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5 Quiet Spots to Meditate in the Southern Gulf Islands
Since our nature is quiet and unhurried, there are plenty of places to meditate and practise mindfulness. Here are a few of our favourites to (re)connect with the islands and ourselves.
Hikes on Galiano Island
Find sweeping views, remnants of Japanese settlement, natural sculpted tafoni, and the bliss of island living on these 4 must-do trails on Galiano Island.
8 Island-Style Wellness Activities
Take the time to slow down, connect to your surroundings, and give yourself uninterrupted time to recharge. From spas to nature therapy, here are 8 wellness activities for every type of visitor.
4 Tips for an Island Winter Getaway
With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, the islands are an ideal winter getaway to rest, recalibrate, and renew yourself. From active to relaxed, here are our favourite ways to experience the Southern Gulf Islands in winter.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Galiano Island
Galiano Island, sitting on the eastern edge of the Salish Sea, is a home away from home for many Vancouverites, a quiet retreat for creative types, and one of the best destinations for getting away from it all. Although it's less than an hour by ferry from Vancouver, Galiano Island still feels like a wild adventure. And with that adventure comes plenty of questions. What's the best way to get here? Are there bears? Does Galiano have a grocery [...]
How to get to Salt Spring Island
How do you get to Salt Spring Island? This island is one of the most connected Southern Gulf Islands, with three ferry terminals, eight moorage options for boaters, float plane service, and an excellent public transit system once you get here. But with so many options, it can be confusing for anyone unfamiliar with the routes and schedules of the many Salt Spring ferries. Let's break it down into more manageable pieces. Here is everything you need to know [...]
Everything you ever wanted to know about Mayne Island
Beachcombing, forest wanderings, and good eating are the heart of Mayne Island. This little corner of the Southern Gulf Islands remains quiet and uncrowded for most of the year, and even in the busier summer months, there are plenty of places here to unplug and get away from it all. What do you need to know before you head off on your first Mayne Island adventure? From how to get to here to island amenities to camping, let this [...]
9 Cozy Cabins to Curl up in This Season
When the weather has you layering up, there’s nothing more comforting than winding down next to the fire with nothing to do but read and sip a glass of wine or a steaming hot tea. From basic to modern, here are some of our favourite options for a snug island retreat.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Saturna Island
Does Saturna have a grocery store? What is there to do on Saturna? If you're planning a visit to this peaceful corner of the Southern Gulf Islands, chances are you’ve got a few questions before you go. While Saturna may be one of the less-travelled islands, it still offers plenty of essentials (and even more surprises). From ferry logistics to food options, transportation, and things to do, this guide answers all your burning questions to help you plan a [...]
7 Island Hikes That are Better in the Rain
The Southern Gulf Islands get less than a third of the rainfall that’s typically seen in Vancouver and the lower mainland, but the landscape still changes with the seasons and that means there are some trails best saved for Cozy Season adventures. Here are seven hikes across the Southern Gulf Islands that are actually better when it’s wetter.
How to Curl up for Cozy Season: 5 Easy Steps for a Relaxing Island Holiday
Wondering how to settle in and slow down this season? No matter which of the Southern Gulf Islands you visit, there are a few tried and true steps. Here's how to curl up for cozy season.
Indigenous Place Names in the Southern Gulf Islands
SENĆOŦEN and Hul'q'umi'num names for places in the Southern Gulf Islands.
How to get to Saturna Island
Saturna is one of the quietest of the Southern Gulf Islands, with just a few hundred year-round residents. Even in the busy summer months, and during the world-famous Saturna Island Lamb BBQ, it's one of the Gulf Islands that always stays decidedly off the beaten path. All of which tends to translate into fewer ferries than the rest of the islands. Which is why you've landed on this guide — how do you get to Saturna Island, anyway? Whether [...]
Six Ways to Steward the Salish Sea
Here are six ways you can steward marine ecosystems during your stay in the Southern Gulf Islands—because being water-aware is always where it’s at.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is teaming with life, love, and creativity. As arguably one of the most famous Southern Gulf Islands, it has become internationally known for its legendary Saturday Market, arts community, and forward-thinking farms. Yes, Salt Spring Island is just a few hours from Vancouver, but it can feel impossibly different from big-city daily life, which is probably why you have so many questions. How do you get here? Do you need to get groceries beforehand? What about [...]
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint When you Visit the Southern Gulf Islands
Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t need to be at the expense of enjoying your trip. In fact, it can encourage you to try new activities, discover new places, sample different foods, and minimize waste.
How to get to Pender Island
Planning your first visit to Pender Island and not quite sure how to get here? Tucked between Vancouver and Vancouver Island in the Salish Sea, Pender Island may seem remote, but it's surprisingly accessible by ferry, floatplane, or even your own boat. Whether you're arriving on two wheels or four or by foot, there's a route that will get you to Otter Bay and fired up to explore the rest of the island. This guide covers everything you need [...]
7 Ways to be a Respectful Boater in the Southern Gulf Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands are an ideal destination for boaters but the region can only remain one of BC’s favourite boating destinations if boaters conduct themselves safely and responsibly, the natural landscape is preserved, and the wild residents of the Salish Sea are respected.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Pender Island
If you've ever dreamed of a weekend escape to Pender Island but got stuck in the logistics, don't worry—you don't need to pack everything and the kitchen sink to survive here. This Southern Gulf Island is well serviced, rich in food, culture, and adventures in the great outdoors. From ferry details and grocery runs to local transportation and creature comforts, here's everything you need to know before you go. Where is Pender Island, BC? Pender Island is one [...]
What to do on Pender Island: Trails, forests, and shorelines
With 360-degree views of the Southern Gulf Islands, the San Juan Islands, and the snow-crested peaks of the mainland, the hikes on Pender Island offer some of the best opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region.
How to get to Galiano Island
If you're wondering how to get to Galiano Island, whether you're travelling from Vancouver on the mainland or from Victoria on Vancouver Island, you've come to the right place. Galiano is one of the most popular weekend getaways near Vancouver and is just a short ferry ride from both major cities. But navigating the BC Ferries schedule can be confusing, especially for first-time passengers. So, let's take the time to break it all down: ferry routes, walk-on options, reservation [...]
Hikes on Salt Spring Island
British Columbia is well-known for its stunning nature and in many destinations, it shows. Trailhead parking lots overflow with visitors and vistas are lined up with people, clamouring for the perfect Instagram picture. Not so on Salt Spring. While it isn’t touted as a hiking destination, the number and the variety of accessible trails is truly one of its greatest features, and its best kept secret! The vast, undeveloped areas and the unique rainshadow climate make it all the [...]
George Hill – Prettiest Place on Pender
story and photos by Hans Tammemagi An old school friend from the east, who had never been to our little island before, visited last year. “I’m going to take you to my very favourite place on Pender Island,” I told him happily. I was looking forward to chatting with my buddy, who I had not seen for a long time. And, of course, I never tire of visiting George Hill. We parked the car at the trailhead at the northern [...]
