(This article is promoted by Southern Gulf Islands Tourism)

Visit a place that is close to home—and seems like a world away. Pack your bags and get ready to Experience the Southern Gulf Islands! With daily service with B.C. Ferries, flight service via seaplane and water taxi shuttles, getting to and around our islands is part of the fun! Depending on how you get here, you can be on one of our islands in less than an hour.

Enjoy Galiano Island’s festivals and arts scene including the Kunamokst Mural, along with hiking delights. Mayne Island offers laid-back charms, markets and dining options and beautiful views from the Georgina Point Lighthouse. Pender Island offers two islands to explore, beaches and seaside vistas, several accessible marina’s, numerous hiking trails and vibrant friendly people with community spirit to share! Visit Salt Spring Island for our Saturday Market and stay for cultural options where you are surrounded by parks to play in. Saturna Island offers an abundance of nature including East Point Park and the famous Saturna Lamb BBQ—now in its 67th year!

Immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by the waters of the Salish Sea and trek in wooded parks where you may just be the only people on the trail! Water sports your thing?  Kayak and canoe in some of the most protected waterways in the coast, try stand up paddleboarding and enjoy cruising with a boat charter or tour. We are also known as “the healing islands” and offer alternative and traditional healing arts, yoga, meditation and spiritual pursuits for groups and individuals. 

Along with nature and wildlife, our family-friendly communities are creative meccas where you can meet local artists at markets or at their studios to learn how they master their craft. If shopping is your thing, our boutique shopping scene will “wow” you—from island made clothes and home décor to ethically sourced treasures from around the globe. We have some of the best bookstores in Canada featuring West Coast authors—some even call these islands home!

Are you a foodie?  Ocean and farm-fresh culinary bounty is presented by chefs and food producers who honour local ingredients prepared for you with unique regional flair.  Enjoy great local craft beer, cider, and wine from B.C.’s Gulf Islands region featuring award winning red and white varietals, fruit wine, and port. Live music can be heard year-round at pubs and unique venues including heritage halls.

Camping is very popular in the Gulf Islands and includes B.C. provincial parks, national parks, and private campgrounds. There are also yurts, tipis and converted Airstream trailers. Beautifully appointed B&Bs abound in forest, farm, or ocean settings with inspired breakfasts featuring locally sourced ingredients. Lakefront cabins and cottages are great for families and groups. Resorts, hotels and spas round out the mix, with choices that meet the needs of higher-end travellers including a Relais & Chateaux property. Boaters love visiting the Gulf Islands, where sheltered waterways meet some of the best marinas and friendly local service! Weddings are popular on our islands as are retreats and family reunions.

Visit the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Canada’s newest national park. This mosaic of lands and waters in the southern Strait of Georgia protects one of the most ecologically at-risk natural regions in Canada. Our islands are also a part of the Islands Trust area, protecting our water, lands and way of life for generations to come. Visit our eco-friendly communities where nature and business work together in harmony.

When can you get here? We are looking forward to seeing you on the friendly islands in the Salish Sea. 

Learn more and plan your trip at sgislands.com.

This article is promoted by Southern Gulf Islands Tourism