A variety of bc ferries vessels sails to saltspring, galiano, mayne, and pender islands from tsawwassen on the lower mainland and swartz bay on vancouver island. Information on cycling tours, events, cyclefriendly accommodations and restaurants, bike rentals, cycling organizations, transportation and maps to guide you through cycle tours of vancouver island and the san juan and gulf islands. You can also combine galiano with biking tours of other islands for a gulf islands vacation. Nestled in canadas southwest corner, below the 49th parallel, this exquisite archipelago is the unsung vacation hero of canada and maybe even north america. Bike to hilltop panoramas of labyrinthine channels and rugged sandstone outcrops glimmering in the sun. Although roads are frequently undulating, with a little more up than down according to weary cyclists, they are quiet and varied. On the larger islands a few are accessible by road but on the smaller islands access is by water only. From victoria, strap your rented bicycle to a bus rack. The gulf islands are well served by float plane companies for scheduled and charter flights. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price. Vancouver island and the gulf islands island hop along canadas west coast by bicycle and ferry on this newfor2020 tour. The fleet of bc ferries that services them is not as large nor are the sailings as frequent.
Map of vancouver island and gulf islands bc maps go bc travel. Featuring over 30 adventures on 11 different islands, each route includes a map and detailed information on local history, topography, aesthetics, places of interest, type. For interisland travel to the southern gulf islands of pender, mayne, saturna, galiano and saltspring island, board bc ferries from either crofton or swartz bay. These islands, part of a chain of 6,000 islands that shelter the british columbia coastline between washington and alaska, lie beyond the quickaccess range of vancouver and victoria. And get set to experience the most delicious smoked salmon youve ever tasted.
Gulf islands national park reserve of canada was established in 2003 by parks canada to protect the areas unique ecosystem. Islands virtual tours maps hotels real estate photos ferry schedule tidal chart salmon fishing videos social media bc wine b. Stressed vancouverites love escaping into the restorative arms of these laidback islands, strung like a shimmering necklace between the mainland and vancouver island. Seakayak on the calm waters of montague harbor, where you might spot harbor seals and bald eagles. Galiano cycling on galiano safety tips for cyclists island. Map of the largest island in a group sprinkled in between vancouver island and the british columbia mainland. Gulf islands british columbia travel guide gulf islands. Kettle valley railway, bc one of the best bike trips in canada. Gabriola, galiano, mayne, salt spring, saturna and the two pender islands. After using and cherishing rmb guide books for decades, i was extremely disappointed with this one.
Victoria and gulf islands national park reserve bc marine. Of the many beautiful and remote gulf islands off the coast of vancouver in british columbia, salt spring island is undeniably the best for cycling. All are located off the east coast of vancouver island and the west coast of the bc mainland. The southernmost of the gulf islands chain, saturna is situated approximately midway between the lower mainland of bc and vancouver island, and is the most easterly of the gulf islands. We have 15 luxury homes for sale in gulf islands, and 367 homes in all of british columbia. An initial trail planning process for the southern gulf islands was undertaken in 202014 in association with the southern gulf islands economic sustainability commissions experience the gulf islands initiative. Travel guide to the gulf islands, canada gulf islands. Northern bushcraft freecamping on the gulf islands. Each sale listing includes detailed descriptions, photos, amenities and neighborhood information for gulf. Southern gulf islands travel british columbia, canada. Featuring over 30 adventures on 11 different islands, each route includes a map and detailed information on local history, topography, aesthetics, places. Maps for the other south gulf islands, including galiano, mayne, saturna and some of the smaller surrounding islands, are in production at a leisurely island pace. Vancouver island and the gulf islands are a popular destination for cycle touring. Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change.
Bc gulf islands, saltspring island, pender island, galiano. The gulf islands archipelago consists of 14 main tourism destination islands. Recently named the cycling capital of canada, victoria is home to several excellent routes. Map of the southern gulf islands british columbia travel. Home freecamping on the gulf islands freecamping on the gulf islands freecamping is the semiunderground activity of pitching your tent outside of a designated camping area on a beach, in a forest, up a mountain, or anywhere that you are unlikely to. Ensure that you have the level of training and experience necessary to take responsibility for your safety. Discover one of western canadas most appealing regions with its endless panoramic views of the inland archipelago and olympic peninsula. Map identifies routes and features, hills, distances, trails, parks, services, natural and local history and details ganges, largest town on the island.
