Gulf Islands Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by L J Brown Photography
Government Street showing a square or plaza, a city and heritage architecture
Gulf Islands
British Columbia Parliament Building showing a park, heritage architecture and a fountain
Photo provided by TerrillWelchArtist.com
Nestled between Vancouver and mainland British Columbia find charming communities and beautiful scenery spread across more than 200 islands.

Tour wineries, farmers’ markets, artists’ colonies and more in the Gulf Islands. Take your time discovering all that this archipelago has to offer, with over 200 islands including a dozen large and populated ones to explore. The area’s unique Mediterranean climate makes it a great destination throughout the year.

Immerse yourself in Salt Spring Island’s bohemian atmosphere. As the largest and most populated island in the archipelago, it also has the most options for amenities. Visit the famous farmers’ market in Centennial Park or explore the many restaurants and galleries around the island.

Enjoy the bucolic beauty of Pender Island. Tee off on the nine-hole golf course or learn about the area’s history at the Pender Island Museum. Go scuba diving to discover the underwater sights.

Check out the iconic red and white lighthouse on Mayne Island. Rent a bike and circumnavigate the island, passing lush wilderness, rugged shorelines and charming farmsteads.

Discover the rugged beauty of Saturna Island. As one of the least populated islands in the archipelago, its mountains and forests are unspoiled. Go down to the renowned whale-watching spot on East Point, where you have a good chance of spotting orcas throughout the year.

Explore as much of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve as you can. The park is spread across 15 islands, notably the larger southern Gulf Islands, including Saturna, Pender and Mayne. Explore the area by hiking, biking, boating or kayaking. Keep watch for an incredible array of wildlife, from birds to whales.

Visit the Gulf Islands throughout the year. Arrive and get around by ferry or floatplane. Whether your idea of relaxation is in a bustling village or on a quiet beach, you will feel a million miles away from the rest of the world. When you’re ready to rejoin the mainland, Vancouver is just a ferry ride away.

Where to stay in Gulf Islands

Victoria featuring street scenes, a house and a city

Downtown Victoria

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Victoria. Make a stop by Victoria Royal Theatre or Bay Centre while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Victoria
Victoria Harbour which includes heritage elements and a bay or harbour

Inner Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Inner Harbour. Make a stop by Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal or Victoria Harbour while you're exploring the area.

Inner Harbour
Victoria featuring a coastal town and a marina

James Bay

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of James Bay. Make a stop by Fisherman's Wharf Park or Legislative Assembly of British Columbia while you're exploring the area.

James Bay
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Saanich East

If you're spending some time in Saanich East, Lochside Regional Trail and Cadboro Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Saanich East
Beacon Hill Park showing general coastal views and kite surfing

Fairfield

Unique features of Fairfield include the historical sites and seaside views. Make a stop by Cook Street Village or Beacon Hill Park while you're exploring the area.

Fairfield
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Fernwood

While visiting Fernwood, you might make a stop by sights like Lower Johnson Street and West Coast Trail.

Fernwood
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1175 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC
The price is AU$316 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
AU$316
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Another Wonderful Stay
"Another wonderful stay at Oak Bay Beach Hotel. We love it here and it never disappoints. We’ll be back again for sure."

Reviewed on 27 Jan. 2025

Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
9775 First St, Sidney, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$173 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
AU$173
includes taxes & fees
28 Feb - 1 Mar
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Sidney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (684 reviews)
"This was such a great spot. Super easy to walk, lots of shopping and quaint attractions, peaceful and just great place to visit."

Reviewed on 2 Feb. 2025

Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
849 Verdier Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
The price is AU$282 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
AU$282
includes taxes & fees
18 Feb - 19 Feb
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brentwood Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Lovely stay"

Reviewed on 30 Jan. 2025

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cusheon Lake Resort
Cusheon Lake Resort
3 out of 5
171 Natalie Lane, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Cusheon Lake and Salt Spring Vineyards ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (196 reviews)
"Cute and cozy. Definitely rustic cabins however suited exactly what I wanted. Incredibly peaceful."

Reviewed on 31 Jan. 2025

Cusheon Lake Resort
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards ...
9/10 Wonderful! (281 reviews)
"Beautiful cottage. Comfortable beds. Great views."

Reviewed on 17 Dec. 2024

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Garden cottage
Garden cottage
saltspring island
Stay at this cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Weston and Ruckle Provincial Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"Affordable and comfortable!"

Reviewed on 9 Jan. 2025

Garden cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Gulf Islands