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SETTLE IN AND SLOW DOWN IN THE SOUTHERN GULF ISLANDS, BC

An invitation to cozy season

For many islanders, this is our favourite season: summer packs up and we tuck ourselves in for winter. It’s a time for low-key living and an easy-going pace: for walking empty beaches, breathing the cool, sea air, and listening to the rain on the roof.

This is when we hibernate, regenerate, and create. We relax into the rhythm of nature and feel the heartbeat of the islands slow.

Curl up with a good book, good food, and good people. Here is all the time and all the space you need: to reflect, to reconnect, or to do absolutely nothing.

Your Cozy Season Bucket List: How to Embrace Slowing Down

Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island, Galiano island, Mayne Island, Pender, Saturna,

Pack your bags, unplug from the world, and experience a cozy season in the Gulf Islands this fall. Your perfect escape is waiting.

The Art of Doing Nothing: Finding Stillness in the Islands

Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island, Galiano island, Mayne Island, Pender, Saturna,

What does nothing look like? Doing nothing doesn't usually mean sitting on your hands and staring at a blank wall. It's about cultivating presence and slowing down. Here's how.

8 Island-Style Wellness Activities

Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island, Galiano island, Mayne Island, Pender, Saturna,

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

Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island, Galiano island, Mayne Island, Pender, Saturna,

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.

9 Cozy Cabins to Curl up in This Season

Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island, Galiano island, Mayne Island, Pender, Saturna,

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.

7 Island Hikes That are Better in the Rain

Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island, Galiano island, Mayne Island, Pender, Saturna,

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

Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island, Galiano island, Mayne Island, Pender, Saturna,

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. 

Find places to stay

Ainslie Point Cottage

Discover a deluxe vacation rental on Pender Island with stunning water views and private dock access for crabbing. Enjoy the peaceful Mediterranean climate year-round for a romantic getaway or family holiday.

Bamboo Grove

Surrounded by arbutus and fir forest dappled with hillside meadows, Bamboo Grove is a retreat in the forest, a place of memory and imagination on Salt Spring Island.

Bella Haven on Saturna

Bella Haven is a newly-listed oceanfront holiday rental. A perfect getaway for 1 or 2 people looking to experience the uniqueness of Saturna Island. Peaceful location, yet close to island amenities.

Blue Vista Resort

Our nine fully furnished housekeeping cottages are nestled beneath towering trees and offer year-round clean and affordable comfort. The cottages lie just across a peaceful island lane from the rock-pool filled coastline of Bennett Bay...

Bodega Cove

Down at our seaside property, Bodega Cove, each of our 5 cabins feature all the conveniences and comforts of home, but in a thoughtfully designed and restored 1960s era Panabode cabin. And yes, we are...

Bodega Ridge

Bodega Ridge has 7 charming, self-contained log cabins and is a truly magical place – One we’re delighted to share with many weddings, retreats and other groups throughout the year. Or come, just the two...

Cabin at Swallow's Keep

A charming cabin tucked away in the woods, offering complete privacy on a spacious property with stunning southwest water views and year-round sunsets. Immerse yourself in nature while stargazing and birdwatching. Enjoy the company of the farm animals.

Cedar Beach Resort

Cedar Beach Resort on St. Mary Lake offers 17 cabins, 24 RV sites, a private beach, and the Beach House for indoor/outdoor recreation.

Cedar House on the Hill B&B

Discover the tranquil Cedar House on the Hill B&B on Salt Spring Island. Personalized service, gourmet breakfasts, and stunning ocean views await.

Collins House B&B

At Collins House we offer peaceful surroundings and creature comforts that encourage relaxation and a rewarding getaway.

Cusheon Lake Resort

Situated on the second largest lake on Salt Spring Island, Cusheon Lake resort occupies four acres at the tip of a peninsula, making each chalet and cabin a private retreat with a lake view.

Daffodil Cove Cottage

Sweet little house keeping cabin on the shore of Satellite Channel, at the south end of Salt Spring Island. Quiet and very private, surrounded by nature, walking distance from hiking trails, deck perfect for marine...

