Spring/Summer Adventures 2008

  March 22

Hike Bowen Island - Mount Gardner

  May 3

Kayak Bowen Island - Pasley Island

  June 5 - 11

HIKE ZION CANYON, UTAH (USA) details...

  July 11 - 13

Bike Galloping Goose - Adventure Weekend Retreat

  Aug 14 - 17

  Sep 7 - 11

HIKE JUAN DE FUCA MARINE TRAIL details...

  Sep 20

Hike Garibaldi Lake

Hike Bowen Island - Mount Gardner

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Moderate, Adventure Hiking

16 km, 6 hours, 719 m (8.5% grade)

Saturday, March 22

Full day, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM

$95 plus GST/person
Price includes: a healthy lunch, a trained guide, ground transportation and ferry.

Hike the highest mountain on Bowen Island and reach unsurpassed views of Howe Sound and its encircling peaks. Take the Horseshoe Bay ferry to Snug Cove and head through Crippen Regional Park. Following the Killarney Lake trailhead up Mount Gardner Road and begin hiking up a winding steep treed trail. The views are spectacular and well worth your efforts.
This is an excellent trial for Zion Canyon participants (free for registered 2008 Zion Canyon clients).

Learn Kayaking - Deep Cove, Indian Arm

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Easy to Moderate, No experience required, Kayaking

3.5 hours, rest stops on islands

Saturday, April 5   (again on June 28)

Half day, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

$99 plus GST/person
Price includes: a lunch, guide, kayak rentals.

Learn how to kayak and enjoy paddling in Deep Cove, south end of Indian Arm. Indian Arm is a spectacular fjord with countless destinations for glorious day trips. Deep Cove Kayaking provides kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts, life jacket and pumps.
Wetsuits, paddling rain jackets & rain hats may be rented. Pre-registration is required. No refunds.

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Kayak Bowen Island - Pasley Island

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Galiano Island - Adventure Weekend Retreat

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Escape to an island, be adventurous, relax in comfort, meet fabulous women, meditate and stretch and find your passion with Gaia Adventures. Enjoy a gulf island getaway and spend an adventure-filled weekend on beautiful Galiano Island. With a micro-climate more Mediterranean than rainforest, this intimate and unique Gulf Island haven is ready to welcome you with adventure and luxury. We yearn for the simpler island time and space, away from intrusions of every day stresses, traffic and heavy workloads. Once onboard the ferry we can begin to connect with the beauty surrounding us. It is amazing how remote one can feel on the Gulf Island.

Our hike to Bluffs Park along the rocky shoreline is a great start to the weekend. It's an easy hike with great viewpoints. In this place of natural beauty our rhythms become harmonized. And in terms of ultimate fulfillment, we create our own meaningful environment to realize the possibilities for uniqueness and growth.

Try our "Afternoon Paddle, Sea Kayaking" program, 4 hours kayaking. Kayak in sheltered waters surrounded by islands, cliffs and sunning seals. You'll have time to pull up on a beach, unpack your picnic basket, hunt for sea shells, take pictures or drawings, or simply enjoy the sun. It's a great opportunity to experience the magnificent scenery and abundant wildlife of the island!

On Sunday we will mountain bike along trails in Bodega Ridge and Dionisio Provincial Park. Galiano Island, named after the Spanish explorer Dionisio Galiano who sailed these waters 200 years ago, is a special place of great natural beauty and interest. The park is rimed by a varied and beautiful shoreline and is probably the most scenic part of Galiano Island. There we will find sandstone headlands sculpted by erosion, wildflower meadows and verdant forests, pebble beaches and a shallow bay, known as Coon Bay to the locals.

Hike Mount Galiano, about 2 to 3 hours to the top with great views of the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. The sheer beauty of the surrounding ocean vistas, giant arbutus trees, and flowering wild flowers is so inspiring. There is a kind of balance between the natural system and the human system. Relax in comfort and enjoy gourmet food at Atrevida restaurant, Trincomali Bakery and Deli and the Hummingbird Pub. It's a great weekend filled with fun and adventure at an easy relaxing pace suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Book early, this weekend is limited to 9 women only.

Hike Zion Canyon, Utah (USA)
A Gaia Princess Adventure more...

