|
SOUTHERN GULF ISLANDS
Journey to the Gulf Islands to
sit back and relax in the peaceful tranquility, to breathe deeply
the clean ocean air and to rejuvenate your soul. Many of Canada's
artists have been charmed by the beauty and serenity of the peaceful
Gulf Islands and you, too, may find yourself visiting the local
real estate office before the end of your stay!
Salt Spring Island
(Population: 10,000)
Salt Spring Island is famous for sunshine, scenery, and art.
Lots of art. A number of Canada’s most renowned artists,
inspired by the beauty and the tranquil lifestyle, have made
their homes on Salt Spring Island. Galleries and artisan studios
in the villages and along the country roads offer everything
from paintings, sculptures, and prints, to weaving, pottery,
stained glass, basketry, and jewellery. ArtCraft, a summer-long
exhibition and sale, showcases works by more than 250 Gulf Island
artisans.
The wellness movement is strong
on Salt Spring Island and whether you are looking for yoga retreats
and mineral spas, gentle outdoor activities, or simply absorbing
the stunning scenery for a few days, Salt Spring Island is the
perfect place to restore your personal balance.
On Salt Spring Island, BC Ferries
operates out of three terminals: Fulford Harbour ferries sail
to Swartz Bay, near Sidney on Vancouver Island; Long Harbour
serves ferries to and from Tsawwassen Terminal, just south of
Vancouver on the mainland; and Vesuvius Bay ferries sail to Crofton,
near Duncan on Vancouver Island.
Salt Spring Island offers a full
range of quality accommodations and many excellent restaurants.
top of page
Mayne Island (Population:
900)
When gold was discovered in the Fraser River in 1858, Mayne Island
played a part in the fervour as a stopping point for marine traffic
en route to the mainland. Boatloads of miners with the sparkle
of Gold Rush fever in their eyes tied up along the docks and
filled saloons and hotels in Miners Bay. Now, the historic buildings
are preserved as landmarks and Mayne Island has taken its place
as a quiet getaway island with a rich, colourful history.
Boaters can find docking facilities
at the government dock and can walk into the village of Miners
Bay; there are also docking facilities at Horton Bay. Choose
from a unique selection of accommodations, including delightful
bed and breakfasts, country inns, cabins, campsites, and resorts,
as well as plenty of recreational opportunities.
Galiano Island (Population:
1,000)
Named after a Spanish explorer who sailed these waters 200 years
ago, charming Galiano Island welcomes visitors with its relaxed
atmosphere and natural beauty. A haven for naturalists and bird
watchers, peaceful Galiano is home to more than 130 species of
birds and many rare and protected plants. Quiet country roads
through the predominantly Douglas fir forest lead to arts and
crafts galleries, cafes and restaurants, cottages, inns, and
bed and breakfasts. Outdoor recreation ranges from a challenging
round of golf to a picnic at a scenic viewpoint, kayaking along
the shoreline to relaxing on the beaches at Montague Harbour
or Coon Bay.
top of page
Saturna Island (Population:
326)
Saturna Island's moderate climate, quality accommodations and
services make it an ideal year-round destination for that special
retreat or quiet getaway. Cycling, hiking and kayaking are popular
pastimes and there are scenic walks and easy access to beaches.
Saturna's thirty-one square kilometre
area includes forests, wet lands, mud flats, rock bluffs, reefs
and beaches. There are over one hundred and eighty bird species
from hummingbirds to bald eagles. Deer, favourites among the
island's wildlife, are seen everywhere. A rich and abundant marine
life is visible on rocks and in tidal pools. River otters, seals
and sea lions are seen along the costal waters and orca whales
are frequently spotted in the waters off East Point. Winter Cove,
site of the Saturna Lamb Barbecue, features sheltered anchorage
and boat launching, with trails through mixed forest, marsh land
and shoreline, to a view point at Boat Pass. Below the rock bluffs
on the south side of the island are Saturna Vineyard and Winery,
Thomson Park and Taylor Point. There are beach areas for unsupervised
swimming at Veruna Bay, East Point Regional Park, and Thomson
Park.
The permanent population on Saturna
has remained small, preserving the charm and rural character
of the island. Come to Saturna and experience the rhythm of island
life for yourself.
top of page
Pender Islands (Population:
2,200)
Known as the “friendly islands” and the “islands
of hidden coves and beaches,” the Penders are actually two
islands joined together by a bridge. The Penders are the perfect
place for family vacations, romantic escapes, seminars, and retreats
and offer an intimate and pastoral setting popular with nature
lovers.
Accommodations include campsites
at Prior Centennial Provincial Park and Beaumont Marine Park,
cabins, bed and breakfast inns, and resorts. Boaters can find
marinas at Port Browning, Otter Bay, and Bedwell Harbour. Bicycle,
and boat rentals are offered, as well as a variety of other enjoyable
activities.
Gabriola Island
(Population: 4,500)
Beautiful Gabriola Island, known as the Queen of the Gulf Islands,
is located just offshore from Nanaimo and offers a wonderful
variety of activities in a lovely setting of forested parks and
serene beaches. The Malaspina Galleries are one of the island’s
biggest natural attractions and are an amazing series of sandstone
formations carved by the surf into unusual caves and caverns.
BC Ferries operates a vehicle
and passenger ferry between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo; there
are numerous trips each day with a sailing time of approximately
20 minutes.
top of
page
Back
to all BC vacations
|
British Columbia