These are not big islands, but a car is still helpful for exploringalthough they are perfect for cycling, so that may be an even better way to get around, and youll find bike rental shops throughout the islands. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Cycling the islands is the ultimate guidebook for those travellers looking to explore the beauty and splendour of british columbias gulf islands and the american san juan islands by bicycle featuring over 30 adventures on 11 different islands, each route includes a map and detailed information on local history, topography, aesthetics, places of interest, type of road, general. The bc epic is a selfsupported bikepacking race with a grand depart each june that follows the trans bc from merritt to fernie. Unique accommodations on the southern gulf islands. Bc ferries connects the gulf islands to each other and to the mainland. Ferries to reach the main gulf islands on foot, bicycle or vehicle, travelling through some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
The largest island is vancouver island, comparable in size to the island of japan. The larger gulf islands are gabriola, saltspring, pender, saturna, mayne and galiano. Here in the sunny gulf islands, visitors can swim and fish in protected waters or scuba dive to open up a world of treasures. There are 225 gulf islands, many of which are quite small and only accessible by private boat. Gulf islands bc maps salt spring, mayne, galiano, pender and saturna. The gulf islands are actually two unique groupings of islands off of the coast of british columbia. Gulf island maps salt spring, galiano, mayne, pender. This book was less useful than the free maps you pick up on the bc ferries ride over maps that i came to rely on. The bike rides described below take you from british columbia to newfoundland with lots of great choices in between. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The islands and surrounding ocean are rich with ecologically diverse plants and sea life including garry oaks, wild lilies, kelp beds and orcas.
Ask somebody if they know of the gulf islands, and chances are they dont. Superb scenery and exquisite cuisine are all around you in british columbias stunning gulf islands. Welcome to southern gulf islands southern gulf islands. Various routes through the gulf islands are described in island hopping in the gulf islands. Whether youre looking for a luxury island getaway with all the amenities or a rustic island experience with adventure around every corner, the gulf islands. A current map of the island includes core details for 14 cities on the island. Every year visitors from all over british columbia and from around the world are drawn to the southern gulf islands for unique cultural and outdoor experiences. However, wed like to make a stop to the gulf islands and only have time to spend 2 nights on one of them. There are basically two ways to get to the gulf islands by plane or by boat.
A day trip from the sturdies bay ferry takes you to a number of intimate shore access points. Known as the southern gulf islands and the san juan islands, these islands are blessed by a mediterraneantype climatewarm and dry in the summer and mild and wet in the winter. While included here, because of their location at the northern end of the gulf of georgia, cortes and quadra islands are often categorized as part of the northern gulf islands. Close knit, over 200 islands with fascinating shorelines, warm waters and a submediterranean climate, protected cozy passages and new discoveries around every bend. Information on cycling tours, events, cycle friendly accommodations and restaurants, bike rentals, cycling organizations, transportation and maps to guide you through cycle tours of vancouver island and the san juan and gulf islands. The reserve safeguards some of british columbias southern gulf islands. Passing through several unique geographic regions and quirky towns that provide great resupply points along the way. Bicycling the vancouver island and the gulf islands. British columbias beautiful gulf islands are one of canada and the worlds biggest tourist destinations. Map of the gulf islands, british columbia, canada eh canada. Here are what i think are 10 of the best bike trips in canada all personally tested.
When visiting gulf islands national park reserve, you are in an area where rescue services and medical assistance may take time to reach you in case of an emergency. Saturna has a permanent population of around 350, although that number increases significantly during the busy summer season. Gulf islands, bc biking a fun way to explore the islands. Sailing and cruising the gulf islands, british columbia ahoy bc. The area is home to gulf islands national park reservean ecological paradise of land pockets on 15 islands, plus numerous small islets and reef areas. The southern gulf islands, clustered near the base of vancouver island, are the most frequently visited of the two and are best known for seven unique islands. O ff the southern coast of british columbia and washington state lies a collection of islands, islets and reefs with rocky shorelines and steep headlands.
Top outdoor activities on the southern gulf islands tourism. There are general area charts that cover from port townsend, to vancouver, but the majority of the charts are more detailed covering the gulf islands, part of the san juan islands, and from. Follow the green and white bike route signs on the right side of the city streets. The gulf islands are the most visited region on the bc coast. Homes listings include vacation homes, apartments, penthouses, luxury retreats, lake homes, ski chalets, villas, and many more lifestyle options. Whether you rent a bike or bring your own, the gulf islands provide a perfect destination for cyclists seeking adventure. C amping is very limited in the gulf islands but fortunately the gulf islands national park has numerous campgrounds available.
