The Southern Gulf Islands are a collection of unique islands in British Columbia, Canada – Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring, and Saturna. Easily accessible from Vancouver and Victoria, each island offers distinct experiences for travellers in search of connection, quiet leisure and adventure.

Nestled between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia, the Southern Gulf Islands are home to Indigenous communities whose stewardship of the land and waters has spanned thousands of years. Today, that relationship with place continues as residents and visitors enjoy the islands’ local markets, farms, art galleries, wellness experiences, cuisines, and countless outdoor adventures.

We are grateful to live on and visit the Southern Gulf Islands and acknowledge that the lands and waters that encompass these islands have been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, part of the traditional unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations and Hul’quimi’num Treaty Group.

(Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population)

Hyperlocal Food and Beverage

Taste the Southern Gulf Islands’ abundant fresh produce and embark on a culinary adventure

The Southern Gulf Islands nurture a thriving food culture rooted in community and sustainability. From roadside farmstands overflowing with fresh produce and farm-fresh eggs to vineyard-based tastings with ocean views, and lively markets brimming with preserves and handmade goods; foodies will find endless inspiration.

While visiting, travellers can sample local artisanal cheeses and handcrafted spirits or participate in community-driven culinary and farm experiences and meet local chefs who speak proudly about each ingredient and its origin. Follow the seasons from island to island, with each season bringing new flavours to explore. Spring asparagus and tender greens give way to summer berries and heirloom tomatoes, while autumn brings apple harvests and cozy cider tastings.

Enjoy elevated coast, forest, and farm-to-table dining at Pilgrimme on Galiano, grab a pastry on the go at Vanilla Bean Bakery on Pender Island, or experience legacy producers with a visit to Salt Spring Island Cheese. Meals on the Southern Gulf Islands are defined by creativity and connection, with chefs collaborating with farmers, fishers, and foragers to create fresh local dishes that support the broader community. Each bite and every sip connect back to the people, landscapes, and creative energy that define these islands.

Embrace Island Life

Discover a new pace and ambiance that prioritizes wellness, community, and connection

Each island has its own rhythm, yet all share an unhurried spirit shaped by the tides and trees. Here, days unfold naturally with leisurely hikes, ocean breezes that invite quiet reflection, and conversations that build connections over local dishes and spirits. After a scenic ferry journey, travellers will be empowered to put the phone away, slow down and immerse in island time.

Whether reconnecting with a partner, spending time with family, or finding space for inner reflection and connection, the islands offer restorative calm and activities for every intention. Salt Spring Island blends creativity and wellness with yoga studios, art galleries, and retreats that inspire. Pender’s festivals and gatherings welcome visitors like their own neighbours. Saturna invites quiet reflection in its protected wilderness, while Mayne shares its heritage through gardens and farms. On Galiano, residents keep island life both sustainable and deeply restorative, led by the Galiano Conservancy Association.
Across the islands, tame wilderness and isolated calm create a space where kids can run free and parents can relax. With mild weather, an abundance of fresh air, parks, festivals and farms to explore, families will find endless opportunities for adventure and connections with activities that will get kids off their devices and enjoying the great outdoors.

EduTourism and Regenerative Travel

Learn and explore consciously

A visit to the Southern Gulf Islands is more than a vacation, it’s an opportunity to learn, contribute, and connect. Community is at the heart of Island Life, and visitors are welcomed to participate in experiences that foster a deeper understanding of the land and the people who care for it.

Join locals for workshops in everything from pottery to permaculture, or eco-tours engineered to provide a deepened sense of place. National Park trails showcase conservation in action, and forest programs connect visitors to the old-growth giants that define the coastlines. From stewardship programs and volunteer opportunities through programs like the Galiano Conservancy Association, to artisan-led craft studios, the Southern Gulf Islands offer immersive ways to learn by doing, reminding travellers that meaningful tourism gives back more than it takes.

On the Southern Gulf Islands, there are no big chain retail stores, instead visitors know they will be contributing directly back into the community by staying in locally owned accommodations, dining with island-grown ingredients, and purchasing directly from artisans.

