A Traveller’s Guide to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a little known treasure in the Southern Gulf Islands. Initially established in 2003 to preserve our region’s unique ecosystems, it has become a nature-lovers paradise, with the ocean, shorelines, and islands teeming with life. And it remains one of the quieter corners of the region to explore away from the crowds.
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve Facts
- 36 square kilometers in size
- 15 islands and 30 islets
- 6th smallest national park in Canada
- Established in 2003 by Parks Canada
- Home to 15 endangered species
- 3 front-country camping areas
- 7 backcountry camping areas
The Landscapes and Wildlife of the Gulf Islands Reserve
Every Canadian national park safeguards special habitats, but Gulf Islands National Park preserves landscapes and wildlife you won’t find anywhere else.
On land, the park features a distinctive blend of dry Garry oak and arbutus meadows interspersed with mixed coastal Douglas-fir forests. In the shady under canopy areas, swaths of salal and ferns transition to wildflower fields and rocky ridges.
Venture down to the shoreline, and the biodiversity becomes even more apparent. Beneath rocks and within tidal pools, you can observe crabs, anemones, sculpins, and starfish. The shores are also frequented by oystercatchers, kingfishers, cormorants, and bald eagles.
But the park extends beyond the beaches, reaching 200 metres offshore and encompassing many of the region’s vital kelp forests. These underwater habitats teem with life, including crabs, juvenile Coho and Chinook salmon, herring, starfish, urchins, and otters. Larger marine creatures such as orcas and porpoises also thrive in these waters—living, hunting, and playing in the surrounding waters.
How to Get Here
As National Geographic explained, “There’s no gate or interpretive centre at this national park reserve.” When planning a visit to this park, you’ll need to take a ferry to one of the larger islands serviced by BC Ferries or, alternatively, adventure by boat.
If travelling from outside the region (without a boat), you can access the park on Pender, Saturna, and a tiny corner of Mayne. Not driving? No problem! Both Saturna and Pender are popular bike-packing routes.
If you are looking to travel by water, you have nearly unlimited options within the Salish Sea to explore the park. By sailboat, power boat, kayak, or paddleboard, there are tons of options for launching into your ocean explorations, from easy day trips to challenging overnight expeditions to guided tours.
Where to Stay
Whether you want to get away from it all at a backcountry site on one of the smaller uninhabited islands or explore the parks from the comfort of your own RV, just know you have options.
If you’re biking or driving, you’ll likely be looking for a front-country campsite. Front-country sites are either drive-ups or short walk-ins and have additional services, like pit toilets, group sites, and garbage facilities. They are great for families, bike packers, and anyone looking to explore the park from an established home base.
For an adventure requiring a bit of a hike or, in many cases, a paddle, the park boasts plenty of backcountry options. These range from the more accessible Narvaez Campground, which is just a short trek from the parking lot down into a quite crystal-clear bay, to the sites at Prevost Island, only accessible by boat and a popular stop for multi-day paddle trips.
Try a Guided Adventure
For anyone not well versed in paddle safety, many local outfitters are ready to help you get into the water on a guided day paddle or epic multi-day tour. Even those with experience paddling around calm shorelines may feel safer with an experienced guide at the helm, especially for navigating inter island travel, boat traffic, and deep waters.
There are a plethora of outfitters dotted around the Salish Sea. On each of the Southern Gulf Islands, you’ll find at least one company offering day trips, overnighters, courses, and challenging week-long adventures. Here are just a few companies to get you started:
- Kayaking Gulf Islands – Mayne
- Kayaking Skills – Saturna
- Gulf Island Kayaking – Galiano
- Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions – Pender
- Salt Spring Adventure Co. – Salt Spring
If person-powered ocean adventures aren’t your cup of tea, you can also check out local boat charters or water taxis like Wet Coast Marine, Porlier Pass Provisions, or Fishes Wish.
Ready for your National Park Experience?
The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a beautiful way to experience the islands and the Salish Sea, showcasing just how incredibly biodiverse our region is. Whether exploring by foot, bike, or boat, the park promises quiet, unforgettable adventures in the Southern Gulf Islands.
