Idyllic
in landscape, rustic in character, the Gulf Islands bask in a
mild climate and pastoral tranquility. Almost 200 islands of all
shapes and sizes lie tucked against the southeastern shore of
Vancouver Island with only the invisible international boundary
dividing them from the San Juan Islands in US waters.
Accommodation/Adventure
Providers
Bluewater Adventures: Come see why National Geographic thinks we are “One of the Wolds Best!” Quality wilderness and wildlife eco-adventures about 70’ sailing and power vessels – our tours raise the profile of wildlife cruising in BC and Alaska. For small ship adventures off the ... more
Coastal Spirits Expeditions and Lodge: Kayak with the Orcas from our spectacular ocean front base camp, beside the famous Orca reserve & rubbing beaches. We also feature kayak camping tours including Discovery Islands & Desolation Sound. There’s also lodging, lodge based trips, and day tours. more
Eagle Wing Whale Watching: Bear witness to natures most awe inspiring creature – the Killer Whale. Our guided expeditions take you through 100’s of Islands in search of ‘Guaranteed’ Whales and other marine wildlife. Come discover a ‘treasure chest' of diverse marine wildlife on an Eagl... more
Ecosummer Expeditions: BC’s first kayaking company offers award-winning trips to the Queen Charlotte & Gulf Islands, Johnstone Strait, & West Coast Trail. We guarantee world-class scenery, some of the world’s finest Orca whale and bear watching, & an absolute commitment to service. more
Golf Vancouver Island: Proudly offering complete Vancouver Island golf packages and vacations including tee times at 11 destination golf courses, accommodation, airfares, ferry reservations, après golf activities such as fishing, whale-watching and spa Our four distinct regions on V... more
Harbour Air Seaplanes: Harbour Air is the world’s largest all-seaplane airline, offering frequent scheduled flights between the Lower Mainland and the Islands, as well as scenic tours and private charters. All services are carbon neutral and include a high quality carbon offset. more
Island Adventure Centre: Join us for orca whale watching, grizzly adventures, salmon saltwater fishing, wildlife & tidal rapids tours, kayak trips, rentals, and lake rentals … The Island Adventure Centre has it all we’re easy to get to but hard to leave. There’s always more to do & s... more
Salt Springs Spa Resort: Leave your worries behind at Salt Spring Spa Resort, a relaxing retreat from the burdens of everyday life. The natural beauty of this Gulf Island, and peaceful atmosphere, makes for an ideal island getaway, romantic escape, or health retreat (Ayurveda). more
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Saltspring
Island (pop. 9,240)
Saltspring
Island is the largest island and is often referred to as an "artists
paradise". It is home not only to many reputable artists
but to a variety of galleries and craft studios. Boating is a
popular pastime of locals and visitors alike and the island provides
many harbours and moorings. Other water activities include swimming,
wind surfing, fishing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. Inland,
there are many roads and trails to lure the hiker or biker.
North
Pender Island & South Pender Island (pop. 2,000)
The
sub-mediterranean-type climate (781mm/31inchs of rain per year)
makes North Pender Island and South Pender Island perfect for
family vacations including boating, hiking and nature watching.
The Pender Islands are known as the "friendly islands"
and "islands of hidden coves and beaches", boasting
20 public ocean access points with swimming and picnic sites.
Many visitors like to bike or hike the country lanes and trails,
exploring this fascinating island. Boating is also popular; the
accompanying water activities are also a draw for visitors - diving,
fishing, wildlife watching, canoeing and kayaking.
Mayne
Island (pop. 700)
Named
after a lieutenant Richard Mayne of the Royal Navy, Mayne Island
is a quiet island with a colourful past. During the Fraser River/Cariboo
Gold Rush of the mid 1800's, Vancouver Island miners gathered
at Miners Bay before crossing to the mainland. The site is still
a draw for history buffs. Wander through the many studios and
galleries on Mayne Island or hike, bike, swim or just explore
- what better way to spend an idyllic summers day.
Galiano
Island (pop. 850)
Galiano
Island is an ideal recreation destination with miles of old logging
trails and country lanes for walking, mountain biking or horseback
riding. The many parks on Galiano Island, like Belhouse Park or
Dionisio Point Provincial Park on Porlier Pass, provide the outdoor
enthusiast with endless hiking possibilities plus spectacular
scenery. Sail, kayak or fish the local waters.
Saturna
Island (pop. 260)
The
southern-most of the Gulf Islands, Saturna Island is a very special
place to visit. Fairly large in area, Saturna Island boasts an
easy-going pace that makes it a perfect get-away spot. Mt. Warburon
Pike offers sights of feral goats on the ecological reserve at
the top. Cycling along East Point Road will offer you views across
to the mainland mountains. There are no campsites and accommodations
are limited on this island.
Gulf
Islands Visitor Information
City
Information
Access:
The BC Gulf Islands are all accessed by the BC
Ferries system from Vancouver Island and the mainland. There
is local air transport available as well as small boats.
Recreation
Activities: Water activities are popular on all the islands;
kayaking, canoeing,
diving, fishing,
swimming. Hiking
and biking the
roads and trails are also a popular pastime. Saltspring and Galiano
Islands have golf
courses.
Accommodations:
There are a variety of accommodations on the islands, from hotels/motels
to lodges and bed & breakfasts. All the islands but Saturna
Island have campsites.
For
Information:
Tourism
Association of Vancouver Island
#203-335 Wesley Street, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2T5
Telephone (250) 754-3500 • Fax (250) 754-3599
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your business to over 5.5 million BC visitors per year.
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