About Gulf Islands

The gulf islands are like a starry, moonlit sky with over a dozen large islands, and a multitude of islets too numerous to count. This area is a cocktail of the Mediterranean and Canadian lifestyle waiting for you, the traveler! The Gulf Islands lie off the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. Regular ferry service from Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland operates among the islands. The Gulf Islands are a refreshing change from the frenetic speed of Vancouver on the mainland and Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

Outdoor lovers on vacation at Galiano Island can enjoy swimming, windsurfing, scuba diving, beachcombing, boating, bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding at the Gulf Islands blessed with mild and dry Mediterranean-like climate. Birdwatching is a prime activity with cormorants, harlequin ducks, blue herons, oyster catchers, ospreys, and bald eagles in regular sight. Marine life is so rich in the area that sea lions, harbor seals, and killer whales are all flashing their charms every now and then. Scuba diving enthusiasts find octopus, wolf eels, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sea urchins, and sea pens in the Gulf Island waters.

Don't miss Salt Spring Island, the largest and most populated island. Ganges, the largest village in Salt Spring is home to numerous art galleries, arts-and-crafts fairs, and Saturday morning farmers markets. The Saturday  market is a flood of food, music and art. Some of Canada's best-known painters live on Salt Spring Island.

Pender Island consists of two islands, North Pender Island and South Pender Island, connected by a narrow wooden bridge. Hamilton Beach on North Pender Island is a great spot for surf fishing, picnicking, and soaking up some sunshine. South Pender Island is the site of the Beaumont Provincial Marine Park. The island is a shoppers' favorite destination as there is a line-up of galleries and gift shops offering paintings, antiques, photographs,clothing, pottery and crafts. There are many beaches and parks on the islands, some with hiking trails such as Mount Norman on South Pender and George Hill trail on North Pender. Fun and water go tango at Pender island.

The second largest island at the Gulf Islands, Galiano Island, is named after the Spanish explorer who sailed through the Strait of Georgia over 200 years ago. Explore the island's waterways by guided sea kayak tours. Hiking along beaches and through forests of Douglas fir is popular at Montague Harbor Provincial Park. Come on, unleash the explorer in you or just imitate the Spanish explorer for a while!

Visit Thetis Island, the smallest of the Southern Gulf Islands for a verdant isolation. The place has two marinas with charter boats that take visitors on daily deep-sea fishing jaunts. Farther north in the Strait of Georgia is Gabriola Island, boasting long stretches of unspoiled coastline and abundant wildlife. Within the Gabriola Sands Provincial Park are sandstone cliffs carved by wind and water into various shapes. Biking enthusiasts will enjoy the roads encircling the island, stopping at petroglyphs, secluded bays, and overlooks along the way. The petroglyphs were carved by the ancestors of Snuneymuxw First Nation people.

Gulf Islands Travelers Journal

Location: World » North America » Canada » British Columbia » Gulf Islands