Bowen Island

A 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove. 

Find small shops and galleries, restaurants and pubs, and explore Crippen Regional Park and beaches.

For more info visit BowenIsland.com

Galiano Island

A 35-minute ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Sturdies Bay. 

Find some of the most incredible scenery at Dionisio Point Provincial Park, and go hiking, kayaking, cycling or boating. Explore the Douglas fir forest and stay in a cottage, inn, or bed and breakfast. The island has several restaurants and cafes, galleries and shops.

For more info visit GalianoIsland.com

Mayne Island

A 55-minute ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Sturdies Bay to Village Bay.

Find sandstone caves, beaches and trails for hiking. This is a small, quiet island with government docks. There are plenty of cabins, bed and breakfasts and resorts. Go kayaking, scuba diving or cycling, and check out Bennett Bay Beach. Hike through the Mount Park forest for terrific high-point views of the surrounding islands.

For more info visit MayneIsland.com

Pender Islands

A 75-minute ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Sturdies Bay to Otter Bay.

Two islands joined together by a bridge, known for hidden coves and more than 20 ocean beaches. Go swimming, kayaking, cycling, hiking or boating.

For more info visit PenderIsland.info

Saturna Island

A 90-minute ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Sturdies Bay to Village Bay to Lyall Harbour. 

This is the southernmost of the Gulf Islands with quiet beaches, parks and an oceanfront vineyard winery. Go hiking, boating, cycling, kayaking or beachcombing. There are no public campgrounds on the island, but accommodations include bed & breakfasts, cottages and a lodge. There are two general stores, a bakery, pub and a couple of small shops.

For more info visit the Saturna Island Tourism Association

Gabriola Island

A 95-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo's Departure Bay, then a 20-minute ferry ride from Departure Bay to Descanso Bay.

Known for its sandstone formations, petroglyphs, beaches and parks, this is also an island of artisans. Explore craft shops, galleries and studios. Go cycling, scuba diving, kayaking, boating or hiking.

For more info visit GabriolaIsland.org

Salt Spring Island

A 95-minute ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Victoria's Swartz Bay, then a 35-minute ferry ride from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour.

Salt Spring is the largest and most populated of the southern Gulf Islands. It's named after the fourteen natural salt springs at its northern end. There are several art galleries, shops and craft studios, and through the summer the island hosts Artcraft, a Saturday market showcasing the works of island residents.

Explore a provincial park and campground, eleven freshwater lakes, and go golfing, cycling, swimming, kayaking, boating or fishing.

There are multiple options for accommodations, and restaurants including vegetarian, ethnic, pubs and fine dining.

For more info visit SaltSpringIsland.org

Denman and Hornby Islands

From Vancouver, take a 95-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo's Departure Bay. Travel north on Vancouver Island to Buckley Bay then take a 10-minute ferry from Buckley Bay to Denman West. To get to Hornby Island, travel to Denman's Gravelly Bay then take a 10-minute ferry to Shingle Spit.

For more info visit DenmanIsland.com and HornbyIsland.net

Quadra and Cortes Islands

From Vancouver, take a 95-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo's Departure Bay. Travel north on Vancouver Island to Campbell River, then take a 10-minute ferry to Quathiaski Cove. To get to Cortes Island, travel across Quadra to Heriot Bay, then take a 45-minute ferry to Whaletown.

For more info visit QuadraIsland.ca and CortesIsland.com

Texada Island

From Vancouver, take a 95-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo's Departure Bay. Travel north on Vancouver Island to Comox's Little River, then take a 80-minute ferry to Powell River (Westview). From there take a 35-minute ferry to Blubber Bay.

For more info visit the Sunshine Coast Texada Island page