Driftwood Village

Residing on two acres of orchard grounds at Galiano Island’s south end, Driftwood Village features wood-burning fireplaces, private wifi, decks, and full kitchens. Our location means it’s just a short walk to many wonderful parks...

Four Winds B&B

A private getaway and natural relaxation at this oceanside Bed and Breakfast. In-room kitchenettes, continental breakfast, free fast wi-fi, stunning ocean views, and beach access.

Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa

Stunning 20-room luxury oceanfront inn on beautiful Galiano Island. Home to an award-winning restaurant and full-service spa.

Gallery B&B

A quiet, sunny suite with a private entrance, just a short walk from Ganges.

Golden Maple Farm

Furnished private campsite located on a peaceful eco-farm on Salt Spring Island.

Green Acres Resort

Take a step into nature and truly relax at this beautiful lakeside resort on Salt Spring Island.

Harbour House Hotel

Harbour House Hotel is a boutique retreat perched on the edge of Ganges Harbour. For generations, it has been a place where stories unfold and new memories are made. Book your next Salt Spring escape with Harbour House and Discover Yourself Here.

Hastings House Country House Hotel

An enchanting luxury hotel, spa, and gourmet restaurant situated on 22 acres of waterfront overlooking Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island.

InTheBluff

InTheBluff offers a serene 2-bedroom log home overlooking Active Pass, with modern amenities and stunning ocean views.

La Vie Farm Bed & Breakfast

La Vie Farm offers a historic bed and breakfast experience with stunning water views on Salt Spring Island.

Maple Ridge Cottages

Located in a park-like setting on the western shores of St. Mary Lake, on Salt Spring Island with a private waterfront and acres of protected land behind the property.

Mariner's Loft

Mariner’s Loft is perched directly across from the largest inner harbour and marina in the Gulf Islands. We offer 7 fully furnished luxury suites, each accommodating up to 6 people.

Mayne Island Camping

A beautiful quiet small campground in a natural setting catering specifically to tenters. Most of the sites overlook the beach while the rest are set in untouched forest.

Mayne Island Resort

The perfect oceanfront resort getaway; only one hour ferry from Vancouver or Victoria and sited at one of the most beautiful resort and spa locations in the Gulf Islands. Relax, unwind, reconnect, book a spa...

Mineral Springs Resort

Unique oceanfront cabins on Salt Spring Island. Canada’s only seaside mineral springs resort, located on 29 acres of subtropical rainforest.

Montague Harbour Marine Park

An easily accessible park with a large grassy area, campground, and a famous white shell beach. The Montague Harbour Marine Park is a popular swimming spot, continue along the Grey Peninsula trail for a sandy beach, forested paths, Gary Oak meadows, and beautiful views.

Nosy Point Bed and Breakfast

Make your getaway a perfect one. Situated at the heart of Pender Island — a stone’s throw away from Port Browning Marina and the village centre’s shops, cafés, and amenities.

Oceanside Cottages

Nestled on the west side of Fulford Harbour, these private cottages feature fireplaces, kitchens, decks, and vinyl record collections.

Poets Cove Resort & Spa

Home to the best sunsets on Pender Island. Cozy cottages with private hot tubs, 110-slip marina, and onsite restaurant. Ideal for romantic getaways, elopements and weddings up to 100.

Port Browning Resort

Located on Pender Island, the resort is home to a marina, pub, bistro, pool, tent and RV camping and unique glamping tents. A favorite destination among boaters and island visitors.

Quarrystone House Bed & Breakfast

Situated on five country acres on the crest of a ridge on Salt Spring Island, with stunning ocean and sunset views to the west and open pastoral views to the east across rolling sheep lands.

Raven Rock Farm

Eat. Learn. Stay. Fill up with super-fresh produce, explore the farm on a guided farm tour, and relax and recharge at The Perch –a unique BnB overlooking a regenerative farm.

