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The Gulf Islands

Tranquil and idyllic, the stunningly beautiful Gulf Islands have a magical quality that is almost dreamlike.

Spectacular beaches and stretches of rocky coastline, meandering country roads leading past sheep pastures, orchards, farms, forests, vineyards, and parkland, and charming clusters of shops and homes, often with roadside stands offering just-picked flowers and produce — it’s heavenly! And if the West Coast is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, the Gulf Islands are quintessential West Coast. Artists, artisans, writers, musicians, organic farmers, mariners, winemakers, wellness practitioners of all kinds, and escapees from the madness of big-city life — these are the people who live on these bucolic islands.

Things to Do

Kayaking

With miles of breathtaking coastline, calm bays, sheltered coves, uninhabited islands, dozens of beaches to launch from, and even moonlight paddles, ocean kayaking is a very popular outdoor activity on the Gulf Islands. Equipment rentals, lessons, tours, and guides are available on all of the Gulf Islands.

Hiking/Walking

The Gulf Islands offer a wealth of opportunities for walking and hiking and all of the islands have hike-to points that grant stunning views: Mount Maxwell, Mount Erskine, and Ruckle Park on Salt Spring; Mount Warburton Pike on Saturna; Mount Galiano and Bluffs Park on Galiano; Mount Parke Regional Park on Mayne; Mount Norman on Pender; and Orlebar Point on Gabriola. Visitor Centres have maps and more suggestions.

Boating

The Gulf Islands are ideal for boating and sailing vacations. In fact, some of the most pristine natural areas can be reached only by boat. The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a brilliant focus for a boating vacation and covers 33 square kilometres of parkland on numerous islets, reefs, and islands. Visitor Centres can provide tips on where to go, as well as on events, tours, and interpretive programs.

Boat Tours

Nature cruises, boat charters, sailing tours, and saltwater fishing charters are all great ways to get out on the water.

Diving

Numerous diving areas are accessible from the shore areas on these islands, or you can charter
a boat and dive offshore sites.

Golfing

Nine-hole courses are located on Salt Spring, Gabriola, Galiano, and Pender Islands.

Cycling

Cycling is an excellent way to explore the Gulf Islands.

Whether you arrive on the Gulf Islands by ferry, boat, or floatplane, you’ll experience a feeling of entering another time and place. Everything about the enchanting Gulf Islands inspires tranquility and creativity — it’s easy to understand why so many artists call these islands home. On all of the six main southern Gulf Islands, you’ll find galleries and studios showcasing a splendid array of original art. Specialties include hand-woven and hand-knit clothing, pottery, woodturnings, sculpture, jewellery, blown glass, garden art, photography, paintings, and even hand-painted gumboots. Many renowned writers also live here and you’ll find their books in local bookshops.

In addition to the galleries and gift shops on all of the Gulf Islands, Salt Spring, Galiano, Pender, and Gabriola have art studio maps for self-guided walking and driving tours. Art lovers can also check out the arts and crafts displays at weekly farm markets and events with art themes, such as Gabriola Island’s Thanksgiving Gallery Tour, which features 40 studios, and Salt Spring Island’s ArtCraft, which highlights the work of more than 200 artists.

The wellness movement is also strong on the Gulf Islands. Spas and wellness facilities offer soul-soothing services, such as mineral baths, reiki, yoga, body wraps, hydrotherapy, sea salt scrubs, aromatherapy, reflexology, and more. You can enhance your vacation with the individual spa treatments offered on all of the Gulf Islands, or choose a spa vacation package available at resorts on Salt Spring, Pender, Galiano, and Gabriola Islands.

Locally grown produce and handmade foods have turned the Gulf Islands into a destination for gourmands. Many of the restaurants feature local delicacies such as cheese, lamb, seafood, organic produce, chocolate, coffee, gelato, wines, and ales. If you want to see where the Gulf Islands’ fine foods are produced, you can. Several farms and cottage industries welcome visitors for tours and direct-from-farm shopping. Wineries offering sampling and shopping are located on Salt Spring Island, Pender Island, and Saturna Island. Seasonal, weekly farm markets take place on Salt Spring, Saturna, Mayne, Pender, and Gabriola Islands and offer all kinds of goodies, as well as arts and crafts.

Accommodation on the Gulf Islands should be booked in advance, especially during the busy summer months. You’ll find all the details and much more at www.seevancouverisland.com.

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