Gulf Islands Region
Water, water everywhere – Every Gulf Island offers stunning viewpoints just waiting to be explored.
Things to do on the Gulf Islands:
- Art tours visiting the local artists and craftsmen, browsing galleries and celebrating art fairs.
- With miles of breathtaking coastline, tranquil bays, sheltered coves, uninhabited islands, dozens of beaches to launch from, moonlight paddles, ocean kayaking is a popular outdoor activity. Equipment rentals, lessons, tours, and guides are available.
- The Gulf Islands offer a wealth of opportunities for walking, hiking and cycling 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.
- This area is perfect for boating and sailing vacations, and 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 33km² of parkland on numerous islets, reefs, and islands. Nature cruises, boat charters, sailing tours, and saltwater fishing charters are all great ways to get out on the water.
- Cycling is a popular way to tour the islands. Country roads lead from ferry docks to villages with farm and flower stands, artisan studios, tranquil beaches, lush green parks, and viewpoints along the way. Many of these islands are quite hilly, so expect some cardio challenges. Gulf Island roadways have narrow or no shoulders, so cyclists should watch for vehicles, cycle single file, and wear high-visibility clothing and helmets.
- Numerous diving areas are accessible from the shore areas on these islands, or you can charter
a boat and dive offshore sites. - Nine-hole golf courses are located on Salt Spring, Gabriola, Galiano, and Pender Islands.
- Year round festivals and events are on the go to enjoy on all the islands.
Salt Spring Island
Welcome to “the coolest island in Canada” (Washington Post). Life on the most populated (just over 10,000 full-time residents) of the Gulf Islands is centred in Ganges, a bustling harbour town featuring a legendary Saturday market and a colourful array of independent shops, galleries and acclaimed restaurants. Elsewhere all is peace and pastoral quiet. Dine by the water in Fulford Harbour, hike Mount Maxwell’s cliffside trail and visit the island’s north end at Southey Point. Stay at one of dozens of B&Bs or pitch a tent oceanside near Ruckle Heritage Farm, BC’s oldest working farm.
Things to do on Salt Spring Island:
- This Island’s art galleries and studios have attracted international attention and it has been named the 9th best art “town” in America with a population of fewer than 30,000 by arts writer John Villani in his book on the 100 best art towns in America.
- The Visitor Centre in Ganges, with its signature orange door, is where you can pick up a self-guided studio tour brochure (more than 30 stops!), along with other information.
- In the summer, you’ll find many arts and crafts at ArtCraft. At ArtSpring — the local theatre — music, theatre, and dance performances are staged throughout the year.
- Salt Spring Island’s culinary talents have also earned international attention and attract foodies from many areas. Sample delicacies, including artisan breads, cheeses, salmon, lamb, and wines, by visiting the artisans, browsing shops, cruising the Saturday Market, and dining in the many restaurants. The Saturday Market operates from spring through fall and offers fresh farm products, homemade treats, and arts and crafts.
- The annual Fall Fair, which takes place on the third weekend of September every year, celebrates its 116th anniversary in 2013. Other great events include the Polar Bear Swim, Ruckle Park Day, Folk Dance Festival, Round Salt Spring sailing race, Eco-Home Tour, Jazz Fest, Lavender Festival, Treasure Fair, Fulford Day, Organic Apple Festival, Harvest Ball, Halloween Spooktacular, and Light-Up.
Mayne Island
Uncrowded even during peak season, Mayne is the postcard island with its signature lighthouse directly across from Galiano as ferries sail into Active Pass from the mainland. Good restaurants, shops and galleries are here yet most visitors seek unadorned rest and relaxation. Cycle past the sheep farms. Visit a remarkable animal rescue facility. And take a contemplative stroll through a Japanese memorial garden. Book ahead: Accommodations are limited.
Things to do on Mayne Island:
- Discover Mayne’s colourful past in the several historic buildings, including the 1896 Plumper Pass Lock Up — the former jail — which is now a small museum; the Springwater Lodge, which has been operating as a hotel continuously since 1892; and St. Mary Magdalene Church, built in 1898 and still hosting services every Sunday. At Georgina Point Heritage Park, part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, the Active Pass Lighthouse has been signalling ships since 1885.
- Visit Mount Parke Regional Park for hiking or cycling tours and great views.
