Pacific Confluence - The Season of Return
Swim with Salmon and Explore the Abundance of Vancouver Island
Each autumn, the rivers, forests, and coastline of Vancouver Island come alive as Pacific salmon return from the ocean to their spawning grounds. Pacific Confluence is a small-group wilderness and culinary immersion designed around this extraordinary seasonal migration — blending guided river snorkelling, rainforest exploration, ocean adventure, glamping accommodations, and chef-curated dining into a uniquely Vancouver Island experience.
2026 Dates:
Registration Application at Bottom of Page
SEP 7th - 11th - 3 Day / 4 Night - $2500 per seat ($2350 Before Jun 15)
SEP 11th-16th - 4 Day / 5 Night - $3600 per seat ($3350 Before Jun 15)
8 River Adventure participants per program - see “plus 1” and private bookings re: bringing guests along
PRIVATE BOOKINGS OPEN for Registration until June 3rd.
REGULAR BOOKINGS Open June 4th. Waitlist and Application Open now.
“GUEST STAYS”: Incentive to share the experience with others in different ways.
***Private bookings based off 8 paid seats (does not limit to 8 guests at Smith Lake during your stay)***
***See bottom of page for Private Booking and Standard Booking “plus 1” “Guest Stay” program details.***
Who is this for? What to expect?
These experiences are designed to be accessible to a wide range of participants. Guests should be comfortable swimmers, able to confidently manage themselves in the water using basic snorkelling equipment, and be in generally good health.
Please review the provided medical form carefully to identify any medical conditions or health history that may require further discussion and/or physician sign-off prior to participation in the program.
Recommended for ages 6 and up. All minors must remain under the supervision and responsibility of a parent or guardian at all times.
Access to river locations includes a combination of short walks and hikes, generally up to approximately 20 minutes in duration each way, along established trails with moderate elevation changes. Some uneven terrain should be expected, though overall accessibility is considered relatively easy to moderate for most participants.
Hiking routes, mushroom foraging opportunities, and land-based excursions may vary throughout the program depending on group interests, pace, weather, and overall group dynamics.
The Ocean Boat Day included within the 5 Night / 4 Day package may include a blend of ocean snorkelling, marine wildlife viewing, hand harvesting, and potential fishing opportunities depending on seasonal conditions and group interests.
Included in programs:
ADVENTURE:
Pacific Confluence is centred around exploring the rivers, forests, and coastal watersheds of Vancouver Island during the Season of Return — the annual migration of Pacific salmon back to their spawning grounds. Guided river snorkelling excursions take guests through multiple river systems, swimming alongside large schools of salmon within crystal-clear waters surrounded by coastal rainforest ecosystems.
Each day is thoughtfully designed to provide a deeper connection to the landscapes and seasonal rhythms of Vancouver Island in the fall, combining time spent in the water with immersive land-based exploration. Excursions may include old-growth forest walks, waterfall and nature hikes, mushroom foraging opportunities, scenic picnic lunches, and stops throughout the surrounding watersheds and coastline.
All transportation to excursion locations is included within the program, with destinations located approximately 1.5–2 hours from accommodations at Smith Lake Farm.
The 5 Night / 4 Day immersion also includes a dedicated ocean boat and snorkelling excursion supported by Island Life Expeditions, expanding the experience from river systems to the coastal waters of Vancouver Island.
ACCOMMODATIONS: SMITH LAKE FARM GLAMPING:
Guests will stay at Smith Lake Farm, a unique lakefront farm and apiary tucked into the forests and farm country of Vancouver Island’s Comox Valley. Surrounded by nature, the farm offers a peaceful and immersive retreat experience where guests can slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of island life.
Accommodation options include beautifully designed Lotus Belle glamping tents and a cozy lakefront cabin, each thoughtfully placed to create a sense of privacy, comfort, and connection to the land.
