Gabriola Island Experiences Packages

Gulf Island Seaplanes is proud to provide outstanding Experiences Packages for our guests through partnering with a number of local businesses and organizations here on Gabriola Island.

All of the following packages include round trip flights from the floatplane terminal at Vancouver International Airport to Silva Bay on Gabriola Island, transportation on Gabriola as well as the described Experiences themselves.

Guided Kayak Tours & Rentals

One of the best ways to experience the beauty and serenity of Gabriola Island is on the water through our guided kayak tours. Launching from Decanso Bay Regional Park, our two-hour kayak tours will take you past the stunning cliff formations of the Malaspina Galleries as well as picturesque Gabriola Sands Provincial Park.

Marine wildlife abounds in this corner of the West Coast, and guests may spot seal lions, eagles, seals and even humpback and killer whales on occasion.

All safety equipment is provided, and guests have the option of using a one or two-person kayak for their tour. We also offer unguided kayak and paddleboard rental packages for those who prefer to go their own way, with all safety equipment provided.

There is a minimum of four guests for the guided kayak tours, and a minimum of two for the unguided kayak and paddleboard rentals. Please note that the maximum group size is five due to the capacity of our aircraft.

All prices also include taxes, flights, transportation:

Guided Kayak Tour – 2 hours: $293.00

Double Kayak Rental – 2 hours: $298.00

Double Kayak Rental – 3 hours: $308.00

Double Kayak Rental – 6 hours: $318

Single Kayak Rental – 2 hours: $278.00

Single Kayak Rental – 3 hours: $283.00

Single Kayak Rental – 6 hours: $293.00

Standup Paddleboard Rental  – 2 hours: $273.00

Standup Paddleboard Rental – 3 hours: $278.00

Standup Paddleboard Rental – 6 hours: $283.00

Canoe Rental – 2 hours: $283.00

Canoe Rental – 3 hours: $293.00

Canoe Rental – 6 hours: $303.00

Watercolour Feint of Art 

One of the many talented artists who call Gabriola Island home, Melinda White has been teaching watercolour art courses since 1987.

Melinda is delighted to teach watercolour painting techniques to guests of all skill levels, from those who’ve never held a brush before to seasoned artists looking to hone their watercolour skills.

This package includes round trip flights from the floatplane terminal at Vancouver International Airport to Silva Bay on Gabriola Island, as well a three-hour relaxed, informal painting workshop with Melinda.

Price: $330.89 including all taxes, flights, transport and workshop.   Minimum and maximum group size is 5 people.

Encaustic Wax Painting 101

Encaustic painting is an ancient medium that has been used by artists for thousands of years, including the realistic portrait paintings found in Egyptian tombs over 2000 years ago.

In the present day, encaustic has come back into its own with a huge variety of new tools, techniques, and practices being explored. Hosted by Gabriola’s own Sue Hutchen Lay at Brackenridge Studio, this workshop provides a solid foundation for those interested in learning this unique medium.

Formulating a basic wax medium, grounds and supports, painting techniques, ark making, textures, transfers, stencils, carving, filling, and many other fun and interesting activities are featured in this workshop.

Price: $330.00 including all taxes, flights, transport and workshop.  Minimum and maximum group size is 3 people.

Making Cheese with Paula

Discover the art of handcrafting your own cheese with expert cheesemaker Paula Madison. Using readily available products and comprehensive instruction, Paula demystifies the idea that cheesemaking is difficult.

During your four-hour session, you will journey through history and learn the process, technique and chemistry of the craft, all while experiencing a world of sumptuous flavours as you create your own cheese. These workshops are a unique experience and sure to spark your inner cheesemaker!

Each different workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Classes to choose from include:

Cheesemaking 101 workshop: $330

Paneer, ricotta, mozzarella, and mascarpone. This workshop is a great introduction into 4 easy, rapidly acidified cheeses that are not only easy to make but taste delicious! You will be making and taking home cheeses created in class.

Mozzarella and Chevre workshop: $330

This course introduces you to the art of making your own fresh cheeses. You will be working with pre-made chevre curd to create your own delicious appetizer to take home, as well as making hand-stretched mozzarella, bocconcini, and burrata. Cultures and ingredients to make 5lbs at home are included.

Hard Pressed Cheese workshop: $330

This class extends basic knowledge of cheesemaking and explores varieties of cultures used in making hard pressed cheese. The class chose to make one of the following Colby, Gruyere, Jarlsberg, Asiago, Havarti, or Gouda. You will also be making a fresh paneer. Cultures and instructions to make over 4lb of the cheese made in the workshop are included.

Soft Cheeses, Cheese plate workshop: $370

This class focuses on soft, fresh cheeses. Mozzarella, Bocconcini, Burrata, Boursin, Neufchatel, sour Cream, and cream cheese. Cultures to make your own at home are included.

Brie, Camboza, Fromage Blanc workshop: $330 

Explore the different types of cultures used in making advanced cheeses as well as the ripening techniques in making Brie, Camembert and Cambozola.

Stilton, Chevre, Cambozola workshop: $380

Learn how to craft your own Stilton and Cambozola, a delicious Camambert style with blue veining. You will work with Chevre curd to create delicious appetizers that you will take home, as well as the ingredients and cultures to craft your own cheeses at home.

To find out more about booking your Experiences Package, call us at 250-247-9992 or reach us by email at info@gulfislandseaplanes.com today!