Learn to Sail.
Make Great Friends.
It’s a Summer That Changes You.
You want more than just an average summer. Climb aboard a tall ship where it’s all hands on deck, learn real skills, and find meaningful adventure, community, and growth at sea.
Over multiple days on the BC coast this July or August, you’ll haul lines, take the helm, stand night watch, and share mug up with a crew that quickly feels like family. Voyages are open to youth ages 13 to 22.
Don’t Settle for an Average Summer
Most summers blur together.
A few camps.
A few trips.
A lot of time wondering what you actually did.
This year, you want something significant.
Something worthwhile.
Something that brings you face-to-face with your potential.
Something that has a lasting impact.
This year, you want to come home different.
Discover a Life-Changing Adventure
We understand.
It’s hard to find an experience that feels exciting and meaningful.
For over 50 years, SALTS has helped young people step into adventure, build confidence, and form lasting friendships at sea.
Step Aboard a Real Tall Ship
This isn’t just a trip. It’s a formative experience. The kind you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.
Guided by seasoned sailors, you learn how to be part of a hands-on crew.
You will:
Learn to sail, steer, and care for a traditional tall ship
See sunsets and constellations up close, every day
Work and grow closer with others your age
Swim, play, and sail in BC’s stunning coast
From the moment you step aboard, you matter here.
Find Your Summer Adventure
How it works
Choose your trip and register
Step aboard and meet your crew
Learn, sail, and grow over ten unforgettable days
No sailing experience needed. Just a little willingness to try something new. Review our physical and mental fitness policy.
What Life Is Like Onboard
Life at sea is different. Without distractions, you’ll get up close with nature and come home better for it.
Where else can you?
Raise sails and steer the ship
Navigate, swim in, and explore our beautiful West Coast
Watch the stars on a clear, calm night
Glimpse whales, phosphorescence, and the northern lights
Days are full. Nights are unforgettable. The setting is unbeatable.
And somewhere along the way, something changes.
You discover your potential.
You make meaningful friendships.
You find your place in this world.
Find the Right Trip for You
Summer 2026 offers a variety of sailing adventures along the BC coast.
Explore trip dates, availability, and pricing to find the voyage that works for your summer.
Explore the Coast Like Few Ever Do
Our routes take you through some of the most incredible, secluded places on the West Coast.
The Great Bear Rainforest
Desolation Sound
Gorgeous Gulf Islands, big and small
The hidden gems of Vancouver Island’s wild coast
Each trip offers a unique adventure shaped by nature, the sea, and a thirst for adventure.
Make This Experience Possible
We believe every young person should have the opportunity to sail.
SALTS offers financial assistance through bursaries, including support for those who need it most.
Don’t Let Us Sail Away Without You
Without a meaningful experience like this, summer passes quickly.
This is your chance to do something different.
To try something new.
To lean into something that matters.
Come Home Changed
Imagine returning home after ten days at sea.
More confident and independent.
More meaningfully connected to others.
More aware of the beauty of nature and your participation in it.
And with stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
Start Your Summer Adventure
This is your summer to do something that matters.
2026 Sailings (Past)
2026 Cost
REGISTRATION FEE - $150
Non-refundable once a trip assignment has been offered. The registration fee is due at the time the trip request is submitted.
TRIP FEE - $2,766.90
Refundable until May 1, 2026*
The trip fee is typically paid in equal payments, and a schedule is provided with your trip assignment. Trips with less time until departure will have fewer installments.
* See our Cancellation and Refund Policy for details
Total Fees: $2,916.90
All meals, sail training materials, applicable park fees, and taxes (5% GST) are included. (Total fees are the registration fee plus the trip fee.)
We recognize that the cost may be prohibitive for low or even middle-income families. See our Bursaries page for information about eligibility and the application processes for general financial assistance and Indigenous Youth bursaries.
Registration Steps
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Review the Physical and Mental Fitness Policy before registering.
Everyone aboard is considered a trainee and takes an active role in sailing the ship. No previous sailing experience is necessary, but physical agility and mental alertness are important for safe participation.
Carefully consider the trip routes and pay particular attention to the boarding and disembarking locations. Several trips begin or end in Port Hardy, at the north end of Vancouver Island.
Also review the Cancellation and Refund Policy before submitting your request.
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Submit your Trip Request Form with your trip choices in order of preference. You will be assigned to your highest preference trip with an available berth. You can accept a trip assignment and also be on the wait list for a preferred trip.
If you have a SALTS gift certificate, enter your unique code on the trip request to apply the gifted amount to your account.
Review the Cancellation and Refund Policy before you pay the registration fee of $150
(if you have credit or gift certificate, you will receive separate instructions).
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Receive your trip assignment or wait list notification email.
Pay the first trip fee payment or submit your bursary application at this time. Those with a gift certificate or credit will receive an account statement with details about any remaining balance and payment options.
Receive your reservation confirmation email!
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Several months prior to your trip, you will receive instructions to complete your online Trainee Profile and waiver form(s) along with boarding & disembarking details, travel tips and the travel sharing list for your trip, if you choose to share your contact information with other SALTS trainees.
When your Trainee Profile and waiver forms are complete, you will receive an email to confirm your registration for your SALTS Summer voyage!
SALTS strongly recommends purchasing private travel insurance to cover trip cancellation or interruption due to medical or other unexpected circumstances. Be sure to read over our Physical and Mental Fitness Policy to decide if a SALTS trip is a good fit for you!
Get Ready for Your Trip
Find everything you need to know about travel, packing, and what to expect before you arrive.
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