Limited spots available on our free five-day Land Healing Stewards sailing expedition through the Salish Sea
To apply, please complete the application form by September 28.
There are only five spots left on our next Land Healing Stewards sailing expedition!
This is a five-day live-aboard trip on Raincoast’s 68-foot, Transport Canada certified, research sailing vessel, Achiever. This expedition will bring together eight Indigenous, BPOC, and 2SLGBQT+ youth, ages 19-29 from the Lower Mainland, Southern Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and adjacent areas, to engage in educational marine- and land-based learning and hands-on conservation activities.
Who: Indigenous, BPOC, and 2SLGBQT+ youth ages 19-29 can apply.
When: Wednesday October 14 to Sunday October 18, 2026.
Where: Departing and returning to Sidney, BC, and travelling throughout the Southern Gulf Islands region.
Land Healing Stewards – Achiever expedition
The trip will take place from Wednesday October 14 to Sunday October 18, 2026. Departing from and returning to Sidney, BC, we will travel through the Salish Sea, sailing, observing wildlife, and stopping on various islands for day excursions.
A highlight will be visiting Raincoast’s protected property, KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest, on S’DAYES (North Pender Island) for forest-based learning and habitat restoration activities. The rest of the itinerary will be spent sailing, observing marine and terrestrial species, hiking, and exploring the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
To learn what the trip will be like, read about our spring 2026 sailing expedition.
Five spots still available
This trip is being offered free of charge. Those who are interested in participating and available for the full five days of the expedition are welcome to submit an application and learn more about the trip through the online form. There are five spots remaining for youth (ages 19-29) to take part in the trip. The last day to apply is September 28 at 11:59pm. Participants will be randomly selected and notified by September 29.
What to expect
Eight participants will live in close quarters aboard Achiever and share responsibilities such as cooking and cleaning. All outdoor activities will occur rain or shine. Days will begin from sunrise (~7:30 AM) and activities will conclude by early evening (~6:30 PM). Portions of this trip may be physical and will involve hiking on uneven terrains, getting in and out of a small boat, and participating in hands-on restoration activities such as planting.
Activities will include:
- Habitat restoration and monitoring
- Hiking and sailing
- Wildlife observation
- Making new connections
“I loved this program so much and feel so grateful to have been provided the opportunity to sail, explore the Gulf Islands, learn from the land and the incredibly knowledgeable staff at Raincoast, and my peers. After this trip, I feel recharged, curious, hopeful, and so full of love for the land and the sea.” – Spring 2026 participant
