Unique accommodations in the Southern Gulf Islands
Island life is unique, some might even call it off-kilter, but it’s only in the very best of ways. Whether on Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna, or Salt Spring, you’ll find a more authentic, less processed way to live. Away from worldly distractions, creative ideas take root and flourish, even in our accommodations. When you’re looking to retreat, recharge, and reconnect, consider a few of our top picks for a weekend escape:
The Cob Cottage
Some call it a Hobbit House, others an Earth Ship, but no matter how you refer to it, the Cob Cottage on Mayne Island is iconic. Recognized as one of the most wish-listed properties in Canada, this cozy cottage is hand sculpted of local, sustainable natural materials and located on a lovely acreage with sheep, gardens, and orchards.
Fall in love with its rounded archways, wooden cantilevered stairs, and a storybook fireplace only 10 minutes’ walk from the beach.
A cabin at Bodega Ridge
Originally built in 1980 as a horse ranch, Bodega Ridge on Galiano Island is a pastoral 22 acre property with seven charming, self-contained log cabins. With a big sky feel that’s not common on the coast, there’s plenty of room to roam and take in both ocean and landscape views.
Live your cabin dreams with iconic log walls combined with comfortable, modern interiors and furnishings, and wood burning stoves to keep you warm all year long.
An airstream at WOODS on Pender
Make your vintage dreams come true at WOODS on Pender. Surrounded by lush forest on a seven acre property, WOODS offers a luxury camp experience conveniently located near all the amenities of North Pender Island.
If a trailer isn’t your vibe, choose a rustic cabin or a cozy motel room. No matter where you rest your head, you’ll have access to cool options like hammocks, fire pits, barbeques, Adirondack chairs and a private cedar hot tub to escape from the everyday.
Lucy the bus at Wild Thyme Hideaway
Anything but ordinary, Lucy is a 1963 Double Decker London Bus at Wild Thyme Hideaway on Saturna Island. Sleep upstairs in a cozy queen bed or relax in the twin reading nook at the front of the bus. Complete with a full bathroom including a claw foot tub, you’ll enjoy plenty of rustic cozy comforts like an espresso machine, board games, puzzles, an outdoor shower, a BBQ and an outdoor fire pit.
Full of character, Lucy was the mascot for the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, then spent a number of years as an ice cream truck in Shuswap Lake, took a decade-long break in a tow yard, before she was bought and towed to Saturna. Needing a full renovation, she was converted into a coffee shop before her final role, as an ideal rural getaway.
The Salty Pear
A space for events, exhibitions & workshops, the Salty Pear b&b is a dynamic location for creative inspiration and mindful disconnection on Salt Spring Island. Offering a studio suite adjacent to an onsite studio/gallery designed by in-house residential designer Jorge Siemsen, you’ll feel instantly rejuvenated in this modern space with heated concrete floors and a south-facing deck.
Wake up in paradise every day with complimentary fresh eggs from the organic farm next door, along with granola, coffee and milk. Maybe best of all, stays include the use of the DIY wood-burning barrel sauna.
A heritage house on Ruckle Farm
Established in 1872 by one of Salt Spring Island’s earliest settlers, Ruckle Heritage Farm is the oldest operating family farm in the Gulf Islands. Home to three beautiful, historic homes, choose to stay in either the four bedroom Queen Anne style Alfred House built in 1905, the upstairs of the Norman House built in the 1930s, or the 1910 Apple House for a truly rustic experience. Wherever you stay, the farm offers a quiet escape with gorgeous pastoral views, farm-to-table breakfast and dinner, as well as picnic basket options.
Glamping tents at Port Browning Marina
Stay in canopy style tents that are the first of their kind in North America at Port Browning Marina on Pender Island. Providing a unique glamping experience, you can enjoy ocean views right from your room, with easy access to the main building with washroom facilities, marina store, and restaurant.
Rest easy on a queen bed, lounge on the sofa, and make coffee or cocktails to relax on the covered deck. You’ll also have access to an outdoor pool, laundry, shuttles, onsite kayak rentals and tours, and tall ship sailing cruises.