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Moderate, Desert Hiking

June 5 to 11

2 days Travel, 5 days Hiking

$2,380 US/person, double occupancy;
Single supplement add $160/person/night, airfare available upon request.
Price includes: hotel in Las Vegas and Zion Lodge cabin accommodation for 6 nights, all meals, all ground transportation & land transfers, park permits, guiding.

Early Bird Discount:
Register before May 17, 2008 and save $100 US
($400 deposit, non-refundable).

Learn about the details at a free info session.
Sign up for the Gaia eNewsletter to be posted.

Zion National Park is among the worlds' most outstanding natural wilderness preserves, a rare gem. Check out this spectacular Gaia Princess Adventure day by day:

Day 1
Depart Vancouver for Las Vegas, transfer to hotel.

Day 2
Overland to Zion National Park, approximately 158 miles (254 km) from Vegas. Overnight at Zion Canyon Lodge. Take the shuttle and visit the park. Hike Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava.

Day 3
Hike Weeping Rock (.5 miles/.5 hours round trip/climbs 98 feet) and Emerald Pools Trail (1.2 miles/1 hour out and back, climbs 200 feet).
Stop by the Visitor Centre and hike Watchman Trail (2.7 miles/2 hours round trip, climbs 368 feet).

Day 4
Hike Angels Landing Trail, a steep trail climbs Walters Wiggles past Scout Lookout, with spectacular views of Zion Canyon.
Strenuous, 5 miles/4 hours round trip, climbs 488 feet.

Day 5
Hike into Kolob Canyons, northwest of the park, and cross roaring creeks, see desert vistas and the world's largest freestanding arch.

Day 6
Hike on the east rim, the trails ends on a slender peninsula overhanging the valley floor offering spectacular views on three sides.
Strenuous, 8 miles/5 hours round trip, climbs 2148 feet.

Day 7
Return to Las Vegas and overnight at hotel.

Have you always dreamed of hiking a great adventure, but you just didn't feel that you were fit enough? Train with Gaia Adventures at special “adventure rate”, and you will be prepared for your trip of your lifetime. Make sure to hike Bowen Island - Mount Gardner on March 15 - (free for registered 2008 Zion Canyon clients).

To learn more about Zion Canyon and the hikes visit the official website of Zion National Park.

A challenging yet spectacular Gaia Princess Adventure, limited to 9 women.
This tour fills up quickly; register early (and save $150 US), by sending us a $300 US deposit.

Learn Kayaking - Deep Cove, Indian Arm

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Easy to Moderate, No experience required, Kayaking

3.5 hours, rest stops on islands

Saturday, June 28

Half day, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

$99 plus GST/person
Price includes: a lunch, guide, kayak rentals.

Learn how to kayak and enjoy paddling in Deep Cove, south end of Indian Arm. Indian Arm is a spectacular fjord with countless destinations for glorious day trips. Deep Cove Kayaking provides kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts, life jacket and pumps.
Wetsuits, paddling rain jackets & rain hats may be rented. Pre-registration is required. No refunds.

Bike Galloping Goose from Victoria to Sooke

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Moderate to Challenging, Adventure Biking

July 11 to 13

Deluxe Weekend Retreat

$585 plus GST/person
Price includes: accommodation for two nights, all meals, a trained guide, ground transportation and ferry.
Bicycle rental not included.

Early bird rate:
Register by June 5, 2008 and save $30.

Learn about the details at a free info session.
Sign up for the Gaia eNewsletter to be posted.

Adventure Days in Whistler: Hike, Zip Line,
Yoga, Spa... A Gaia Princess Adventure more...

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Moderate levels

August 14 - 17

4 adventure days

$1,785 plus GST, double occupancy;
Single supplement (your own room): add $200/person/day.
Price includes: hotel accommodation for 3 nights, meals, all ground transportation and land transfers, rentals and experienced guide.

Learn about the details at a free info session.
Sign up for the Gaia eNewsletter to be posted.

HIKE the JUAN DE FUCA MARINE TRAIL
A Gaia Princess Adventure more...

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Moderate to Challenging, Hiking

September 7 - 11

5 adventure days

$2,290 plus GST, double occupancy;
Single supplement: add $400/person/day.
Price includes: shared hotel accommodation in world class Sooke Harbour House (2 nights), Soul Creek resort (2 nights), exquisite dining, all ground transportation and land transfers, ferry, and experienced guide.

Early Bird rate:
Register by February 1, 2008 and save $150
($400 deposit, non-refundable).

