Southern Gulf Islands

The Southern Gulf Islands are the Canadian islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia in the Strait of Georgia. This area is comprised of around twelve inhabited islands, and several hundred more smaller islands and islets. The Gulf Islands are part of a large archipelago that includes Washington State's San Juan Islands. Many of these islands, and the waterways around them, carry the names of the Spanish and English explorers who arrived in the area in the 18th century.

The Gulf Islands afford almost limitless opportunities for boating, kayaking, cycling, diving, hiking, or just communing with nature.

Back to top ^^

Regions

The Southern Gulf Islands that are regularly visited are:

• Gabriola Island - Just a short ferry from Nanaimo.
• Thetis Island - Connected by ferry from Chemainus.
• Kuper Island - Home of the Penelakut First Nation.
• Salt Spring Island - The largest and most populated Gulf Island.
• Galiano Island - Long and narrow. Galiano is the second largest of the Gulf Islands.
• Mayne Island - Directly across Active Pass from Galiano Island.
• Pender Island - Actually two islands, North and South, connected by a bridge.
• Saturna Island - Remote and unspoiled.

Back to top ^^

Culture and History

Back to top ^^

Travel to Southern Gulf Islands, visa requirements

BC Ferries [1] operates car ferries to the large regularly visited islands. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in the summer. Ports of call include Otter Bay on Pender Island, Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island, Village Bay on Mayne Island, Lyall Harbour on Saturna Island, and Fulford Harbour, Long Harbour, and Vesuvius, all on Salt Spring Island. Some of the Gulf islands require that you take the ferry to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island, then change ferries and double back to your destination.

Some of the islands are also served by float planes from either the Vancouver harbour or airport.

Back to top ^^

Get around

Some of the southern gulf islands are connected by a ferry service that connects the islands together. However, it is often required that people travel to Vancouver Island to get from one island to another.

There are also passenger only Water Taxi Services which can be used to travel from one island to the other.

Back to top ^^

Southern Gulf Islands attractions and sightseeing

Back to top ^^

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada

This park was established in 2003 and is the newest national park in Canada. It consists of a number of parts that is spread out on over 15 gulf islands. Although, it is possible to visit some of the portions of the park by ferries and roads, much of the park is primarily accessible by private boat.

• Saturna Island is accessible by ferry. Almost half the island is part of the Gulf islands National Park Reserve. There is no overnight camping on the island. Most of the park land on this island is undeveloped and difficult to access. One exception is Narvaez Bay which includes some hiking trails that are accessible either from the roads or from boat access.
• Tumbo Island can be visited by kayak or boat. Except for a couple of private residences that have a life tenancy, the whole island is parkland.
• Mayne Island is accessible by ferry. Only a small portion of this island at Bennet Bay is part of the park. This includes one of the nicest sand beaches on the gulf islands.
• Pender Island is actually two separate islands that are connected with a bridge. A significant portion of these islands are part of the park. This includes a drive-in campground at Prior Centennial Campsite.
• Prevost Island includes James Bay and Selby cove are located on the norther tip with a campsite that is popular with kayakers. Portions of the park also include Portlock Point. The rest of the island is a private land some of which is used for a sheep farm.
• Russell Island a small island at the mouth of Salt Spring's Fulford Harbour. Has a small hiking trail from which you can see the Gary Oak, Arbutus, Douglas Fir, stands of shore pine, open meadows of native grass with a variety of wildflowers. There is also a salt marsh. The caretakers residence dates back over 100 years.
• Portland Island this island includes 2 docks, 3 campgrounds and drinking water is available. There are a number of shell middens which should not be disturbed. The island features cliffs, protected coves and sandy beaches.
• Sidney Island a seasonal passenger only ferry serves this island from Sidney. Only a portion of this island is park, but it is a very popular site that includes thousands of meters of beaches. Camping is available, but should be reserved ahead of time.
• Isle-de-Lis a very islet where there is a small campground used primarily be kayakers on route from island to another.
• D'Arcy Island First Nation have a long historical tie to this island and it is used primarily by them for religious practises.
• McDonald Campground (Vancouver Island) A drive in campground near the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. A good base of operations for exploring the gulf islands.

There are numerous other islets and rocks that form part of this park. Care should always be taken not to disturb the natural wildlife. No camping is permitted on any island other than at specific campsites.

The fees for using the park are $14/night for any of the drive-in campsites and the campsite on Sidney Spit. The other 'back country' campsites are $5/night per person. Mooring Buoys are $10/night. The ferry to Sidney Spit is $11 for a return trip (less for children and seniors).

Saltwater fishing is permitted, a provincial sports fishing license is required. These are widely available locally. Size and catch limits are enforced.

For more information see the Parks Canada Agency website [2].

Back to top ^^

City tours