Day Trips to the Gulf Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands make up one of the most ecologically distinctive and fragile areas in southern Canada.
They are beautiful, serene places, within relatively easy reach from Vancouver’s Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Galiano Island- The skinniest, driest and least agricultural of the islands, Galiano retains most of its unspoiled characteristics. You can spend hours spotting bald eagles, cormorants and gulls, and when the herring are running, California Sea Lions and the Killer Whales appear.
Mayne- A leisurely hike up Mount Peake yields splendid views, and on most days, you won’t see another person in sight! It definitely isn’t one of the more popular of the Gulf Islands, but if you are looking to spend some “alone time”, this is the island to go to.
Salt Spring- Locals have united over organic farming practices and with the huge artisan scene, the locals have created a lively arts and crafts experience for visitors. Rustic accommodations are available for around $60 a night. Salt Spring Island is probably the most popular of the Gulf Islands, but it is full of charm and well worth it for those who like to shopping and visiting with the locals.
Saturna- On the spectacular bluff walk east of Mount Warburton Pike, you’re likely to see feral goats, killer whales along the rocky shore and everyone waves at you as they drive by. Not many tourist travel here, so there is lots of open spaces to explore on your own.
Pender- Although people refer to Pender Island in the singular, there are actually two islands connected by a single lane bridge. North Pender, the most populous, is home to most of the islands 2400 residents and the Otter Bay ferry terminal. South Pender is mostly rolling farm land. Time moves slowly here, and you can spend you time on the sandy beach at Mortimer Spit or exploring hidden coves.
Getting There:
By Ferry – BC Ferries offer frequent service to the islands from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. bcferries.com
By Air – Seair services all islands from YVR’s south terminal. seairseaplanes.com
Harbour air services Pender and Salt Spring islands with departures from downtown Vancouver and YVR’s south terminal. harbour-air.com
5 Comments
For more information about Salt Spring’s best arts and organics, see the island’s friendliest travel site: http://www.saltspringmarket.com
Cheers,
from the island!
Helene,
Thanks so much for the comment. I hope lots of people visit your link!
Have a great day!
KennyG
In your getting to section, don’t forget Saltspring is very proud to have its own airline, flying to Saltspring several times a day from Vancouver down town, Vancouver airport, Maple Bay and the gulf islands. http://www.saltspringair.com
Hey there SSI,
Thanks for the comment. I never knew there was an airline for Salt Springs Island. If everything fairs well with the blog after this month…I will be sure to write a store about it!!
Have a great day!
KennyG
you can find them on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_Spring_Air
and on the company web site http://www.saltspringair.com