Cycling the islands is the ultimate guidebook for those travellers looking to explore the beauty and splendour of british columbias gulf islands and the american san juan islands by bicycle. It is, hands down, my favorite place to spend a summer. The most amazing places to cycle in british columbia. British columbias gulf islands stretch from victoria to nanaimo on the east coast of vancouver island in the strait of georgia. Pender islands have just been put online for the purposes of demonstration and getting established in the search engines.
These routes follow some of the most quiet, scenic roads and bike trails in north america. Every year, thousands of cyclists trek to the gulf islands in search of secluded country roads and scenic offroad trails taking you on a tour of natural beauty, leading you to hilltops for fabulous views and down to the beach for an afternoon swim. Good restaurants and a vast array of arts and crafts add to the mix. If youre visiting victoria and have an extra day or two, its well worth hopping over to one or more of the southern gulf islands.
Formerly colonized by hippies and us draft dodgers, salt spring, galiano, mayne, saturna, and north and south pender deliver on. Galiano island is the perfect destination for a bc gulf islands cycling trip. British columbia washington vancouver island duke point kitim at to the alaska highway haida gwaii fiordland recreation. Galiano cycling on galiano safety tips for cyclists island l. Made up of over 200 islands, the gulf islands of british columbia are one of bcs most popular visitor destinations. With excellent sports and recreation including boating, hiking, cycling and diving, this year round paradise offers the outdoor adventurer numerous options. Within these islands there are 5 major islands which are serviced by daily ferries from both vancouver and victoria. The gulf islands, british columbia guide fodors travel.
The gulf islands are the islands in the strait of georgia also known as the salish sea or the gulf of georgia, between vancouver island and the mainland of british columbia, canada according to bc geographical names bcgnis the name gulf islands was originally intended and commonly understood to refer to the archipelago at the southern end of the strait of. Information was gathered at meetings and public events regarding where future trails on the islands were desired. Foot passengers can take a day trip to a number of islands. Camping gulf islands national park, british columbia. Live oaks bicycling route maps are available at the william m. The gulf islands national park reserve is one of the biggest water attractions because it has such a long list of places to paddle to or from.
Gulf islands offers a wide range of camping experiences from car camping to backcountry adventures. Were planning a 2week trip to vancouver island at the end of may and have most of our itinerary planned. By ferry unless you have a private boat, youll need to take a ferry, which is how most people get to the gulf islands. Saltspring, mayne, galiano, pender, and saturna fitted with small cozy villages, accommodations, art galleries, park lands, and. Just off the coast of vancouver island, the southern gulf islands are a distinctive and visually stunning region to explore. A local company called island pathways has assisted in making the island more bike friendly, with extra bike racks installed across the island and the development of a bike route map. Island living is a unique and serene experience, one we recommend to anyone looking to recharge and connect. Sea life from sand dollars to whales may spring into view as your gaze sweeps over coastal waters, and get a. Good map for planning multiday tours or targeting regions for short trips. In addition there are also the san juan islands on the us side of the border and islands in the johnstone strait near campbell river. Map of gulf islands ferry routes british columbia travel. Cycling opportunities on vancouver island, the gulf islands. Nb most of the islands in this section are river or lake islands, not coastal islands. Gulf islands see inset alliford bay sandspit langdale earls cove saltery bay port mcneill sointula alert bay.
Eagles and seabirds swirl in the skies above the salish sea, sheltered, isletdotted waters teeming with seals, otters, orcas and pods of porpoises. Discover british columbias gulf islands coastal living. Each has its own charm, with natural history and coastal scenery unique in north america. Despite the areas pacific northwest locale, the gulf islands benefit from the rain shadow effect, which gives them a cool mediterranean climate with more than 2,000 hours of sunshine and only 30 inches of rain a year. Bike quiet rolling hills along pristine coastline, lush cedar forests and bucolic inland pastures. The festival brings together growers, food providers and chefs, local craft brewers and vintners. Gulf islands, sunshine coast, major roads, ferry connections, parks, and regional context. I was recently in the gulf islands mayne, galiano, pender and saltspring for a twoweek trip, camping by bike. Free wheeling is one of the most popular tourist activities on the gulf islands. The main islands, nearest victoria, are salt spring, pender, mayne, and saturna. The gulf islands are one of british columbias best kept secrets.
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