Recommended itinerary: 3 Destinations, 7 Days
EXPERIENCE
Southern Gulf Island Hopping Tour
Credit: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
Embark on a tranquil tour through the Southern Gulf Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands are known for their serenity, sandstone cliffs, pebble beaches, and breathtaking coastal views. Whether you want to visit an artisan gallery on Pender Island, unwind at a seaside spa on Galiano Island, or go kayaking on Salt Spring Island, there’s something for every type of traveller on this unforgettable island-hopping adventure.
Use this suggested itinerary to help plan your trip through the scenic Southern Gulf Islands. Head over to explore one Island during a weekend away, or take an extended trip to multiple Islands.
RECOMMENDATION 1
Metro Vancouver to Salt Spring Island
Enjoy the scenic views on your journey with BC Ferries to Salt Spring Island. Spend the day settling in, exploring the Island, and checking out some of the local sights. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, or pick up some beverages from a brewery, winery, distillery or cidery.
Ferry route(s):
Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) or
Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)
RECOMEMNDATION 2
Salt Spring Island
Head out for a hike up Mount Maxwell for stunning coastal views, before re-fueling by grabbing lunch at a local restaurant or relaxing in a wood-burning sauna. If it's a Saturday in the spring or summer, don't miss the famous Saturday Market in Ganges. In the afternoon, visit local art studio, or unwind on the water with a kayak paddle along the coast.
Book activities:
Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off
Credit: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck / Salty Pear
RECOMMENDATION 3
Salt Spring Island to Pender Island
Grab a coffee or pastry from a local cafe before heading for a trail walk in Ruckles Provincial Park. After, catch the ferry to Pender Island. Watch a coastal sunset from one of the Islands many beaches, or from the inside of a kayak on the water.
Ferry route:
Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour) to Pender Island (Otter Bay)
Credit: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
RECOMMENDATION 4
Pender Island
Discover the island by biking around Brooks Point Regional Park, hiking up Mt. Norman for stunning panoramic views, or enjoying a round of disc golf in the forest. Unwind at one of the many local beaches or relax by Magic Lake.
Credit: Michael Wheatley / Alamy Stock Photo
RECOMMENDATION 5
Pender Island to Galiano Island
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at one of the local restaurants before boarding a short ferry to Galiano Island. When you arrive, check out the local art studios, restaurants, and beaches on the peaceful island.
Ferry route:
RECOMMENDATION 6
Galiano Island
To make the most of this rejuvenating island getaway, book a treatment at a spa on the island and bask in the relaxation. If spa treatments aren’t your thing, there are plenty of quiet beaches that are perfect for a day of basking in the sun, and listening to the calming sound of the waves.
Credit: Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht
RECOMMENDATION 7
Galiano Island to Metro Vancouver
Spend your final morning on Galiano enjoying the island sights. Hike up to the top of Mount Galiano or walk along the shores of pebbled beaches before heading to the ferry terminal for your sailing to Vancouver.
Ferry route(s):
Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen) or
Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) to Victoria (Swartz Bay)