During their stay, guests will enjoy private access to many of the farm’s amenities and experiences, including:
Spacious glamping accommodations nestled throughout the property
Lakeside bubble sauna experiences
Private lake access for swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing, and relaxing on the dock
Access to the farm’s scenic disc golf course rated 10th in the country
Beekeeping education and apiary tours with a working commercial apiary
Walking trails, forests, wetlands, and gathering spaces
Opportunities to experience regenerative farming and local food culture firsthand
Smith Lake Farm is more than just a place to stay — it is a working agritourism farm focused on sustainability, education, wellness, and meaningful connection to nature. Guests are invited to experience a slower pace of life while enjoying the comforts of a thoughtfully curated retreat environment.
CULINARY EXPERIENCE:
Meals throughout Pacific Confluence are thoughtfully curated by Paul Moran — winner of Top Chef Canada Season 7 and owner of Sixty-Forty in Victoria, B.C. Drawing inspiration from the season and the richness of Vancouver Island’s food culture, the culinary experience is designed to be an integral part of the journey, bringing guests together through shared meals, storytelling, and connection after full days spent exploring rivers, forests, and coastline during the Season of Return.
Chef Paul and Bottom Dwellers Freediving first began working together in 2018 through the Tide to Table programs in Tofino. Building on those experiences, Pacific Confluence hopes to thoughtfully incorporate elements of wild harvesting, mushroom foraging, and seasonal coastal ingredients into the culinary experience whenever possible and aligned with the interests of the group.
Guests can expect beautifully curated seated dinners at the farm, healthy and nourishing packed lunches for days spent exploring Vancouver Island’s watersheds, and simple, energizing breakfasts designed to prepare you for each day’s adventure.
GENERAL:
A shared collection of professionally captured trip photos will be provided to guests following the experience.
Airport pickup and drop-off may be arranged from Comox or Campbell River Airport on program arrival and departure days depending on scheduling and arrival times.
Guests are encouraged to bring any personal snacks, specialty beverages, or preferred refreshments they may wish to have throughout their stay.
Alcohol is not included within the program.
Rental snorkelling equipment can be arranged upon request.
Program Description:
pacific-confluence-the-season-of-return
Each autumn on Vancouver Island, rivers, forests, and coastline become connected through one of the Pacific Northwest’s most remarkable seasonal events — the return of Pacific salmon from the ocean to their spawning grounds. Eagles gather overhead, bears move along the riverbanks, and entire watersheds come alive as nutrients, wildlife, and ecosystems converge during the Season of Return.
Pacific Confluence is an immersive wilderness and culinary experience built around this extraordinary time of year, blending guided river snorkelling alongside migrating salmon, old-growth rainforest exploration, exceptional food, and ocean adventure into a small-group experience designed to slow down and reconnect with nature, place, and one another.
Hosted by Bottom Dwellers Freediving, these experiences are accessible to all levels of participants. Guests simply need to be comfortable swimmers and able to manage themselves in the water using basic snorkelling equipment.
Guests will stay at Smith Lake Farm, a secluded glamping property nestled within the forests and lake country of the Comox Valley, offering a peaceful and comfortable basecamp throughout the experience. Meals are thoughtfully curated by Paul Moran, owner of Sixty-Forty in Victoria, B.C., creating a culinary program inspired by the season, local ingredients, and the abundance of Vancouver Island.
Each day combines guided in-water excursions with opportunities to experience the broader landscapes and ecosystems that define Vancouver Island in the fall. Days are intentionally paced to allow time for exploration, connection, and appreciation of the region through old-growth forest walks, hikes, nature interpretation, mushroom foraging opportunities, scenic stops, and immersive time spent throughout surrounding watersheds and coastline. Excursion locations are all within approximately a 1.75-hour radius of the farm property, allowing guests to experience a diverse range of Vancouver Island environments during their stay.
Example Itinerary: (3 day / 4 Night)
***The 5 Night / 4 Day Immersion includes an additional Ocean Day by Boat exploring the coastal waters of Vancouver Island with Island Life Expeditions aboard their custom landing craft.***
Day 1: arrival day
Arrival Day is designed to allow guests to settle into the peaceful atmosphere of Smith Lake Farm, connect with fellow participants over a shared welcome dinner, and ease into the slower rhythm of Pacific Confluence before the adventures ahead.
12:00 - Casual Arrival to Smith Lake Farm.
