Tours
Tours
The National Organizing Committee is very excited to welcome delegates to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada for the 25th Anniversary of the International Seaweed Symposium in May. We have curated a collection of tours for delegates which can be booked through the registration link. In addition, Greater Victoria has a wide variety of activities and experiences for visitors to explore! A list of suggestions is available on our Visit Victoria page.
Quick Links
To learn more about each tour, please click the buttons below.
Pre-Symposium Tours - May 3, 2025
Pre-Symposium Tours - May 4, 2025
Mid-Symposium Tours - May 7, 2025
Pre-Symposium Tour - May 3, 2025
Botanical Beach Field Trip
Date: May 3, 2025
Time: 7:45am – 5:00pm*
Duration: 9 hours 15 minutes
Price: $210
Maximum Capacity: 20**
Tom Mumford and Bridgette Clarkston are leading a trip to one of the most spectacular rocky intertidal beaches in North America. Tom has been studying and leading field trips to this remote destination since 1970. Notably, this site was also the location of the Minnesota Seaside Station from 1901 to 1907, led by Dr. Josephine Tilden, a pioneer in marine biology. (Appropriate costumes are optional!)
Located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation, the intertidal zone at Botanical Beach is exposed to the full force of the Northeast Pacific Ocean and a fascinating mix of sandstone concretions and benches, coastal rainforest and bog. Visitors will see and touch the iconic kelp Postelsia palmaeformis, the surf-loving Lessoniopsis littoralis, and more than a hundred other species of algae. We will also explore the highly diverse sheltered coves and famous tide pools. And the inverts are just as spectacular as the algae!
Please note: This trip will be most interesting to Phycologists, and requires stamina and good balance. The hike to the beach is about 1200 meters (0.75 miles), and elevation gain/loss is about 100 meters along old logging roads. The rocky intertidal zone is steep, uneven, and slippery, and requires extra caution, especially if there is any surf. The roads, wooded trails and rocky intertidal are not American Disabilities Act compliant. The area is a BC Provincial Park, and there is absolutely no collecting of any specimens allowed. Bring your camera, and if you have a waterproof one, the tidepools provide some amazing underwater shots. We will be eager to help you identify the local seaweeds and experience the wonders of this highly diverse seaweed hotspot.
We may experience inclement weather, and participants will be required to have appropriate footwear and clothing.
Tour includes transportation, lunch, and park entrance fees.
*Return time may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
**Tour capacity is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. ISS25 reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum number of participants is not met or due to inclement weather. In the event of a cancellation, registrants will be notified by email and provided with a full refund.
Pre-Symposium Tour - May 4, 2025
Clover Point Intertidal Tour
Date: May 4, 2025
Tour time: 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: $15
Maximum Capacity: 20*
Discover the intertidal with seaweed biologists, Dr. Sandra Lindstrom and Dr. Katy Hind at Clover Point!
Dr. Sandra Lindstrom has studied the seaweeds of British Columbia for more than 50 years and has co-authored numerous papers and books. Dr. Katy Hind has been leading field trips and exploring algal biodiversity with students for over 20 years, focusing on the taxonomy and evolution of coralline algae.
Clover Point is an accessible, rocky intertidal zone along Dallas Road in Victoria that features shallow pools, small cobble and some larger boulders. There is a ramp to the rocky beach and those with accessibility needs could access the high or even mid-intertidal zones (please note the ramp is steep and does get very slippery in wet weather). The lower pools offer local kelp species such as Nereocystis leutkeana, Hedophyllum spp., and the beautiful feather boa, Egregia menziesii.
We look forward to meeting our guests at the picnic tables at the start time, and we will follow the tide down to the mid-low intertidal pools.
Please dress for the weather as it can be windy, rainy and cooler by the sea.
Please note: Participants are required to arrange for their own transportation to the field site in Clover Point Park. It can be accessed by bus (#7), taxi/Uber, or bicycle and there is often much to see including kite surfers, kite flyers and dog walkers. Participants will need to arrive with appropriate clothing and footwear.
*Tour capacity is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. ISS25 reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum number of participants is not met or due to inclement weather. In the event of a cancellation, registrants will be notified by email and provided with a full refund.
Mid-symposium tour
Whale Watching with Eagle Wing Tours
Date: May 7, 2025
Tour: 9:00am – 1:30pm*
Duration: 4.5 hours
Price: $220
Maximum Capacity: 60**
Prepare for an exhilarating whale and wildlife watching tour, where adventure awaits at every turn! Guests will check in at Fisherman’s Wharf, located in the heart of Victoria, about a 20-minute brisk walk from the Victoria Conference Centre, before boarding for a thrilling 3.5 – 4-hour ocean experience that promises to be the most comprehensive whale watching tour.
The boat sets sail surrounded by stunning coastal scenery as guests enter the natural habitat of majestic whales! With multiple wildlife stops, guests will enjoy world-class interpretation and personalized service that delivers the “WOW” factor. Knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights about the whales, wildlife, and their ecosystems.
Tour includes lunch, the wildlife tour and administrative fees.
*Please note: Participants are required to check in at Fisherman’s Wharf at 9:00am sharp.
**Tour capacity is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. ISS25 reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum number of participants is not met or due to inclement weather. In the event of a cancellation, registrants will be notified by email and provided with a full refund.
Tour and Social Hour at Industrial Plankton
Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $45
Maximum Capacity: 54
Step behind the scenes at Industrial Plankton to see where their gametophyte and algae bioreactors are manufactured. During the tour see the bioreactors in action producing gametophytes and microalgae and get a chance to talk to the creators behind them.
Industrial Plankton is a leader in bioreactor innovation, founded in 2010 with clients in 35 countries. This is a great opportunity to tour their new facility — just a short drive from the conference center.
Join us to engage with industry experts, explore the latest advancements, and enjoy local beer, wine, non-alcoholic refreshments, and snacks at Industrial Plankton.
Clover Point Intertidal Tour
Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm*
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: $ 15
Maximum Capacity: 23**
Discover the intertidal with seaweed biologists, Dr. Sandra Lindstrom and Dr. Katy Hind at Clover Point!
Dr. Sandra Lindstrom has studied the seaweeds of British Columbia for more than 50 years and has co-authored numerous papers and books. Dr. Katy Hind has been leading field trips and exploring algal biodiversity with students for over 20 years, focusing on the taxonomy and evolution of coralline algae.
Clover Point is an accessible, rocky intertidal zone along Dallas Road in Victoria that features shallow pools, small cobble and some larger boulders. There is a ramp to the rocky beach and those
with accessibility needs could access the high or even mid-intertidal zones (please note the ramp is steep and does get very slippery in wet weather). The lower pools offer local kelp species such as Nereocystis leutkeana, Hedophyllum spp., and the beautiful feather boa, Egregia menziesii.
We look forward to meeting our guests at the picnic tables at the start time, and we will follow the tide down to the mid-low intertidal pools.
Please dress for the weather as it can be windy, rainy and cooler by the sea.
Please note: Participants are required to arrange for their own transportation to the field site in Clover Point Park. It can be accessed by bus (#7), taxi/Uber, or bicycle and there is often much to see including kite surfers, kite flyers and dog walkers. Participants will need to arrive with appropriate clothing and footwear.
*Tour capacity is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. ISS25 reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum number of participants is not met or due to inclement weather. In the event of a cancellation, registrants will be notified by email and provided with a full refund.
Cancellation Policy
We hope you are able to join us on the tour(s) you have selected, but we know that plans can change. If you must cancel, you have until 30 days prior to the day of your tour to cancel for a full refund less administrative fees. Cancellations after that point are non-refundable.