Want to see wildlife? The Gulf Islands is the right place. You’ll find black-tailed deer, seals, whales, songbirds, sea birds, sea lions and porpoises. Biking, hiking and kayaking are some of the best ways to explore the islands. Choose your mode of transport and get going!
Meet You at the Market. Salt Spring Saturday Market on the waterfront in Ganges is famous for a reason: there’s lots to see and do. Oh, yeah… and the Salt Spring fruitsicles! You’ll find more than 140 vendors who sell what they make, bake or grow. saltspringmarket.com
See the Seashells at the Seashore. Montague Harbour was declared the province’s first marine park in 1959, and the area has been home to Coast Salish people for over 3,800 years. You’ll find middens made of discarded clam, oyster and abalone shells. Crushed by storms and bleached by the sun, the shells have created beautiful white beaches, perfect for exploring. bcparks.ca
Play in Paradise. Visit Big Tribune Bay on Hornby Island, dubbed “Hawaii of the North” for its crystal-clear blue waters and sweeping sandy beach. With lots of tidal pools to explore at low tide, this Hornby favourite provides a day’s worth of to-dos so pack a picnic and beach toys and kick off your shoes. bcparks.ca
Commandeer a Kayak. Go kayaking on Galiano Island with a kayak from Gulf Island Kayaking and see the sandstone shoreline and maybe even a whale or two. As the original kayak outfitter in the Southern Gulf Islands, the owners chose Galiano Island as its base because of the exceptional beauty of the island’s undeveloped coastline, the abundance of diverse wildlife and the reliable tranquility of its sheltered waters. seakayak.ca
Find the Mountain Fairies. Follow the Fairy Door Trail at Mount Erskine on Salt Spring. A good, stiff hike up the 1,601-foot mountain takes you past twisted trees, mossy forest floors and an assortment of fairy doors. Be forewarned: the first door is further along the trail than you might expect. travelingislanders.com
Hit the Hilltops. Explore Helliwell Park on Hornby Island and take in some incredible views. This 5km hike is stroller friendly (with an all-terrain stroller). The expansive grass fields mean lots of room to roam but beware of the steep cliffs! bcparks.ca
Ramble on the Ridge. Hike along Galiano’s 75km of trails. One of the best hikes is the 90-minute roundtrip hike in Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. At the top, 1,076 feet above sea level, you’ll have a spectacular view of Trincomali Channel. Watch for endangered peregrine falcons in this safe critical habitat. bcparks.ca
Roam at Roesland. Walk the trail to beautiful Roe Lake on North Pender Island and take a dip. Roesland Park is another outpost of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve; while you’re here, explore the Pender Island Museum. gulfislandsnationalpark.com
Visit Vesuvius. Vesuvius Beach on the northwest coast of Salt Spring Island has warm swimming waters and stunning sunsets. Or check out St. Mary’s Lake where you’ll find a small public beach and a rope swing popular with locals. Cusheon and Stowell Lakes are also a hit with families. saltspringisland.org
Say Cheese! Visit the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company and take a peek through one of the viewing windows into the cheesemaking facility. Stay for lunch at the café and choose from house-made soups, pizza, salad and a delicious goat cheesecake for dessert. saltspringcheese.com
Try Out the Tree House Café. In Ganges, set amidst the trees, this quaint and quirky restaurant is a local favourite, one that Lonely Planet called “the kind of place where a hobbit would feel at home.” treehousecafe.ca
Scream for Ice Cream. To cool down, drop by Lix Ice Cream & Espresso on Hornby Island. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the building at Ringside Market, painted with as many colours as there are ice cream flavours.
