4 Tips for an Island Winter Getaway

When most of Canada is experiencing below zero temperatures and mounting snow, the Southern Gulf Islands enjoy a balmy daytime high of 5°C and less than half the precipitation of Vancouver and the mainland. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, the islands are an ideal winter getaway. 

From active to relaxed, here are our favourite ways to experience the Southern Gulf Islands in the cozy season. 

Connect with Nature  

Nature is good for both the mind and the body. It helps reduce stress, fear, and anger and helps increase joy, calmness, and creativity. Who doesn’t want more of that in the winter? Find your bliss in the lush green foliage and along the quiet, foggy shorelines.

What to do:

• A hydrotherapy circuit: The cycle of hot, cold, and relaxation is both energizing and relaxing at Salt Spring Island’s Arbutus View Thermal Spa and Solace Organic Spa.
• Forest therapy: Deepen your connection with yourself and with nature in this “immersion” into the space of trees, plants, and the beings of the forest.
• A sound tour: Listen to the rich stories and environmental soundscapes of Mayne Island while following a self-guided tour.
• Watch for wildlife: Follow The Whale Trail across Saturna, Galiano, and Pender Islands to catch a glimpse of the amazing sea creatures that call this region home.
• Play disc golf: A fun way to be outside and explore the region, there’s a course on every island for all skill levels.
• Take a hike: Tune in to how the landscape changes with the seasons.

Indulge in comfort food

What’s more comforting than warm, hearty food? Here in the islands, food is a connection to time and place, and our growers, chefs, makers, and bakers are a passionate bunch. Taste the terroir by trying some of the best locally-sourced menus. 

Where to eat:

• pilgrimme: A coast, forest and farm-to-table restaurant on Galiano Island, the dishes highlight the harmony between simple ingredients.
• Coffee + Kitchen: Located at WOODS on Pender, find inspired food that’s locally sourced or grown and made on-site with a focus on high-quality and healthy ingredients.
• Oxeye: Collaborating with island artisans, growers and residents, menus change with the seasons and sometimes the weather at this Galiano Island cafe.
• Woodshed Provisions: Find prepared soups, fresh baking, as well as some wonderful dinner dishes inspired by the ingredients that Salt Spring Island and the region have to offer.
• Auntie Pesto’s: Casual and cozy waterfront dining with pasta dishes to warm your soul, reservations are recommended for this popular Salt Spring Island spot.
• Feast – A charming addition to Ganges village, known for its delicious and abundant meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

Exercise your creativity

Participate in the creativity the region is known for. Whether through a workshop, an event, or a self-made retreat, experience the living collage of the Southern Gulf Islands and tap into your inner artist. 

Where to go:

• Ptarmigan Arts: Creative workshops and events for all interests and skill levels on Pender Island.
• ArtSpring: Enjoy live music, dance, theatre, exhibitions, speakers, workshops from community productions to international touring artists on Salt Spring Island.
• Yellowhouse Art Centre: a platform for free artistic expression, a makery, and a contemporary art gallery on Galiano Island.
• Artcraft Winter: Find some of the best arts and crafts from Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands, with around 90 artists represented in Mahon hall, presented by the Salt Spring Arts Council
• Create your own masterpiece: find all the supplies for arts, crafts and island memories at Dragonfly Gallery on Mayne Island and Dragonfly Art Supplies on Salt Spring Island. 
• Make a date with island culture: Find all the unique events happening in the region at GulfIslandEvents.com.

Stay somewhere cozy

Nest in a cabin amidst the trees, retreat to an oceanside resort, or seclude yourself in a bed & breakfast. Choose your own escape to our rural idyll.

Where to stay:

• Salt Spring Inn: Tastefully appointed guest rooms in the heart of Salt Spring Island, enjoy fireplaces, sea views, and islanders’ favourite local pub.
• Four Winds B&B: A peaceful oceanfront getaway on Saturna Island, take in stunning views and private beach access.
• Mayne Island Resort: Oceanfront cottages next to Bennett Bay beach and the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on Mayne Island.
• Poets Cove Resort & Spa: A luxury boutique retreat on Pender Island framed by lush gardens and breathtaking ocean views.
• Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa: Quietly comfortable and thoughtfully appointed oceanfront suites and villas.
• Or find a snug cabin to curl up in for your island retreat.