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Southern Gulf Islands

Quick Facts

  • Population (2006 Census) total: 14,741
    - Salt Spring 9,780
    - Pender 2,232
    - Galiano 1,258
    - Mayne 1,112
    - Saturna 359
  • Distance from Vancouver... 55km (34mi)
  • Distance from Richmond... 41km (25mi)
  • Distance from Whistler... 180km (112mi)

The Southern Gulf Islands are Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Saturna and Pender islands. They lie between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland in the Strait of Georgia. The Islands are part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and feature characteristic dramatic coastal scenery and breathtaking Provincial, Regional and Marine Parks teeming with wildlife.

The Southern Gulf Islands are famous for their laid-back lifestyle, vibrant arts scene, pastoral setting, and epicurean produce including lamb, cheeses, poultry, and wine. This area is a creative and cultural hub with galleries and shops featuring local paintings, woodwork, weaving, pottery and jewellery.

This area has one of the warmest climates in Canada and this, in combination with the Islands' tranquil communities and dazzling vistas, has made them sought-after eco-holiday destinations.

Explore Southern Gulf Islands All Cities & Towns


Transportation

Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.

There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.

The Southern Gulf Islands lie between Victoria on Vancouver Island and Vancouver on the British Columbia mainland.

BC Ferries service the Gulf Islands with routes to the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal, south of Victoria on Vancouver Island, and direct service to Tsawwassen ferry terminal on the British Columbia mainland. For a detailed list of routes and schedules please visit the BC Ferries website.

Float planes depart some locations on the Southern Gulf Islands to downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport.

To Richmond:
Richmond is approximately 25 minutes drive north of Tsawwassen. Taxis and public buses meet ferries arriving from the Gulf Islands and transport passengers to downtown Richmond.

Motorcoach service is available via BC Ferries from Schwartz Bay terminal only, with stops at the Vancouver International Airport.

The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.

To Vancouver:
Taxis and public buses meet ferries arriving at Tsawwassen ferry terminal to transport passengers into downtown Vancouver. For those driving, the trip between Vancouver and Tsawwassen is approximately 45 minutes.

Motorcoach service is available via BC Ferries from Schwartz Bay terminal only, which drop passengers off at select locations in downtown Vancouver.

During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.

To West Vancouver:
Vancouver is approximately 50 minutes drive north of the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Transit passengers can reach West Vancouver from Tsawwassen by transferring in Vancouver.

Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network.  View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.

To Whistler:
To reach Whistler, passengers using public transportation should make their way to Vancouver via BC Ferries and connecting public transit, or by motorcoach or floatplane.

Whistler can be accessed by car by driving north along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99).  Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway during peak Games times.

Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network. This bus network has departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.

Direct motorcoach service offers several daily departures to Whistler from downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Multiple departure points are located along the Vancouver-Whistler route.

Accommodation

There are no chain hotels on any of the Southern Gulf Islands. Typical accommodations include high-end bed and breakfasts offering luxurious amenities, intimate seclusion and stunning ocean views.

Salt Spring Island has the widest selection of places to stay. In addition to bed and breakfasts, there are a spa resort, a couple of larger (15-25 unit) inns, and RV sites. Pender and Galiano Islands each have a large spa resort.

Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.

Things To Do

Most of the Islands provide self-guided tours of the galleries and studios of resident artists and artisans. Further creative offerings can be found at ArtSpring, the concert, theatre and exhibition venue on Salt Spring Island. See a musical performance there or in one of the island's smaller venues.

All of the Islands retain pristine wilderness which visitors can explore by forest or coastal trails, or by boat or kayak. Naturalists can spot wintering birds, river otters, feral goats, harbour seals and orcas in the surrounding waters and forests. The Islands' natural beauty can also be enjoyed while fishing in crystal-clear freshwater lakes, playing golf on a scenic course or scuba diving the diverse sites in the area.

Each of the Islands has interesting historical buildings or a museum to visit. Cycling the quiet Island roads on a rented bicycle is a lovely way to explore.

Visitors needing to let go of that last bit of tension have a wide selection of spas, yoga retreats and wellness centres to choose from on Salt Spring Island.

Read more about what's happening on Salt Spring Island, Galiano Island, Mayne Island, Saturna Island and Pender Island.