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Southern Gulf Islands

· Southern Gulf Islands, BC

Why you should go…

Southern Gulf Islands Travel & Tourism is the destination marketing organization for five islands off the coast of British Columbia: Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender and Saturna. The islands are known for arts and culture, farm dining, wineries and outdoor recreation a short ferry ride from Vancouver Island and the mainland. The organization's site lists accommodations, activities, events and trip-planning resources across the islands.

  • #islands
  • #arts
  • #outdoor
  • #wineries
  • #ferry

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Southern Gulf Islands, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Butchart Gardens

    $25–$50

    A 55-acre National Historic Site of Canada near Victoria with sunken, rose, Japanese and Italian display gardens.

    9.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Orca Spirit Adventures

    $50+

    Whale watching boat tours from Victoria's harbour in search of orcas, humpbacks and other marine wildlife.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Prince of Whales

    $50+

    Whale and marine wildlife boat tours departing from Victoria and Vancouver in search of orcas and humpbacks.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    Point Roberts

    Free

    Chamber of commerce for the isolated US exclave community of Point Roberts, reachable overland only through Canada.

    30 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Gray Line Vancouver Trolley Tours

    $25–$50

    Hop-on hop-off trolley tours through downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and Granville Island with onboard commentary.

    48 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Vancouver's North Shore

    Free

    Official visitor guide for North Vancouver and West Vancouver, across the water from downtown Vancouver.

    53 mi awayMore like this