Gulf Islands, British Columbia

The Gulf Islands lie off the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island. Regular ferry service from Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland operates among the islands. Ferries take cars, motorcycles, bicycles, canoes, and kayaks, making island-hopping popular. The terrain includes sandy beaches, mountain peaks, and pastoral farms. The Gulf Islands are a welcome respite from the hectic pace of Vancouver on the mainland and Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

The climate of the Gulf Islands is Mediterranean-like: mild and dry. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy swimming, windsurfing, scuba diving, beachcombing, boating, bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding. Birdwatching is a prime activity; cormorants, harlequin ducks, blue herons, oystercatchers, ospreys, and bald eagles are commonly seen. The prolific marine life also includes sea lions, harbor seals, and killer whales. Scuba diving enthusiasts find octopi, wolf eels, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sea urchins, and sea pens in the Gulf Island waters.

Salt Spring Island is the largest and most populated island. Ganges, the largest village, is home to numerous art galleries, arts-and-crafts fairs, and Saturday morning markets. Some of Canada's best-known painters live on Salt Spring Island.

Pender Island consists of two islands, North Pender Island and South Pender Island, connected by a narrow wooden bridge. Hamilton Beach on North Pender Island is a great spot for surf fishing, picnicking, and soaking up some sunshine. South Pender Island is the site of the Beaumont Provincial Marine Park.

Galiano Island was named for the Spanish explorer who sailed through the Strait of Georgia over 200 years ago. The best way to explore the island's waterways is by guided sea kayak tours. Hiking along beaches and through forests of Douglas fir is popular at Montague Harbour Provincial Park.

For a total getaway, visit Thetis Island, the smallest of the Southern Gulf Islands. Two marinas have charter boats that take visitors on daily deep-sea fishing jaunts. Farther north in the Strait of Georgia is Gabriola Island, boasting long stretches of unspoiled coastline and abundant wildlife. Within the Gabriola Sands Provincial Park are sandstone cliffs eroded into various shapes by wind and water. Biking enthusiasts will enjoy the roads encircling the island, stopping at petroglyphs, secluded bays, and overlooks along the way.

Whether choosing total relaxation on sun-drenched beaches, non-stop outdoor activity, or the refinement of arts and crafts, the Gulf Islands offer vacationers the opportunity to rejuvenate the spirit.

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