Southern Gulf Islands

There are hundreds of islands scattered between British Columbia’s mainland and Vancouver Island. With easy ferry access from Vancouver and Victoria, Galiano Island, Salt Spring Island, Mayne Island, Pender Island, and Saturna Island in the Southern Gulf Islands are the most popular.

The islands have rolling, forested terrain with low, rocky summits that provide great views. The shoreline provides endless variation with sculpted sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and pebbled coves. Provincial, regional, and national parks are sprinkled throughout the islands.

Each island has its own personality. Salt Spring is the largest and most populated, home to the bustling town of Ganges and popular Ruckle Provincial Park. This is also the most mountainous island, with several summits to climb.

Pender Island is actually two islands (North Pender and South Pender), connected by a narrow bridge. Most of the locals live on North Pender, but you’ll find hiking trails and sections of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on both islands.

On long and narrow Galiano Island, hikers can explore waterfront Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Parks or enjoy the views from Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. But the island’s signature trail is the summit of 314 m-tall Mount Galiano.

Mayne Island is the smallest island with ferry service, but it has lots to offer outdoor adventurers. Explore Bennett Bay in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Hike the trails at Mount Parke Regional Park. Or discover short trails in several community parks.

Sleepy Saturna Island has the lowest population. Over half of the island is protected inside Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. East Point Regional Park juts out into Boundary Pass, making it one of the best places for land-based whale watching in BC.

Trails located in the Southern Gulf Islands region: