Southern Gulf Islands
Discover Southern Gulf Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands are the Canadian islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia in the Strait of Georgia. This area comprises around twelve inhabited islands, and several hundred more smaller islands and islets. The Gulf Islands are part of a large archipelago that includes Washington State's San Juan Islands. Many of these islands, and the waterways around them, carry the names of the Spanish and English explorers who arrived in the area in the 18th century. The Gulf Islands afford almost limitless opportunities for boating, kayaking, cycling, diving, hiking, or just communing with nature.
What to Experience in Southern Gulf Islands
Taste of Southern Gulf Islands...
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Climate
The area experiences the warm air from the Pacific Ocean jet stream, but the surrounding mountains of Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains strips that air of moisture creating a rain shadow effect. The summers are dry with only a few cloudy days which is classified as a Mediterranean climate. The winters, however, are influenced by Arctic air mixing with Pacific air flows resulting in heavy precipitation and cool temperatures. The area experiences an average of 838 mm (33 in) of precipitation each year, with over half of that falling in the four month period between October and February. BC Ferries, toll-free: +1-888-223-3779. Connects coastal British Columbia communities. (updated Jun 2022) Operates the following vehicle ferry routes: BC Ferry's ferry terminals on the Southern Gulf Islands include: Some of the islands are also served by seaplanes from either the Vancouver harbour or Vancouver International Airport.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsBC Ferries, toll-free: +1-888-223-3779. Connects coastal British Columbia communities. (updated Jun 2022) Operates the following vehicle ferry routes: BC Ferry's ferry terminals on the Southern Gulf Islands include: Some of the islands are also served by seaplanes from either the Vancouver harbour or Vancouver International Airport. Some of the Southern Gulf Islands are connected by an inner-island ferry service. However, you may have to travel to Vancouver Island to get from one island to another. There are also passenger only water-taxi services which can be used to travel between the islands. Salt Spring Island is the only Southern Gulf Island with public transit. The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve safeguards a portion of the gorgeous Gulf Islands archipelago. It is comprised of lands and marine areas spread out over 15 islands, as well as numerous islets and reefs....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Some of the Southern Gulf Islands are connected by an inner-island ferry service. However, you may have to travel to Vancouver Island to get from one island to another. There are also passenger only water-taxi services which can be used to travel between the islands. Salt Spring Island is the only Southern Gulf Island with public transit. The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve safeguards a portion of the gorgeous Gulf Islands archipelago. It is comprised of lands and marine areas spread out over 15 islands, as well as numerous islets and reefs. The larger islands of Saturna, Mayne and Pender are serviced by BC Ferries, while smaller islands are accessible by private watercraft, or chartered vessel. Self-guided artists' studio tours are available on Galiano, Salt Spring, and Gabriola Islands. Salt Spring also has its own boutique lavender farm. The Japanese gardens on Mayne Island were created by prisoners-of-war, and are now maintained by volunteers.
Money & Budget
There are art studios and craft shops on the populated islands, and in summer local produce is available direct from the farmers. Look out also for the local seafood. See the island articles for restaurants, bars, hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds. Availability varies by island.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Southern Gulf Islands
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest
Rainy walk in the west coast rainforest