Gulf Islands

Travel Guide

Photo provided by L J Brown Photography
Government Street showing a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza
Gulf Islands
British Columbia Parliament Building which includes a park, heritage architecture and a fountain
Photo provided by TerrillWelchArtist.com

Nestled between Vancouver and mainland British Columbia find charming communities and beautiful scenery spread across more than 200 islands.

Tour wineries, farmers’ markets, artists’ colonies and more in the Gulf Islands. Take your time discovering all that this archipelago has to offer, with over 200 islands including a dozen large and populated ones to explore. The area’s unique Mediterranean climate makes it a great destination throughout the year.

Immerse yourself in Salt Spring Island’s bohemian atmosphere. As the largest and most populated island in the archipelago, it also has the most options for amenities. Visit the famous farmers’ market in Centennial Park or explore the many restaurants and galleries around the island.

Enjoy the bucolic beauty of Pender Island. Tee off on the nine-hole golf course or learn about the area’s history at the Pender Island Museum. Go scuba diving to discover the underwater sights.

Check out the iconic red and white lighthouse on Mayne Island. Rent a bike and circumnavigate the island, passing lush wilderness, rugged shorelines and charming farmsteads.

Discover the rugged beauty of Saturna Island. As one of the least populated islands in the archipelago, its mountains and forests are unspoiled. Go down to the renowned whale-watching spot on East Point, where you have a good chance of spotting orcas throughout the year.

Explore as much of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve as you can. The park is spread across 15 islands, notably the larger southern Gulf Islands, including Saturna, Pender and Mayne. Explore the area by hiking, biking, boating or kayaking. Keep watch for an incredible array of wildlife, from birds to whales.

Visit the Gulf Islands throughout the year. Arrive and get around by ferry or floatplane. Whether your idea of relaxation is in a bustling village or on a quiet beach, you will feel a million miles away from the rest of the world. When you’re ready to rejoin the mainland, Vancouver is just a ferry ride away.

Where to stay in Gulf Islands

Victoria which includes a city, street scenes and a house

Downtown Victoria

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Victoria. Make a stop by Victoria Royal Theatre or Bay Centre while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Victoria
Victoria Harbour featuring heritage elements and a bay or harbor

Inner Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Inner Harbour. Make a stop by Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal or Victoria Harbour while you're exploring the area.

Inner Harbour
Victoria showing a coastal town and a marina

James Bay

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of James Bay. Make a stop by Victoria Harbour or Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal while you're exploring the area.

James Bay
The largest urban forest on the Saanich Peninsula.

Saanich East

While visiting Saanich East, you might make a stop by sights like Lochside Regional Trail and Cadboro Bay.

Saanich East
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Saanich West

While there might not be top attractions in Saanich West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Princess Louisa Inlet and Lochside Regional Trail.

Saanich West
Beacon Hill Park showing kite surfing and general coastal views

Fairfield

Unique features of Fairfield include the historic sites and seaside views. Make a stop by Cook Street Village or Ross Bay Cemetery while you're exploring the area.

Fairfield
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
3.5 out of 5
740 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC
The price is P14,479 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
P14,479
P16,963 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,200 reviews)
"Great customer service…"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Hotel Grand Pacific
Hotel Grand Pacific
4 out of 5
463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
The price is P12,284 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P12,284
P14,392 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,259 reviews)
"Everything was excellent except for parking entrance is in the back."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Hotel Grand Pacific
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress
4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
The price is P17,889 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P17,889
P20,959 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Victoria. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,123 reviews)
"the historic property the high tea the evening sips all an experience that was a true delight"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Fairmont Empress
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
810 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,944 reviews)
Great for family visits
"Room spacious and view nice. Lobby special with fish pond. Parking easy in the garage. Location convenient for walking downtown and to the harbour, museums etc. the pool was big enough to swim laps and the temperature was just right."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Cusheon Lake Resort
Cusheon Lake Resort
3 out of 5
171 Natalie Lane, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Cusheon Lake and Salt Spring Vineyards ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (216 reviews)
"Amazing...a 3 star that is 5 star for nature lovers! Log cabins with kitchen and comfortable beds, real fire places with ample free dry wood topped up daily, view of the lake. 2 hot tubs and sauna, free access to plenty of canoes, kayaks and paddle boards any time you want, small but good size quiet ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

Cusheon Lake Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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