Gulf Islands

Travel Guide

Photo provided by L J Brown Photography
Government Street featuring heritage architecture, a city and a square or plaza
Gulf Islands
British Columbia Parliament Building showing heritage architecture, a garden 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 featuring a city, street scenes and a house

Downtown Victoria

4.5/5(1,898 area reviews)

Downtown Victoria boasts a lively atmosphere with movie theatres, stage theatres, hotels, and various dining options. Explore tourist attractions like Bastion Square, Centennial Square, and the historic Chinatown.

Downtown Victoria
Victoria Harbour showing a bay or harbour and heritage elements

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 featuring a coastal town and a marina

James Bay

4.5/5(1,099 area reviews)

You can explore vibrant attractions like Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman's Wharf Park, and the Royal British Columbia Museum in this area near Victoria's Inner Harbour. Accessible via Belleville Street and other main roads, it also offers a HeliJet terminal and a US ferries terminal.

James Bay
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Saanich East

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Saanich East, you might make a stop by sights like Cadboro Bay and Cedar Hill Golf Course.

Saanich East
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Saanich West

4/5(1 area review)

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

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

Fairfield

4.5/5(48 area reviews)

Residential community featuring low-rise apartments and single-family homes, Fairfield boasts ocean waters perfect for wind surfing and para-sailing. Enjoy scenic views at Clover Point, and explore Cook Street Village's cafés, boutiques, and grocery stores.

Fairfield
Fairmont Empress

Fairmont Empress

4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
The price is CA $399 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $399
CA $468 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (2,231 reviews)
"Beautiful property, great location and service impeccable"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Fairmont Empress
Red Lion Inn and Suites

Red Lion Inn and Suites

3 out of 5
3366 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $198 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
CA $198
CA $228 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,367 reviews)
"Staff friendly. Room clean and comfortable. Parking easy on site FREE"

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Red Lion Inn and Suites
Hotel Grand Pacific

Hotel Grand Pacific

4 out of 5
463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
The price is CA $263 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $263
CA $308 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (2,527 reviews)
"The room and view were excellent. You could use a small gift shop for snacks and other items. The pools were beautiful but the smell of chlorine was unbearable. It reeked into the hallways on that floor"

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2025

Hotel Grand Pacific
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! (3,001 reviews)
"Our room was a suite (with balcony), and it was the nicest suite I have ever stayed at besides Toledo (Spain) and the most prestigious hotel suite in San Francisco, CA. It was 2.5 blocks easy walk to the Harbor and the Empress where we had high tea reservations. The staff (immigrants from Philippines ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

The Parkside Hotel & Spa
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island

3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards ...
9/10 Wonderful! (319 reviews)
"Love the is cottage! Good for families and friends to share"

Reviewed on Jun. 27, 2025

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home

Pender Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Pender Island. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Pender ...
10/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"Check in was super easy. Amazing views and a great kitchen and eating areas with a view as well. Lots of walking trails nearby."

Reviewed on Aug. 16, 2025

Eagle Rock - Spacious Oceanfront - Family Friendly Home
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Gulf Islands