Summer Paradise Found on B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands

Have you ever returned to a destination and wondered, “Why has it taken me so long to get back here?”

Such were my thoughts landing by Seair float plane in the sheltered calm of Montague Harbour on Galiano Island. In less than a minute, I was lighter in step and spirit, congratulating myself on my decision to come back to the Southern Gulf Islands.

Galiano, along with Saturna, Mayne, Pender and Salt Spring Islands, make up a quintet of idyllic isles less than a 30-minute flight or 1.5-hour BC Ferries ride across the Salish Sea from the Lower Mainland. Their serene beauty, culinary delights and natural splendour are proof that you don’t have to go far to find paradise—it’s right here in our own backyard.

Here’s how to enjoy a great getaway in B.C.’s bucolic Southern Gulf Islands.

Galiano Island

Long and lean, the quiet beauty of nature is ever present on Galiano. Explore one of many island trails on a forested walk to Cable Bay and solitary Pebble Beach on the island’s eastern shore. A more rigorous hike awaits in Bodega Ridge Provincial Park with the four-kilometre Bodega Ridge Trail, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular vistas of Trincomali Channel and Vancouver Island.

Enjoy breakfast or lunch al fresco at The Pink Geranium at Bodega Ridge or an egg sammie at family-run Oxeye in Sturdies Bay. Rent a kayak from Gulf Island Kayaking and paddle around the sandstone cliffs of Parker Island and along the Trans Canada Marine Trail, keeping watch for curious seals, seabirds and the occasional passing orca. Plan a visit to Montague Harbour Marine Park, an easily accessible public park with a large grassy area, swimming spot and a famous white shell beach that’s ideal for watching a summer sunset.

Mayne Island

Enjoy a peaceful retreat or be as active as you wish while boating, hiking, biking, nature touring or beachcombing this island community popular with nature lovers. Pick up provisions, freshly made sandwiches and salads at Farm Gate Store, where produce and local berries are picked in the morning and sold in the afternoon.

Head to Georgina Point to access Active Lighthouse Pass and its spectacular views across the Salish Sea. This park is a great spot to watch marine activity in Active Pass, look for sea life and enjoy unforgettable sunsets. Stroll through the reflective spaces of the Japanese Memorial Gardens; its water features, flowers and foliage create beautiful vignettes in every season. Connect with nature in waterfront St. John Point Regional Park and explore coastal beaches, enjoy birding and walk through forest trails or along the park’s more challenging rocky bluffs.

Pender Island

Technically two islands, North and South Pender are divided by a narrow channel but pack a charming one-two punch of natural beauty and vibrant small island amenities. Set your clock to island time and fuel up on supplies and goodies in the shops of Driftwood Centre. Enjoy a three-kilometre round-trip hike up Mount Norman in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve for beautiful views of neighbouring Southern Gulf and San Juan Islands.

Try your hand on the 27-hole course at the island’s popular Golf Island Disc Park. The course is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and don’t forget your running shoes—you’ll be getting your steps in here. Head to Coffee + Kitchen at WOODs on Pender for delicious locally sourced food, artisanal coffees and cocktails. Drive to the southern point of Pender and enjoy a walk in Brooks Point Regional Park’s grassy meadow to a sheltered beach that’s ideal for a sunset picnic.

Saturna Island

This remote island has some of the most beautiful wilderness and rural landscapes among the Southern Gulf Islands. Home to a small, close-knit community, you’re likely to meet more wildlife (think feral goats, wild horses) than people.

Explore the natural beauty of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, which protects over half of the island’s landscape. Drive or hike to the summit of Mount Warburton Pike, the highest peak in the Southern Gulf Islands. Sip crisp estate wines and enjoy elevated cuisine on the outdoor patio of the Feral Goat Bistro overlooking the vines at Sage Hayward Vineyards. On weekends, La Cucina dishes up savoury Napolitan pizza pies. Get on the water and launch a kayak in sheltered Winter Cove or explore inlets and coves on a private marine charter with Wet Coast Marine.

Salt Spring Island

As the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring can give off “busy big brother” vibes compared to the laid-back state of its island brethren. The larger population here lends the village of Ganges a vibrant bustle and supports a great variety of restaurants, cafés and retail shops. Grab a selection of freshly baked organic pastries and cool bevies at Francis Bread, then head to the village to browse the arts, crafts and food stalls at the fantastic Salt Spring Saturday Market.

Find ready-made sweet and savoury picnic supplies at The Woodshed and a selection of artisanal goat cheeses from Salt Spring Island Cheese, then head to Mount Maxwell Provincial Park for stunning views over Burgoyne Bay, Fulford Harbour and the Gulf Islands. Be sure to leave some bills behind in the honour boxes when choosing from the many fruit and flower farmstands dotting the winding island roads.

Islanders practice a wide variety of holistic wellness traditions, from yoga and meditation to Reiki stress-reduction sessions. Book a private forested hydrotherapy session at Solace Organic Spa to truly immerse yourself in the sublime spirit of Salt Spring.