Arrive and enjoy the property for the day while you get settled on the farm and get organized for your experience.
Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Sauna, Disc Golf… All the amenities will be on hand and available to you to enjoy from noon onward while we prepare your accomodations.
Organize any rental equipment needed for your trip
16:00 - Check-in to glamping accommodations and relax
18:00 - Arrival Dinner, meet and greet, program brief and overview.
21:00 - Bed-time
Days 2-4: River Immersion Days
At the heart of Pacific Confluence is the shared experience between guests, guides, and crew — where time spent exploring rivers, forests, and coastline is equally balanced by connection, storytelling, and community around the farm and dinner table. Daily plans remain intentionally flexible throughout the experience, allowing excursions and activities to adapt to weather, river conditions, wildlife activity, and the natural rhythm of Vancouver Island during the Season of Return.
A sample schedule for a day during the week looks like this:
06:00 - Wake up.
0630 - Breakfast
07:00 - Departure to River Dive Location of the Day
09:00 - Arrive Dive site, enjoy a snack, suit up and hike in to river location.
09:30- Snorkel and enjoy river location
12:30 - Return to vehicles, change and eat lunch at determined location
13:30 - Begin Travels to afternoon adventure/excursion
14:30 - Land Excursion of the day (Forest/Nature Walk, Hike, Mushroom picking etc…)
17:30 - Arrive at Farm, Shower and Change.
19:00 - Group Dinner at the Farm.
21:00 - Bedtime.
Day 5: departure day
Departure Day offers a slow and relaxed final morning at Smith Lake Farm, giving guests time to share a final breakfast, reflect on the experience, enjoy the property, and say their goodbyes before departing Vancouver Island.
07:00 - Wake-up
08:00 - Seated, relaxed departure, departure breakfast.
10:00 - Check-out of accomdations
10:00 - 12:00 Enjoy lake property and say good-byes
***Ocean Day - Only in 4 Day / 5 Night program***
The Ocean Day included within the 4 Day / 5 Night immersion expands the experience beyond the rivers and into the coastal waters of Vancouver Island alongside Island Life Expeditions, blending ocean snorkelling, marine wildlife viewing, coastal exploration, and immersive time spent on the water to further connect guests with the broader ecosystems that define the Season of Return.
07:00 - Wake-up.
07:30 - Breakfast.
08:00 - Enjoy the property and lake.
09:30 - Departure for Boat.
10:00 - Off-Dock.
16:00 - Return to Dock.
16:30 - Enjoy the property.
18:30 - Dinner.
21:00 - Bed.
“Guest Stays” - Private Bookings and ‘Plus 1’
Private Bookings:
Book Smith Lake Farm for you and your own private group during your Pacific Confluence - The Season of Return experience.
The in-water experience during our trips supports 8 participants per outing. Private bookings are based on all 8 seats being booked.
Interchangeable in-water experience seats can be explored for an added fee with private bookings.
Up to 8 additional “Guest Stays” can be added to your booking at Smith Lake Farm.
Guest Stays include all culinary experiences, accommodation, and access to Smith Lake Farm amenities within the available glamping sites included in the private booking.
3 Day / 4 Night - $1040
4 Day / 5 Night - $1300
Email us to discuss additional family scenarios, as we’d be happy to see what we can do to support them.
Standard Booking “Guest Stays":
Have that special someone you want to spend time with, but who enjoys doing their own thing a little more?
Add a “Guest Stay” to your accommodation as a Plus One and let your guest take advantage of the property and surrounding area while you’re off enjoying your adventures.
“Guest Stays” include all culinary experiences, accommodation, and access to Smith Lake Farm amenities within the glamping site booked as part of your program seat.
Guest Stays include full use of Smith Lake Farm during the days while program participants are away on excursions.
“Guest Stays” are booked on an availability basis.
We do our best to accommodate everyone; however, we are limited in some capacities with how we can provide this offering. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask and we’ll see what we can do to accommodate.
Join Us for the Season of Return
Apply for Pacific Confluence below, or feel free to reach out with any questions about the experience at expeditions@bottomdwellers.ca