Gulf Islands Tourism
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.
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 [...]
Give the Gift of Memories: Experience Gifts in the Southern Gulf Islands
Island-based experiences that will inspire all the foodies, adventurers, and romantics on your list.
A Holiday Gift Guide to the Southern Gulf Islands
With so many unique products and services, it’s easy to find something special in the islands. From food to pottery and apparel to wellness, this gift guide can inspire ideas for everyone on your list.
A Rundown of all the Disc Golf Courses in the Southern Gulf Islands
With 365 days of temperate weather, eight courses, and passionate local clubs, the Southern Gulf Islands are increasingly a destination for disc golf lovers from near and far.
A Traveller’s Guide to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a beautiful way to experience the Southern Gulf Islands and the Salish Sea, showcasing just how incredibly biodiverse our region is.
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.
Hiking in the Southern Gulf Islands
Hiking in the Southern Gulf Islands is a restorative experience amidst stunning natural beauty. As you roam the trails that wind through these idyllic islands off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, you'll be captivated by the lush forests, breathtaking coastal vistas, and diverse wildlife.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Six Ways to Steward the Salish Sea
Here are six ways you can steward marine ecosystems during your stay in the Southern Gulf Islands—because being water-aware is always where it’s at.
How to get to Mayne Island
Wondering how to get to Mayne Island for your next Southern Gulf Islands adventure? As one of the smallest and quietest islands in the region, you'll be happy to discover that there are plenty of routes here, whether it's pedal-powered, ferry-assisted, or cruising in on a boat of your own. Consider this your definitive guide to getting to Mayne Island. Whether it's navigating the Mayne Island ferry schedule (including both the Victoria ferry and Vancouver ferry routes), cycling Mayne [...]
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 [...]