Ruckle Heritage Farm

Established in 1872, Ruckle Heritage Farm is nestled within Ruckle Provincial Park and remains a working farm committed to sustainability and preserving this land and way of life for future generations.

Ruckle Provincial Park

Enjoy some of the island’s best scenery at Ruckle Provincial Park. Offering flat trails of varying lengths, there’s something for every fitness level. Be sure to watch for dolphins and seals which can often be spotted here. Ruckle Provincial Park is also home to a 78 site campground.

Salt Spring Inn

A heritage inn and restaurant in the heart of Ganges. Seven delightful rooms and a restaurant with a covered outdoor deck, garden patio, and fireside dining in the cooler seasons.

Salty Pear B&B

Let the frogs usher you to a restful sleep while bird song and rooster wakes you to a beautiful Salt Spring Island the morning. Enjoy the complimentary DIY wood-burning barrel sauna.

Saturna Lodge

Saturna Lodge offers a serene getaway on Saturna Island in the W̱SÁNEĆ homelands, providing a peaceful escape in the territory of the SENĆOŦEN speaking people.

Seal Beach Cottage

Relax in this spacious cottage while enjoying beautiful views and an environmentally rich beach and forest. This tranquil comfortable retreat overlooks miners bay and a low bank sandy beach where kingfishers, seals and eagles abound.

Skipping Stone Beach B&B

A Salt Spring Island B&B offering an escape from it all – a retreat from routine, space to relax in peace and quiet, an oasis in nature. It’s a place to refresh, recharge, and nurture...

Spindrift Oceanfront Cottages

Spindrift offers secluded adult accommodations on a beautiful peninsula in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy nature and cozy cottages with ocean views.

St Mary Lake Resort

Experience family-friendly lake vacations at St Mary Lake Resort on Salt Spring Island with sandy beaches, fishing, and boating.

Stowel Lake Farm

Stowel Lake Farm hosts a variety of mindfulness, yoga and life skills groups. We take pride in connection to the earth on the farm, and we don’t mind the lack of cell reception. Come enjoy...

Sunset Suite on Mayne

Welcome to your perfect waterfront vacation rental! This one-bedroom, one-bathroom private garden suite features a spacious bedroom, bathroom and a comfortable sofa bed in the living area.

The Blue Ewe

Secluded forest retreat near Beddis Beach on Salt Spring Island. 600 sq. ft. guest cottage, featuring a wood fireplace, cedar sauna, outdoor shower, and a spacious deck.

The Cottages On Salt Spring Island

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island, nestled on the edge of Bullock Lake, is more than a destination. Your home away from home offers access to hiking, biking, shopping, arts and culture all within minutes....

The Currents at Otter Bay

Currents at Otter Bay on Pender Island offers fully-furnished cottages with breathtaking views overlooking the Salish Sea.

The Grove Bed & Breakfast

The Grove B&B offers up to 3 cozy rooms on Mayne Island, B.C. The location is a short walk to beaches at Gallagher and Piggott Bays, perfect for relaxing getaways with family and friends in nature, starting at CA$135.00 per night.

The Salish Sunset Cabin

Discover our charming  10 acre waterfront cabin on Pender Island, your ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

The Tides Cottages

An escape into the serenity of Pender Island & detachment from noise. Our 3 acre oceanfront getaway will immerse you into the nature and beauty of the gulf islands while you unplug, reconnect, and spend...

Wetherly Inn & Spa

Welcome to Wetherly Inn, a European- style inn and spa offering an elegant adult-oriented retreat in the heart of Salt Spring. The Inn offers luxurious accommodations in a beautiful setting of gardens and forest.

Wisteria Guest House

Named after the glorious wisteria flowers cascading our gardens, the Wisteria Guest House offers a variety of accommodations for you to choose from.

WOODS on Pender

WOODS on Pender offers a unique, luxury camp experience on beautiful Pender Island. The property, situated on a tranquil wooded 7.3 acres, was previously the home of the Inn on Pender Island and Memories Restaurant. Completely...

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