Learning Expedition: Gabriola Island Circumnavigation

Expedition Overview

2026 Dates: May 23-24, plus pre-trip planning sessions on May 19 and May 21 (evenings)
Minimum Skill Level: Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills certification or equivalent
Location: Launching and landing on Gabriola Island; planning sessions in Nanaimo or online
Seats: 4
Cost: $450 per person
Highlights: Transiting two current stations; scenic sandstone shorelines; passing Entrance Island Lighthouse.

This two-day, one-night learning expedition is best suited to paddlers with Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills certification or higher who wish to build skills, tools and confidence for trips in areas with tidal current. As we circumnavigate Gabriola Island, a beautiful Southern Gulf Island near Nanaimo, we will transit two current stations — Gabriola Passage and False Narrows. We will also navigate the exposed waters on Gabriola’s outer shore, pass the historic (and still active) Entrance Island Lighthouse, and enjoy iconic Gulf Islands scenery. Participants will take a lead role in planning and executing the trip as a peer group, including participating in pre-trip planning sessions.

Dates, Times & Locations

Expedition: Saturday May 23 & Sunday May 24, 2026 (full days)

Start time is 8 a.m. on Saturday; end time is in the afternoon on Sunday.
Paddling distance is between 8-12 nautical miles each day.
We will camp overnight at a site on Gabriola Island.
We will launch/land from a site on Gabriola Island.

Pre-Trip Planning Sessions: Tuesday May 19 & Thursday May 21, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Held in a classroom location in Nanaimo.
Online participation may be an option for the first session. The second session requires in-person participation.
During the sessions, we will gather information for the trip and plan the route as a group. Be prepared to participate actively in the decision-making!

Registrants will receive more detailed information about the expedition itinerary. Please contact us if you require more details in advance of registering.

Course Fee

$450 per person.
Fee includes: two pre-trip planning sessions; coached two-day kayak camping expedition; camping fees for the night of May 23; parking fees (if any) at the launch site.
Fee does not include: ferry transportation to/from Gabriola Island; accommodations on nights other than May 23; personal food or water for the trip; personal camping gear and paddling equipment for the trip; any other incidentals not listed above.
Sea kayak/paddling equipment rentals may be available. Please contact us for more information.

Prerequisites

Minimum of Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak Skills certification, or equivalent.
Previous experience or training paddling in tidal current.
Basic understanding of tidal currents and basic familiarity with the Canadian Tide and Current Tables.
Comfortable paddling in wind waves and mild swell.
Able to perform wet exits and re-entry procedures independently, without instruction, and to take a lead role in an assisted rescue.
Able to maintain a consistent paddling speed of at least 2.5 knots for a period of 3 hours without break.
At least two previous kayak camping trips of at least one night in duration.

Required Equipment

Sea kayak with full spray skirt, paddle and Transport-Canada required safety equipment.
PFD with whistle attached.
Appropriate immersion gear: drysuit plus layers OR full-body wetsuit thick enough for the shoulder season.
Appropriate neoprene accessories: e.g., gloves, pogies, surf cap, surf hood, etc.
Appropriate sun protection: e.g., brimmed hat, ballcap, sunglasses on cinch cord, sunscreen, etc.
Marine Chart #3443 – Thetis Island to Nanaimo. (Marine Chart #3475 – Plans-Stuart Channel is a helpful second resource and is optional.)
Deck-mountable chart case. We recommend a large-size case that you can fold.
Helmet – for transiting the current areas only. (We have a few loaners if needed.)
Camping equipment and personal items for the expedition. We will provide a list of suggested equipment.
Personal food and water for the expedition. We will provide information to help you prepare.

Registration

To register, please e-mail us at crosscurrents@outlook.com or complete the form below and we will contact you to complete your registration.

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Register for Learning Expedition: Gabriola Island Circumnavigation

First and Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

I have read the Prerequisites on this page and confirm that I meet those Prerequisites. (required)

Yes. No. I have questions about my level of experience.

Please indicate your previous experience and training relevant to this trip, and your goals for the expedition:

If you are an active member of a local kayak club, please provide the club name here:

What immersion gear will you be wearing?

Regarding Crosscurrents Kayak’s Waiver and Course Policies:

I have read and agree to the contents of Crosscurrents Kayak’s waiver (link below) and will complete and sign a copy of this waiver prior to the course.

Waiver (opens in new window)

I have read and agree to Crosscurrents Kayak’s Course Policies, including the Cancellation Policy (link below).

Course Policies (opens in new window)

Would you like to subscribe to Crosscurrents Kayak’s mailing list?

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After your submit this form, we will be in touch by email to complete your registration.
See you soon on the water!