Travel

By Airplane: 

1. Fly to Victoria International Airport (YYJ) on Vancouver Island, BC. Take a bus or taxi to the start location. 

By Car or Bus:

1. You can travel from Vancouver, BC via ferry to Vancouver Island. depart from BC Ferries depart from the Tsawwassen terminal and land in Swartz Bay, only 10 minutes from Sidney.

Where to Stay

• Sidney Pier Hotel $$$

• The Latch Inn $$$

• The Cedarwood Inn and Suites $$

• Travelodge by Wyndham Victoria Airport $$

• SMONEĆTEN (McDonald Park) Campground - Gulf Islands National Park Reserve $

• Check Airbnb or VRBO $-$$$

Location : Gulf Islands National Park Reserve Of Canada, Pender Island, BC, Canada

Meet with all gear and equipment ready (in dry bags) to be transported via boat shuttle to our island destination. On arrival, we will set up camp, have a bite to eat then head out on the water to let the fun begin. We will focus on honing our paddling skills and follow with a short tour of the area to get us ready for tomorrow’s longer paddle.

Following a session of trip planning for tomorrow’s adventure, you are free to hike the island’s 6km perimeter trail, relax or set up your camera for a time lapse of the spectacular sunsets enjoyed here. 

We enjoy a casual evening of cooking outdoors, sharing stories, and enjoying the sounds of the ocean after dark.

• Paddling Distance: 4 - 6 km

• Overnight: Camping in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Location : Gulf Islands National Park Reserve Of Canada, Pender Island, BC, Canada

After making our own breakfasts and packing our lunches we set off for the day to discover the coastline of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Our coastal touring instruction unfolds organically as we land on secluded beaches, float in kelp forests and keep our eyes peeled for curious seals and shy porpoises. Midway through this 8 to 10 km paddle, we find a beach to relax, enjoy our lunch and maybe even take a wild swim in the cool waters. 

After a day of learning on the water, we return to camp, ready to cook up a late afternoon meal and pack up camp to wait for our boat shuttle home.

Note: If ALL participants feel ready to paddle home, that may be an option.

• Paddling Distance: 8 - 10km (depends on tides, winds and groups interests) 

• Boat shuttle - back to original launch point.