Island
Suggested itinerary: Pender
If you're planning a three-day weekend on Pender Island, you’ll want to start here. Use the following as itinerary inspiration, giving you just a little peek into the magic that this island holds.
Suggested itinerary: Saturna
There's no rushing here. No crowds. Just the sound of the ocean, a very good chance of seeing a whale, and a welcoming community energy. Here's your Saturna Island itinerary!
Suggested itinerary: Mayne
From farm stands and forested trails to the cutest little thrift store, this three-day Mayne Island itinerary covers it all.
Suggested itinerary: Galiano
Get a taste for island life with a three-day schedule of weekend itinerary ideas for exploring Galiano Island.
Suggested itinerary: Salt Spring
Here is the quintessential Salt Spring Island itinerary to serve as your weekend inspiration.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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.
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.
Gone Camping! The Southern Gulf Island Campgrounds
Whether biking, boating, or driving here, you'll find a spectacular spot to set up camp, the Southern Gulf Islands offer campers a slice of natural beauty while having all the local amenities nearby.
Sustainable sipping at Sea Star Vineyards
Visiting a winery offers a glimpse into this journey, and it’s a beautiful one at Sea Star Vineyards and Winery on Pender Island.
SSNAP: Small islands with big art
SSNAP welcomes visitors to its biennial competition and exhibition of Canadian contemporary visual art on Salt Spring Island.
A Home Grown Tradition: The Islands’ Fall Fairs
Fall fairs are an annual tradition all across Canada, but there is definitely something special about one held on a Southern Gulf Island.
SOCS: A meeting place for creativity and inclusion
The Salt Spring Arts' Summer Outdoor Concert Series (SOCS) provides a collection of free events accessible to the community and island visitors.
Why you need to go to the Saturna Lamb BBQ
The Saturna Lamb BBQ is one of the most exceptional Canada Day parties in the country. And here's why.
An Ode to the Saturna General Store
When done right, a General Store is a thing of beauty — and Saturna's General Store is one of the best illustrations of a rural outpost and supply. As equal parts grocer, wine boutique, post office, and cafe, it stands as the heart of the community.
Hikes on Mayne Island
Often considered the gentlest of the Southern Gulf Islands, the easy to moderate hikes on Mayne Island offer scenic coastlines, lush forests, and picturesque views.
What to do on Saturna Island Island: Must-Do Trails and Hikes
Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views coupled with the soothing sounds of nature, Saturna Island can feel like another world. Here are some local favourite hikes on Saturna Island.
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.
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 [...]
