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What Southern Gulf Island Should I Visit?
Planning a getaway to the Southern Gulf Islands? The hardest part might just be choosing where to start. This small stretch of British Columbia's coastline is packed with world-class bakers, brewers, growers, crafters, and creators. Every island has its own take on slow living, influenced by the Salish Sea and the eccentric folk who've made their home here. But while Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender, and Saturna may share a coastline, climate, and close-knit community, each island has a [...]
Planning a Bike Trip to Salt Spring Island? Start here
Salt Spring Island has become a destination for cyclists, bikepackers, and day-trippers. Easily accessible from both the mainland and Vancouver Island, in just a short ferry ride, you'll find yourself pedalling some of BC's most beautiful cycling routes, past rocky shorelines, bucolic fields with fuzzy sheep, and plenty of locally made roadside treats. If you’re planning a Salt Spring cycling trip, you'll want to start here. We spoke with Rosie Schinners, a longtime local cyclist, and Lizi McLoughlin, a [...]
Cycling in the Southern Gulf Islands: Tips & Resources
Long recognized as a great cycling destination, the Southern Gulf Islands offer quiet, rolling terrain through towering trees and along dramatic coastlines. With options for every type of cyclist, from the rugged all-weather outdoor enthusiasts to those fuelled by good food and plenty of it, cycling the Gulf Islands is always an adventure. Yet, for the uninitiated, the Southern Gulf Islands come with a few unique hazards that are different from those you'd face cycling around Vancouver or other [...]
Getting Here: How to Fly to the Southern Gulf Islands
Did you know you can get to the Southern Gulf Islands in just 30 minutes and avoid the stress of ferry traffic and long waits? Scheduled daily floatplane service is available from Vancouver to Salt Spring, with additional flights to Pender, Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna Island during the busy summer months. Not to mention the endless possibilities offered by the many local charter services. Flying to Salt Spring and the rest of the islands is a memorable, convenient, and [...]
All Your Ferry Questions Answered
If you're planning to visit any of the Southern Gulf Islands, chances are your journey here will start aboard a ferry. BC Ferries operates multiple daily sailings from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Victoria (Swartz Bay), as well as around the islands, transporting thousands of locals and visitors alike throughout the Salish Sea. While island residents have long learned to navigate the complexities of ferry life with ease, for the uninitiated, planning a trip around a seemingly convoluted ferry schedule can [...]
Your guide to a Southern Gulf Island studio tour
Any visit here comes packed with opportunities to see artist studios, roadside galleries, farm stands, and community spaces that capture all the special creative energy flowing through this region. Here's your guide to the studios, tours, and other art-filled adventures waiting across the Southern Gulf Islands.
Where the Road Slows Down: Bikepacking the Cowichan–Salt Spring Loop
When visiting Salt Spring Island, it’s common to see slogans such as ‘Slow the Folk Down’ or ‘Slow Down, This Isn’t the Mainland’ plastered to anything from a rusting 30-year-old Schwinn bicycle to a brand-new Land Rover. Being the largest of the Gulf Islands, it attracts a wide variety of people from hippies, to yuppies, to remote workers, to retirees, to an influx of tourists each summer coming from near and far. Yet, no matter who they may be, pretty [...]
All of the Southern Gulf Islands Farmers Markets
On your next adventure to the Southern Gulf Islands, you won't have to look far to find fresh produce and local goods. Our islands boast a remarkable concentration of farmers, makers, and artisans. That translates directly to an incredible density of community-minded farmers markets. For you, this means more opportunities to sample seasonal fare, connect with local creatives, and experience the spirit that makes these islands so special. From Galiano to Salt Spring and beyond, here's your guide to the [...]
Paddling the Southern Gulf Islands: A Guide to Exploring BC’s Coastal Paradise
The Southern Gulf Islands archipelago is hard to beat in terms of world-class paddling destinations. This collection of small islands is scattered across the southern end of the Salish Sea and boasts a glorious Mediterranean microclimate, crystal clear waters, and rare coastal ecosystems. It’s also home to an often kooky community of artists, farmers, and unique characters who help make this place so memorable. These islands are part of the traditional unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including [...]
Celebrating Black-Owned Brands of the Southern Gulf Islands
These Black-owned businesses in the Southern Gulf Islands are serving up incredible local produce, stylish ethically sourced goods, and more all year round.
Self-Care to Pamper Yourself: Manicures, Facials and More
Treat yourself to the ultimate self-care getaway in the Southern Gulf Islands. From luxurious mani-pedis and calming facials to rejuvenating body treatments.
Release Tension: Massage and Hydrotherapy in the Southern Gulf Islands
Discover your path to relaxation and renewal in the Southern Gulf Islands, where wellness takes the form of soothing massages, Nordic spa circuits, and serene seaside escapes.
A Fresh Perspective on Wellness in the Southern Gulf Islands
Experience wellness in the Southern Gulf Islands, where skilled practitioners help you uncover unexpected paths to healing and renewal.
Give the Gift of Memories: Experience Gifts in the Southern Gulf Islands
Island-based experiences that will inspire all the foodies, adventurers, and romantics on your list.
A Holiday Gift Guide to the Southern Gulf Islands
With so many unique products and services, it’s easy to find something special in the islands. From food to pottery and apparel to wellness, this gift guide can inspire ideas for everyone on your list.
Indigenous Businesses Based on the Island Territories of the Coast Salish Peoples
On what are known as the Southern Gulf Islands, part of the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations and Hul'quimi'num Treaty Group, is a flourishing network of Indigenous businesses, including makers, designers, healers, and more who call this place home.
Your Cozy Season Bucket List: How to Embrace Slowing Down
Pack your bags, unplug from the world, and experience a cozy season in the Gulf Islands this fall. Your perfect escape is waiting.
A Rundown of all the Disc Golf Courses in the Southern Gulf Islands
With 365 days of temperate weather, eight courses, and passionate local clubs, the Southern Gulf Islands are increasingly a destination for disc golf lovers from near and far.
Bakeries and cafes in the Southern Gulf Islands
Here, wood-fired sourdough and locally roasted coffee reigns supreme. These are some of our favourite bakeries and cafes to start the day.
Eating local: farm to table food hubs in the Southern Gulf Islands
On your next visit, support island values by eating local food at one of these stand-out restaurants that are known for sourcing locally.
Where to get a drink in the Southern Gulf Islands: Breweries, Cideries, and Wineries
Grown, pressed, fermented and poured right on the islands, every glass is infused with the terroir of this place.
Plant-based food in the Southern Gulf Islands
For the vegans and vegetarians planning a visit, here are just a few of the many, many plant-based food options you have waiting for you on your next trip.
The islands do lunch: 12 local restaurants for a midday meal
From cozy pubs to seaside lunch counters, the gulf islands offer a tasty variety of lunch food that promises to satisfy your cravings.
7 local food trucks in the Southern Gulf Islands
Our local food trucks' chefs are dishing out some of the best food in the Salish Sea, visit these spots for some gourmet island takeaway.
A Traveller’s Guide to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a beautiful way to experience the Southern Gulf Islands and the Salish Sea, showcasing just how incredibly biodiverse our region is.
