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Southern Gulf Islands, Southern Gulf Islands, BC
SightseeingLocal GemOutdoor Adventure

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.

  • Sightseeing
    Free Entry

    Sidney Visitor Information Centre

    Free

    Volunteer-staffed visitor centre on Beacon Avenue in Sidney by the Sea, the seaside town next to Victoria's airport and the BC Ferries terminal.

    8.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Victoria Butterfly Gardens

    Under $25

    Indoor tropical jungle in Brentwood Bay with thousands of free-flying butterflies from up to 70 species, plus flamingos, parrots, poison dart frogs and tortoises.

    8.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • 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

  • Sightseeing
    Free Entry

    Oak Bay Tourism

    Free

    Non-profit destination office for Oak Bay, Victoria's seaside neighbourhood of village shops, beaches, golf, kayaking and whale watching, 3 km from downtown.

    10 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Saanich Municipal Hall

    Free

    Municipal hall of Saanich, Greater Victoria's most populous district, home to Mount Douglas (PKOLS), Mount Tolmie and the beaches of Cadboro and Cordova Bay.

    10 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Historic

    Craigdarroch Castle

    Under $25

    Victorian-era mansion of coal baron Robert Dunsmuir in Victoria, a National Historic Site restored to show 1890s life over four floors and 87 stairs.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums