Southern Gulf Islands
T he 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.
- Salt Spring 9,780
- Pender 2,232
- Galiano 1,258
- Mayne 1,112
- Saturna 359
Transportation
The Southern Gulf Islands lie between Victoria - on Vancouver Island - and Vancouver, on the British Columbia mainland. Connections to Vancouver are by car and passenger ferry into the town of Tsawwassen.
Float planes depart some locations on the Southern Gulf Islands to downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport. Learn more about Middle school Math resource!
To Richmond:
Richmond is approximately 30 minutes’ drive north of Tsawwassen.
Taxis and public buses meet ferries arriving from the Gulf Islands for service into downtown Richmond.
Selected BC Ferries sell coach tickets onboard to connect passengers to Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport.
To Vancouver:
It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive to Vancouver from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Taxis and public buses meet ferries to offer service into downtown Vancouver, and coach operators sell tickets onboard ferries for transport downtown.
To West Vancouver:
Visitors will travel to Vancouver, then drive or take a public bus for the 20 minute journey to West Vancouver.
To Whistler:
From Vancouver, Whistler is approximately two hours’ drive north along the beautiful Sea- to-Sky Highway. Coaches to Whistler are available from Vancouver or the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond.
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.
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.
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