Southern Gulf Island
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.
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.
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 [...]
How to get to Salt Spring Island
How do you get to Salt Spring Island? This island is one of the most connected Southern Gulf Islands, with three ferry terminals, eight moorage options for boaters, float plane service, and an excellent public transit system once you get here. But with so many options, it can be confusing for anyone unfamiliar with the routes and schedules of the many Salt Spring ferries. Let's break it down into more manageable pieces. Here is everything you need to know [...]
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 [...]
How to get to Saturna Island
Saturna is one of the quietest of the Southern Gulf Islands, with just a few hundred year-round residents. Even in the busy summer months, and during the world-famous Saturna Island Lamb BBQ, it's one of the Gulf Islands that always stays decidedly off the beaten path. All of which tends to translate into fewer ferries than the rest of the islands. Which is why you've landed on this guide — how do you get to Saturna Island, anyway? Whether [...]
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 [...]
How to get to Galiano Island
If you're wondering how to get to Galiano Island, whether you're travelling from Vancouver on the mainland or from Victoria on Vancouver Island, you've come to the right place. Galiano is one of the most popular weekend getaways near Vancouver and is just a short ferry ride from both major cities. But navigating the BC Ferries schedule can be confusing, especially for first-time passengers. So, let's take the time to break it all down: ferry routes, walk-on options, reservation [...]
