WELCOMING VISITORS FROM THE USA

Rising from the cool, clear water of the North Pacific, a short distance from Washington’s San Juan Islands, you’ll find a collection of rolling hills, dense forests, sandstone cliffs, and pebble beaches. These are Canada’s Southern Gulf Islands. Defined by quiet leisure in a cool Mediterranean microclimate, we’re a place of refuge, restoration, adventure, and creativity.

Though each island has its own character, we’re connected by a shared rhythm. A flow that’s characterized by integrity and freedom – life in harmony.

Come in search of yourself, find your artistic inspiration, connect with our relaxed nature, or indulge in hibernation. Be in the moment, in the flow.

Here’s what you’ll want to know before crossing the border and settling into island time:

• Entry into Canada: To enter Canada, U.S. citizens need proof of citizenship and identity such as a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. Make sure it’s current before you travel.
• Visa requirements: U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for tourist stays under 180 days.
• Travelling with minors: If you’re travelling with a child who isn’t fully in your legal care, Canadian Border Services may ask for a letter of authorization from their parent or guardian. It’s a good idea to have one on hand.
• Private boaters: Sailing or motoring in on your own vessel? All foreign recreational boats must report to Canada Border Services upon entering Canadian waters. Check out the official guidelines to stay on the right course. You’ll find the Customs Dock at Bedwell Harbour on Pender Island. 
• For more information, visit the Government of Canada website at travel.gc.ca for the latest information.
• For travel updates within British Columbia, Destination BC’s “Know Before You Go” page features information on the latest travel updates in BC.

The Southern Gulf Islands are accessible via car ferry, float plane, and private boat.

• By car: It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal south of Vancouver. Visitors can cross the border at the Peace Arch border crossing. Be sure to check in advance for any border wait times. Once you get to Tsawwassen, it takes between 45- and 90-minutes on a BC Ferries vessel to one of the terminals on the Southern Gulf Islands. Routes and schedules vary by island. 
• To avoid the I-5, visitors can also take the Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria. A 90-minute ride followed by a 40-minute drive to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Ferries from here are non-reservable so be prepared to arrive with plenty of time. 
• By air: Kenmore Air offers float plane flights from Washington State to Victoria, and Harbour Air flies from Seattle (Lake Union) to downtown Vancouver. In both cases, you can then catch a flight or ferry to one of the Southern Gulf Islands. You can also fly into Vancouver International Airport and then catch a connecting flight (float plane) to the Southern Gulf Islands operated by Harbour Air and Seair Seaplanes. Or you can fly into Victoria International Airport and catch a ferry from Swartz Bay. 
• By boat: There is an in-person customs dock at Bedwell Harbour on Pender Island. NEXUS cardholders can report by phone without a physical check-in. Overnight moorage is available at marinas on Pender (Otter Bay Marina, Port Browning Marina, Bedwell Harbour at Poet’s Cove Resort), Salt Spring (Salt Spring Marina, Ganges Marina, Harbour Authority docks), and Galiano Island (Montague Harbour Marina). Find additional information at AHOY BC. 

We’d love to see you. Browse through our resources to get inspired.  

• Learn how to be an honorary islander. 
• Check out our Know Before You Go page before your trip to the Southern Gulf Islands for any important local updates.
• Find out what events are on during your stay. 
• We use the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Use the exchange rate calculator below to get a feel for what your money’s worth today.

Friendly reminder: Things move a little differently out here. Slower, simpler, more intentional. It’s part of what makes the islands special. Thanks for travelling thoughtfully—and welcome to the island family.