Gulf Islands

In the protected waters of Georgia Strait, tucked between the mainland edge of British Columbia, the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island and the north shore of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, lie 200 Gulf Islands. Only the invisible international boundary divides them from the San Juan Islands and US waters.

These beautiful pastoral islands are home to some of British Columbia's most gifted artisans. The major islands include Salt Spring (named for the saltwater spring discovered in the interior of the island), North and South Pender, Saturna, Galiano, Mayne and Gabriola. Access them by ferry from Swartz Bay (near Victoria) or Tsawwassen (near Vancouver); there are also inter-island ferries.

Salt Spring
Population 10,000

Salt Spring is the largest and most populated of the Gulf Islands and offers a year-round haven of lakes, meadows and woodlands, wild flowers, forested hillsides and picturesque settlements.

Galiano
Population 1,000

There is much to see and do here. There is a super marine park at Montague Harbour, miles of old logging trails and country lanes for walking, biking and horseback riding and archeological sites to explore. Mount Galiano (1,100 feet above sea level) offers wonderful views of Active Pass.

Mayne
Population 900

Mayne is a quiet island with a colourful past. During the Fraser River/Cariboo Gold Rush of the mid-1800's, Victoria miners gathered at Miners' Bay before rowing across Georgia Strait to the mainland. Their legacy includes historic farm houses, churches and shops.

North and South Pender
Population 2,000

Originally one island, the Penders are now bisected by a narrow channel spanned by a bridge. The Penders offer many hidden coves and beaches (17 beaches at last count) with great swimming and picnic sites.

Saturna
Population 325

The southernmost Gulf Island, Saturna, is a peaceful island of hillside trails, forest, ocean-side parks and great fishing. There are no campsites and accommodation is limited to a few cozy bed and breakfast homes.

Gabriola
Population 4,000

Gabriola offers incredible vistas of both Vancouver Island and the mainland mountains, jagged sandstone cliffs and unique sandstone beaches, marine parks for scuba diving and sailing and country roads for walking or cycling.

Visit our Gulf Islands section for additional information about these islands.