Canada: Gulf Islands, BC

Q: What is an Independent Rowing Experience?

Independent Rowing Experiences are short getaways tailored to the guest. Together with our partners, we provide a private rowing package for small groups (typically two, three or four rowers) with flexible date options based the availability of boats and guide or coach. Guests find their own accommodation, transportation, meals and other activities.

Q: Are there more places to enjoy Independent Rowing Experiences?

Have a look at our current destinations . We are working on expanding the fabulous locations where you can travel to row. It takes time because Ruth checks every location and researches accommodation options and restaurant recommendations, as well as suggestions to round out your stay when you are not rowing. Sign up for our newsletter to get announcements of new destinations and other updates. If you are a rowing club or rowing destination, find out how we might partner.

One day rowing

Help us tailor our trips to suit you and decide what destinations to add!

Rowing Trip Overview

About This Trip

Why Row Here?

Why Travel Here?

About This Trip

Embark on an unforgettable coastal rowing experience in the stunning Gulf Islands, off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia! Whether you're visiting Victoria or Vancouver for business or leisure, or just want to learn more about coastal rowing, this half-day or full-day rowing experience promises to awaken your inner adventurer. Dive into the world of coastal rowing and let each stroke reveal new horizons and hidden island treasures. We can also offer other options in this beautiful part of Canada. If you wish to organize a multi day Gulf Islands rowing tour (camping or hotel), please contact us. Each tour is customized to meet your needs.

Why Row Here?

Two reasons especially. The scenery first and foremost. A pleasing combination of west coast nature and civilized comfort. The second reason to row here are the local guides. Whomever is with you on the water is extremely experienced coastal rower - and likely guides our BC Wilderness group and guided trip with Rowing The World. And possibly an Olympian. This is your chance to row with some of the best coastal rowers in Canada. Even getting to the start location for this Gulf Islands rowing experience is fun and not your usual trip to a dock. The trip starts from Piers Island, a small island near Swartz Bay ferry terminal (by Sidney) and partway to Saltspring and Mayne Islands.

Why Travel Here?

Victoria, Vancouver, and the Gulf Islands in Canada offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure that make them truly worth visiting. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, charms with its historic architecture and lush gardens, notably the Butchart Gardens, while Vancouver boasts a stunning skyline framed by the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Both cities offer diverse culinary scenes and vibrant arts and culture. The nearby Gulf Islands provide an escape to nature, offering pristine beaches, hiking trails, and, of course, opportunities for amazing rowing and wildlife spotting.

Together, these destinations a must-visit for travellers seeking a well-rounded Canadian experience.

I am interested!

Included

Private rowing outings, tailored to you. Expect anywhere between 15 to 30km depending on tour duration (half day or full day) and tides/weather.
Use of coastal boats.
Guide/coach on water rowing with you.
Detailed Information Package, with specifics on getting there, arrival details and contacts, recommendations for accommodation and restaurants. We provide suggestions on other activities to enjoy in the region when you are not rowing.
Welcome drink.
Rowing health insurance for the outings.

Trip Details

Meet your local guides

West Coast Rowing Adventures

Meet Julien and Katie! We operate and row as a family since 2019. Your Independent Rowing Experience starts from our home on Piers Island. We are looking forward to welcome you in our paradise.

Julien Bahain

Julien is a three-time Olympian and Olympic medallist in rowing. In 2013, he successfully rowed unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days. Julien and his family live on a small island off the coast of Vancouver Island where they embrace living on the water. Julien is also a trained mechanical engineer and currently works as a project director for Infrastructure BC in Victoria, BC, Canada.

Katie Bahain-Steenman

Katie is a U23 World Championship medalist and Rowing Canada Performance Coach currently coaching the development team. Together with Julien, they founded West Coast Rowing Adventures with a goal to grow coastal rowing and share the beauty of British Columbia and its amazing, yet fragile, ecosystem.

Itinerary

Day 1

Coming soon!

Water conditions, especially as affected by the wind, will determine the exact time and location of the rows. Safety is a priority. The rowing guide has the final say on rowing distances and destinations. There are safety requirements for this Experience: you must bring and wear your own Personal Floatation Device.

Price per person


Half-day Rowing Experience	One rower	CAD$380
	Two-Three rowers	CAD$290
One Day Rowing Experience	One rower	CAD$650
	Two-Three rowers	CAD$450

5% GST will be added at checkout.

Further discounts for groups of four or more - contact us for details.

The minimum group size is one guest rower. Maximum group size is 9.

Ideas, information and inspiration

Want other options besides British Columbia rowing? Rowing The World offers premium group and guided rowing tours.

FAQs

Our full list of Frequently Asked Questions answers all your questions. Or Contact Us – we are happy to help.

What is an Independent Rowing Experience?

Are these self-guided trips?

We are not calling them self-guided because when you are on the water you will definitely have a local guide with you in the rowing shell or on a support boat. Self-guided trips usually include accommodation and meals and perhaps other services. We offer amazing rowing and leave the rest to you to create your own perfect trip. With lots of suggestions from our own experience in a location, plus the local wisdom of our rowing partners.

Are there more places to enjoy Independent Rowing Experiences?

Have a look at our current destinations. We are working on expanding the fabulous locations where you can travel to row. It takes time because Ruth checks every location and researches accommodation options and restaurant recommendations, as well as suggestions to round out your stay when you are not rowing. Sign up for our newsletter to get announcements of new destinations and other updates. If you are a rowing club or rowing destination, find out how we might partner.

Travel2Row