Corporate Retreats and Weddings

Create unparalleled event experiences in the serenity of nature

It’s hard not to feel a sense of calmness and connection while surrounded by nature. With their scenic settings, creative communities, and warm hospitality, these islands offer an unforgettable backdrop for gatherings of all kinds, from intimate elopements to corporate retreats and milestone celebrations. The Southern Gulf Islands’ unforgettable natural backdrops inspire visitors to unplug and connect with others in the moment.

Here, nature sets the stage. Elegant resorts with ocean vistas incite quiet observation, while intimate lodges surrounded by forests and trails encourage connection and creativity. Outdoor ceremonies unfold against sweeping sea views, and team-building activities range from kayaking excursions to guided wellness sessions and indulgent dining experiences that solidify bonds.

Whether planning a special celebration, wedding, or team retreat, each island combines natural beauty with genuine hospitality to create the perfect venue for transformative experiences shaped by nature, community and connection.

Ferries:

• Take the ferry from the Tsawwassen terminal (just south of Vancouver) to the Southern Gulf Islands via BC Ferries Route 9
• The Tsawwassen to Long Harbour (Salt Spring Island) route operates daily and takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route and islands visited
• Route 9 is the primary route from the mainland to the Southern Gulf Islands and is a multi-stop route that includes the islands of Galiano, Mayne, Pender, and Salt Spring.

Flights:

• Take a scheduled flight from downtown Vancouver Harbour or the YVR Airport (South Terminal) to Salt Spring Island’s Ganges Harbour
• Year-round scheduled seaplane flights are offered between Ganges Harbour and the Vancouver terminals, with more frequent service during summer months through operators like Harbour Air and Seair
• Daily scheduled seaplane flights are also offered through Seair to the islands of Pender, Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna from the YVR Richmond South Terminal

Ferries:

• Take the ferry from Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal via BC Ferries
• The Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island) route operates daily and takes approximately 35 minutes
• The Swartz Bay to Gulf Islands route operates daily. The route and travel time vary for each sailing
• Take the ferry from the Crofton terminal (located between Victoria and Nanaimo) via BC Ferries
• The Crofton to Vesuvius (Salt Spring Island) route operates daily and takes approximately 25 minutes

Flights:

• From June to September, seaplane flights are also scheduled from Victoria to Salt Spring Island’s Ganges Harbour through Harbour Air

Ferry

• As a foot passenger, take the Clipper ferry from downtown Seattle to Victoria (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes). From Victoria, catch a bus/taxi to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, then take BC Ferries to the Gulf Islands via the Fulford Harbour or Gulf Island routes
• If driving your vehicle, take the Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles to downtown Victoria (approximately 90 minutes). From Victoria, drive to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, then take BC Ferries to the Gulf Islands via the Fulford Harbour or Gulf Island routes

Flights

• Take a flight to Vancouver (YVR), then connect with Harbour Air or Seair Seaplane routes to the Gulf Islands (approximately 1-2 hours)
• Take a Kenmore Air seaplane from Seattle to Victoria Harbour, then catch a seaplane from Victoria to Salt Spring Island’s Ganges Harbour through Harbour, or bus/taxi to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal for BC Ferries to the Gulf Islands via the Fulford Harbour or Gulf Island routes

Where possible, making a reservation for all modes of travel is strongly recommended. Otherwise, space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Schedule changes and cancellations are expected during the summer, and if there is inclement weather.

More information on directions for each of the main islands can be found below.

• How to get to Salt Spring Island
• How to get to Galiano Island
• How to get to Mayne Island
• How to get to Pender Island
• How to get to Saturna Island

Social Media

• Instagram: @southerngulfislands
• Facebook: The Southern Gulf Islands
• YouTube: Southern Gulf Islands
• TikTok: southerngulfislands

Media Contacts

Juliana Martine | (604) 351-3623 | Juliana.Martine@tartanbond.com
Masami Teramachi | (250) 210-0900 | Masami.Teramachi@tartanbond.com
Jamie Sterling | (250) 537-7087 | Jamie@southerngulfislands.com

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