Southern Gulf Islands Sailing Photo Tour
July 8th-10th, 2025
Sidney, BC
Natural Freedom X Taylor Burk X Providence 1903
Sail Into Island Time
Set sail on a custom photography journey as Guest Crew on Providence's Market Ship Voyage through the laid back Southern Gulf Islands. Capture scenes of a classic tall ship in action and help hoist sails, navigate, and steer, all while exploring local communities and ports. Here you'll have the opportunity to explore the scenic coastal landscapes and create a visual story of community connection in this photo focused adventure. Or, feel free to just sit back, relax and take in the views and mingle with likeminded people!
Dates & Location.
Departure: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - 9:00 AM
Arrival: Thursday, July 10, 2025 - 4:00 PM
Tour departs from Sidney Marina on Vancouver Island, BC near Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (Victoria).
3 days / 2 nights
What to expect.
-
On this photo tour, everything is chartered privately, giving us the freedom to decide where to stop and what to focus on—an experience you won’t find on a regular guided trip. Our priority is creating the ideal setting for photography. This will be a great opportunity to build your portfolio and/or connect with other photographers.
Please note that you do not have to be a photographer to join! -
We are hopeful to see porpoises, harbour seals and Orcas, the Gulf Islands are a haven for marine life photography. Bird enthusiasts can spot iconic bald eagles, auklets, cormorants, and many more seabirds.
-
Document the culture and artistry of island life, exploring port communities where you’ll meet local artisans, sample fresh food and drinks, and immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the islands. All by sailboat!
-
Come alone or with friends, either way you will be surrounded by like minded individuals who are passionate about the outdoors, nature and photography. A great opportunity to make new friends and build community!
14 guests total. -
Capture scenes of a classic tall ship in action and/or learn about sailing and help hoist sails, navigate, and steer.
Providence was built in 1903 and is the oldest commercial passenger vessel in Canada!
Itinerary
-
9:00 AM: Set off from Sidney and begin making your way to Pender Island. Enjoy a morning of cruising as we navigate past coastal inlets and forested islands.
Afternoon: Visit Twin Island Cider for a private tasting of their wild-fermented, island-grown ciders. Learn about their small-batch process and enjoy sips under the orchard trees. Feel free to explore at your own leisure.
Evening: Group BBQ dinner at Port Browning Marina—an easygoing waterside spot perfect for watching the sunset.
Overnight: Moorage at Port Browning Marina.
-
Morning: We set sail again, cruising between the Gulf Islands with coffee in hand and cameras at the ready.
Afternoon: Dock at Ganges Marina, nestled in the heart of Salt Spring’s most vibrant town.
Private Bee Hive Tour. Suited up in beekeeper gear, you’ll learn the art of apiculture, peek inside a working hive, and taste raw honey right where it’s made.
Feel free to explore at your own leisure.Evening: Dinner plans TBD.
Overnight: Moorage at Ganges Marina.
-
Morning/Afternoon: Enjoy a final sail through sheltered waters, soaking in the last quiet moments of this coastal escape.
4:00 PM: Arrive back in Sidney.
Optional: Stick around for the Sidney Street Market, a lively evening market along Beacon Avenue featuring live music, handmade goods, and local eats (Thursday evenings, 5:30–8:30 PM).
Pre-Register Below
-
-
Accommodation will be aboard Providence in her modest and comfortable accommodations. You will have your own bunk, please bring a sleeping bag.
Guests are more than welcome to book their own private accommodation near the ports if preferred. We are happy to put forward some options.
-
Included meals:
Breakfast: Day 1, 2 & 3
Lunch: Day 1, 2 & 3
Dinner: Day 1
Dinner on the second night is not included but dinner reservations will be made for those who want to join. Feel free to order at your own convenience within your budget.
There will be plenty of snacks and refreshments available throughout the trip.
FAQ.
-
Travel costs to reach Sidney Marina as well as accommodations before and after the tour are the responsibility of the participant. (We recommend that you arrive a day early to make sure you are here on time.)
Dinner on day 2 & 3.
Alcohol—guests are welcome to bring their own to enjoy responsibly at the end of each day!
Travel/Trip and Medical Insurance (recommended).
-
Sidney, BC is located on Vancouver Island near Victoria, BC.
For those coming from the mainland you can either walk or drive onto the ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen Terminal) to Victoria (Swartz Bay Terminal).
I would recommend either staying nearby the night before or catching the 6am or 7am ferry on the 8th. You can catch an uber or taxi from the ferry terminal to the marina.
You can also fly into Victoria International Airport which is conveniently located nearby. Ubers and taxis are available here as well. -
No, we are accepting and encouraging international bookings.
-
Guests need to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Summer on the coast means sunshine and warmth but being on the water is usually a bit colder than on land.
A packing list will be sent out to you upon registration.
-
While the excursion is moderately active, encountering slippery shorelines and boarding the sailboat may present challenges, particularly for individuals with specific disabilities.
-
We will do our best to provide options for you if you have any specific restrictions. Please let us know beforehand, especially if it’s something life threatening.
-
Absolutely! You don’t have to be a photographer to join, you're more than welcome to come for the experience and enjoy good company in nature! Feel free to just use your phone and soak in the moments as they happen.
Our awesome partners.
Photo & Video Credit: Railay Fawkes, Shannon Munro, Mirae Campbell, Taylor Burk