Learn about the details at a free info session.
Sign up for the Gaia eNewsletter to be posted.

Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is also called “the other West Coast Trail” on Vancouver Island and offers spectacular beauty, marine and wildlife viewing and roaring surf. Hike in the rainforest, the ocean always within sight, and experience serenity and connection with the rugged west coast nature. Waterfalls and freshwater pools are everywhere on this wilderness hike. The trail crosses stream after stream as it weaves through the forest of giant Western Hemlock, Red Cedar, and Sitka Spruce. Suddenly it opens up to an ocean view, then just as quickly plunge you back into the forest. It's West Coast Wilderness at it's best.

Hike China Beach, near Sooke, to Sombrio Beach in two moderately challenging hiking days suitable for active women. At night we relax in comfort at Sooke Harbour house, world class inn on the waterfront. We enjoy exquisite dining at the award winning restaurant; they are famous for their always fresh, natural and very local ingredients.

Botanical Beach, in Port Renfrew, offers one of the richest tidal areas found along the west coast. Shells, plants, flowers, kelp and marine life abound in the tidal pool close to pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean. Our hikes take us from Sombrio to Port Renfrew, Botanical Beach; a beautiful and serene end to an incredible adventure. At night we relax in Soul Creek Lodge, a gem in the wilderness, located high on a hill with incredible views of Juan de Fuca and enjoy fabulous food.

Day 1
We begin the adventure by boarding a ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, Vancouver Island and making our way to Sooke on Vancouver Island (about a three hours drive). We travel first to China Beach, the start of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. It's a spectacular fine sand beach where we can relax and familiarize ourselves with this majestic beauty. We will take a short walk to the western end of the beach to the waterfall and wander to the east to Jourdan River (4 kilometers,about 2 hours).
- Overnight and fine dining at Sooke Harbour House.

Day 2
The hike from China Beach to Bear Beach is 11 kilometers long, rated as intermediate with average hiking time from 4 to 5 hours. The trail begins in the forest over roots, around stumps and fallen trees. A suspension bridge crosses Pete Wolf Creek, one kilometer from the trailhead. Forty minutes into the hike you will hear the sound of surf getting louder. A steep trail leads us to Mystic Beach; it's a beautiful hard-packed sand beach. The trail continues westward into the forest. There are many creeks and bridges to cross and viewpoints to enjoy of the Olympic Mountains. It's a dramatic descent along wooden stairs to Bear Beach, our destination. We hike west to Rosemond Creek and make our way to the Highway for pick-up.
- Overnight and fine dining at Sooke Harbour Hourse.

Day 3
Our hike begins at Sombrio Beach on the beach trail towards Sombrio River and the suspension bridge. The hike is 8.5 kilometers long and rated intermediate with average hiking time 4 to 6 hours. There are huge boulders at the start of West Sombrio Beach, and we will continue on the beach for about 1 kilometer. The trail continues in the forest with six-meter tall trees, thick underbrush and stumps, twist and turn through the new-growth forest all the way to Little Kuitche Creek. The trail hugs the ocean close enough for you to hear it, but you seldom enjoy a good view on this part of the trail. Here a beach welcomes you at Kuitsche Creek. Ladders, bridges, big cedar trees and views of the Juan de Fuca await you as the trail leads away from the ocean and up into the clearing around deep gorges that follow the shoreline. Boardwalks lead you to Parkinson Creek, our destination.
- Overnight and fine dining at Soul Creek Lodge, Port Renfrew.

Day 4
The hike from Parkinson Creek to Botanical Beach is 10 kilometers long, rated as intermediate with average hiking times 4 to 6 hours. It is called the most interesting section of the trail. Payzant Creek's waterfall entices all to take a long look and welcomes us to the wild and beautiful place. The hikes takes us through inaccessible hidden beaches, rock arches and rugged reefs. Beautiful tide pools at Botanical Beach await us at the end of this hike, ready to explore.
- Overnight and fine dining at Soul Creek Lodge.

Day 5
We have a chance to explore Port Renfew, Botanical Beach and French Beach before heading home, refreshed and energized. - The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail - a spectacular Gaia Princess Adventure.

Hike Garibaldi Lake

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Moderate to Challenging, Alpine Hiking

18.5 km, 6.5 hours, elevation gain 3,030 ft.

Saturday, September 20

Full day, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

$80 plus GST/person
Price includes: a healthy lunch, guide, transportation.