Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island is the largest of the southern Gulf Islands and the most populated, with approximately 10,000 people. The main town  is Ganges.  One can travel to Salt Spring Island from Victoria by BC Ferry or by driving up Vancouver Island and catching a BC Ferry from Crofton.   Salt Spring is best known for its arts community and many galleries, craft shops and artisans' studios line Ganges' streets and the Island's country roads. The most popular regular event is the Saturday Market in Ganges' Centennial Park, which runs from May to October. The market has numerous stalls offering a wide selection of locally-made handicrafts  and foods. You will find oceanside camping and hiking at Ruckle Provincial Park and marvelous views from atop Mt. Maxwell or Mt. Tuam. There are several freshwater lakes for swimming; the largest is St. Mary's Lake, and there are two nine-hole golf courses. 

Gulf Islands Accommodations:

Salt Spring and Gulf Islands Vacation Rentals  Gulf Islands Vacation Rentals

Pender Islands

Originally one island, Pender Island is now bisected by a narrow channel and North Pender and South Pender are joined by a bridge. Pender Island has a population of approximately 2,200 and is known for its many hidden coves and beaches with great swimming and picnic sites. Boaters can find marinas at Port Browning, Otter Bay and Bedwell Harbour where boats and bicycles can be rented. 

Gulf Islands Accommodations:

Pender Island and Gulf Islands Vacation Rentals  Gulf Islands Vacation Rentals

Pender Island Home Exchange  Pender Island Home Exchange

Mayne Island

Mayne Island has a population of approximately 900. Boaters can find docking facilities at the government dock and can walk into the village of Miners Bay; there are also docking facilities at Horton Bay. Spend an afternoon basking in the sun at Bennett Bay Beach. Hike through the forest in Mount Parke Regional Park (the highest point on the Island) for great views of Active Pass and the surrounding Gulf Islands. Enjoy the volleyball, horseshoe pitch, picnic and beach facilities at Dinner Bay Community Park. Picnic at century-old Georgia Point Lighthouse and admire the marine landscape. Browse through the shops in Miners Bay and explore local history at the museum.

Gulf Islands Accommodations:

Mayne Island and Gulf Islands Vacation Rentals and B&B  Gulf Islands Vacation Rentals

Saturna Island

Saturna is a peaceful island of hillside trails, forest, oceanside parks and great fishing. It is the most southern of the BC Gulf Islands,  Saturna has a population of approximately 350 people. With its moderate climate, Saturna Island is the perfect year-round destination. You can rent a boat or kayak and tour the coastline. Visit Winter Cove Provincial Marine Park, which features beautiful beaches, an anchorage, a boat launch, picnic area, walking trails and abundant bird life. There are two general stores on the island along with a pub overlooking the water, an excellent bakery, weekend gourmet pizza and a fine restaurant. A vineyard and winery are located near Thompson Park at Saturna Beach.  Saturna Island events include a lamb barbecue along with pig and salmon barbecues, a crab fest, a winter concert series and local theatre. 

Galiano Island

Galiano Island  has a population of approximately 1,030. Galiano is a haven for bird watchers and naturalists; it is home to more than 130 different species of birds and many rare and protected plants. Kayaking is also one of Galiano's most popular activities and rentals, lessons and guided tours are available for kayakers of all levels. Rent bicycles, go fishing, play a round of golf or relax on one of the island's beaches. The marine park at Montague Harbour is superb. Wander the trails at Gray Peninsula in Montague Harbour, once the site of an ancient Native village. Climbing to the top of Mount Galiano not only provides a challenging hike, but spectacular views upon reaching the top. 

Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island is approximately three miles east of Nanaimo and is accessible from downtown Nanaimo by a short BC Ferry ride. The island has a population of approximately 4,000. Gabriola is ideal for boating; it offers protected bays and open waters great for sailing, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Cycling is a favourite sport on the island, as the circle routes offer so many interesting things to see at a slower pace. If you enjoy a round of golf, visit the Gabriola Golf and Country Club and try its challenging nine-hole course. Families of deer and geese roam the gentle slopes overlooking Hogan Lake. Gabriola Island has three day-use waterfront provincial parks and is well known for its petroglyphs, many at Degnen Bay. Exploring the amazing cave-like sandstone formations called the Malaspina Galleries is a must. 

Denman Island

Hornby Island

Hornby Island as a population of approximately 1,000 and  is accessible by a short ferry ride from Denman Island, Along with neighbouring island, Denman, boasts the highest number of artists per capita in Canada. Crafts, pottery and weaving can be found at artisans' studios across the island. Helliwell Provincial Park and Tribune Bay Provincial Park. Helliwell has excellent hiking along the Helliwell Bluffs and you are bound to see an abundance of flora and fauna. Tribune Bay, known as Little Hawaii, and Whaling Bay Station boast beautiful sandy beaches and warm water for swimming. Scuba diving among the reefs off Ford's Cove is a great way to explore Vancouver Islands underwater coast area. 

Quadra Island

Quadra Island has a population of approximately 4,000.  Located next to Campbell River, Quadra Island is the largest island in the Discovery Island Group . Primarily known for sport fishing, Quadra Island also offers The Kwagiulth Museum and Cultural Centre, which contains an exceptional collection of authentic artifacts detailing coastal existence long before the arrival of European settlers. Miles of paved roads, coastal trails and logging roads lead to outdoor adventure. Gravel roads at the north end of the island lead to an old Finnish settlement at Granite Bay and to an abandoned gold and copper mine. A trek up Chinese Mountain rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the island or, for an easier trek, take the Morte Lake Trail. Rebecca Spit Provincial Park is a wonderful place for a picnic on the beach and a 50-minute walk along the trail. Kayakers and canoeists enjoy the many bays and inlets around the island.  There is a  variety of both guided and self-guided outdoor adventure excursions offered from Quadra Island including: sailing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, cycling and fishing. Quadra Island lakes are ideal for freshwater fishing and canoeing. Petroglyphs are on display at the museum and can be seen along the high-tide line at Wa-Wa-Kai Beach, Petroglyph Road and Francisco Point. 

Cortes Island

Cortes Island has a population of approximately 950 and is accessible from the east side of Quadra Island. Cortes Island is very popular with boaters, as it is the entrance to Desolation Sound, one of the prime cruising areas on the BC coast.