guide
What Southern Gulf Island Should I Visit?
Planning a getaway to the Southern Gulf Islands? The hardest part might just be choosing where to start. This small stretch of British Columbia's coastline is packed with world-class bakers, brewers, growers, crafters, and creators. Every island has its own take on slow living, influenced by the Salish Sea and the eccentric folk who've made their home here. But while Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender, and Saturna may share a coastline, climate, and close-knit community, each island has a [...]
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 [...]
Cycling in the Southern Gulf Islands: Tips & Resources
Long recognized as a great cycling destination, the Southern Gulf Islands offer quiet, rolling terrain through towering trees and along dramatic coastlines. With options for every type of cyclist, from the rugged all-weather outdoor enthusiasts to those fuelled by good food and plenty of it, cycling the Gulf Islands is always an adventure. Yet, for the uninitiated, the Southern Gulf Islands come with a few unique hazards that are different from those you'd face cycling around Vancouver or other [...]
Getting Here: How to Fly to the Southern Gulf Islands
Did you know you can get to the Southern Gulf Islands in just 30 minutes and avoid the stress of ferry traffic and long waits? Scheduled daily floatplane service is available from Vancouver to Salt Spring, with additional flights to Pender, Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna Island during the busy summer months. Not to mention the endless possibilities offered by the many local charter services. Flying to Salt Spring and the rest of the islands is a memorable, convenient, and [...]
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 [...]
Your guide to a Southern Gulf Island studio tour
Any visit here comes packed with opportunities to see artist studios, roadside galleries, farm stands, and community spaces that capture all the special creative energy flowing through this region. Here's your guide to the studios, tours, and other art-filled adventures waiting across the Southern Gulf Islands.
Celebrating Black-Owned Brands of the Southern Gulf Islands
These Black-owned businesses in the Southern Gulf Islands are serving up incredible local produce, stylish ethically sourced goods, and more all year round.
Travelling the BC Southern Gulf Islands with kids
Quiet, safe, and welcoming, the Southern Gulf Islands are an ideal place to visit with kids.
Water conservation in the Southern Gulf Islands
Through the summer, we have less water available and these shortages affect our communities. As a visitor, you can help by being mindful of your water usage, here’s how.
Boating in the Southern Gulf Islands
A paradise of fascinating shorelines and quiet coves, use this guide to see why boating in the Southern Gulf Islands is the most visited region on the BC coast.
How to Leave no Trace in the Southern Gulf Islands
Consider it best to pack out all your garbage and recycling with you, but if you can’t, here’s how to properly dispose of your waste in each of the Southern Gulf Islands.
Cycling in the Southern Gulf Islands: Local tips
Long recognized as a great place for cycling, the Southern Gulf Islands offer quiet, rolling terrain through towering trees and along dramatic coastlines. They also have their own hazards that are different from those in towns and cities, with each island slightly different from the next. Make sure you stay safe, be respectful, and have fun with this guide to responsible cycling. What to Expect There are lots of friendly people. It’s common to wave politely. The main [...]
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