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BC Ferries Vacations
BC Ferries Vacations™ connects you with Vancouver Island’s world-class destinations and provides unique vacation experiences to the avid traveller. Offering several packages for one and two-nights or longer, BC Ferries Vacations™ travel experts have hand-picked the best accommodations and activities and packaged them with the ferry travel to bring you all-in-one convenience, quality and value.
More InformationMany Communities • Across Vancouver Island
1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) Ext 3
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Harbour Air
Experience Vancouver Island from a new point of view with a breathtaking seaplane adventure. Enjoy a 20 minute Victoria panorama flight featuring unique views of the city & the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Day trip to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens or downtown Vancouver. A variety of exciting tours await. Discover British Columbia’s spectacular coastlines with Harbour Air Seaplanes. Harbour Air Seaplanes also offers frequent and convenient scheduled flights connecting downtown Victoria, downtown Vancouver, Richmond (YVR Aiport), Comox, Nanaimo, Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands and Whistler (seasonally). Travel like a local and experience a true West Coast [...]
More InformationComox, Duncan, Ganges, Nanaimo, Victoria • Central Island, Cowichan, Gulf Islands, North Central Island, South Island
1-800-665-0212
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Hastings House Country House Hotel
A small waterfront luxury country resort, spa and restaurant sitting waterfront, on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Enjoy luxury lodging, fine dining, wellness and relaxation in a casually-elegant atmosphere. Explore British Columbia’s natural beauty, Salt Spring’s mild climate and the warmth and creativity of its people.
More Information160 Upper Ganges Road • Salt Spring Island • Gulf Islands
250-537-2362
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BC Ferries
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) is one of the largest ferry operators in the world, providing year-round vehicle and passenger service on 25 routes to 47 terminals, with a fleet of 35 vessels. The company provides an essential transportation link that connects coastal communities and facilitates the movement of people, goods and services throughout coastal British Columbia. BC Ferries’ diverse service area includes connections between the Vancouver Mainland and Vancouver Island; from Vancouver Island or the Vancouver Mainland to many small island communities; from Prince Rupert on the province’s north coast to Haidai Gwaii and to Port Hardy. [...]
More InformationMany Communities • Across Vancouver Island
1-888-BC-FERRY (1-888-223-3779)
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Salt Springs Spa Resort
Featuring scenic ocean and forest view chalets, each including a 2 person jet tub fed from our healing mineral springs, BBQ, fireplace and kitchen. Our Spa offers a variety of treatments to relax and revitalize.
Salt Spring Island • Gulf Islands
250-537-4111
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Green Acres Lakeside Cottage
This popular resort is situated on seven acres of spectacular waterfront on St. Mary Lake. Choose from a variety of lake-view cottages or luxury log chalets set back in the forest. All units feature fully appointed kitchens, decks or patios and barbeques. Our private sandy beach faces a scenic nature reserve and the lake is designated “no motors.” Free use of boats, wi-fi, and kids activities for the perfect family summer vacation. Cozy fireplaces and organic bedding make it a peaceful off- season getaway destination. Minutes away from the busy downtown centre of Ganges, and the Long Harbour Ferry terminal.
Gulf Islands
1-800-667-0774
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Salt Spring Car Rentals
Car & Scooter Rentals – Renting a car or scooter can be an excellent way to see the sights and enjoy all the special spots on Salt Spring Island offering visitors independence. We offer pick up and drop off services for car rental customers to Salt Spring Air, the float plane docks and the ferry terminals when possible. Let us help with planning your day trips: diving, kayak rentals, whale watching, sailing & fishing charters or suggestions for a tour around the beautiful countryside.
Ganges, Salt Spring Island • Gulf Islands
1-800 334-6629
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Kenmore Air
Fly with Kenmore Air from Seattle, Washington over 45 spectacular Northwest destinations. Daily scheduled seaplane flights leave from Seattle’s downtown Lake Union to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Nanaimo, the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, Desolation Sound, Blind Channel and the Northern Inside Passage. Skip the ferry lines & and avoid long lines at the boarder. With Kenmore Air you’ll be in Victoria in about 45 minutes. It’s fast, convenient and stress-free! Charter flights are also available!
Nanaimo, Victoria • Central Island, Gulf Islands, North Central Island, South Island
1-866-435-9524
