Discover the charm of the Southern Gulf Islands this Fall


In the fall, the southern Gulf Islands offer a quiet, golden charm. Couples can enjoy cozy cafés, intimate wineries, and secluded beaches, while outdoor enthusiasts explore forested trails, kayak calm waters, or cycle scenic roads. Art lovers can visit galleries and studios, foodies savour harvest markets and cider tastings, and wildlife watchers catch glimpses of migrating birds and harbour seals. The islands blend romance, adventure, and seasonal magic into an unforgettable autumn escape.
A family sitting on a beach on the Southern Gulf Islands

Choose your Gulf Island Experience

 Outdoor Adventures



The Southern Gulf Islands reveal a different kind of magic in the Fall and Winter. Mist curls through mossy forests, shorelines are dramatic with crashing waves, and the air is crisp and invigorating. It’s a season for cozy hikes, storm watching, and quiet reflection.

Pender Island
  • Hike Mount Norman to see the vibrant autumn foliage
  • Explore Medicine Beach Nature Sanctuary and watch seals and seabirds
  • Storm-watch along the rugged coastline

Salt Spring Island
  • Trek Ruckle Provincial Park’s coastal trails for dramatic winter views
  • Hike Mount Maxwell through foggy forest trails
  • Explore the island’s rugged coastline or hidden coves for beachcombing and tidepooling

Galiano Island
  • Hike Bodega Ridge under low clouds and drifting fog
  • Beachcomb at Montague Harbour after winter tides
  • Watch eagles soar along the sandstone cliffs of Dionisio Point

Mayne Island 
  • Hike Mount Parke through misty trails
  • Explore quiet forest paths for peaceful winter walks
  • Take in the ocean views at Campbell Bay Beach

Saturna Island
  • Wander East Point Park to discover breathtaking ocean views and the best land-based whale watching on the Southern Gulf Islands
  • Explore Veruna Bay and Sunset Beach for peaceful shoreline walks
  • Discover hidden coves at Russell Reef while enjoying winter storm views

 Romance


The Southern Gulf Islands are the perfect setting for romance, where ocean views, charming villages, and quiet getaways create unforgettable moments. Whether you are watching the sunset from a secluded beach, sharing local wine by a crackling fire, or exploring hidden trails hand in hand, each island offers its own unique charm.

Pender Island
  • Take a sunset walk at Brooks Point Regional Park
  • Relax with a couple’s treatment at Poet’s Cove Resort & Spa
  • Kayak together along the calm shoreline
Salt Spring Island
  • Stroll through the Saturday Market and pick out local treats
  • Enjoy a wine tasting at Salt Spring Vineyards
  • Watch the sunset at Vesuvius Bay Beach
Galiano Island
  • Hike to the lookout at Bodega Ridge for panoramic views
  • Dine at a cozy oceanfront restaurant
  • Paddleboard or kayak along sheltered bays
Mayne Island
  • Wander the historic Japanese Gardens
  • Picnic at Campbell Point with sweeping ocean views
  • Go stargazing in the island’s quiet, dark skies

Saturna Island
  • Take a romantic walk along East Point and enjoy dramatic ocean vistas
  • Share a picnic at Sunset Beach while watching the sun dip below the horizon
  • Explore quiet trails together, discovering hidden coves and peaceful forest paths

 Food & Drink 



Fall and winter bring rich, comforting flavors to the Southern Gulf Islands. From cozy cafes and farm-to-table dining to artisanal markets and wineries, each island offers unique culinary experiences to delight food lovers.

Pender Island
  • Savor a hearty meal or seasonal seafood at local bistros
  • Visit small farms for fresh fall produce and artisan goods
  • Dine at farm-to-table restaurants featuring winter harvest menus

Salt Spring Island
  • Taste local wines and cheeses at one of Salt Spring's vineyards 
  • Explore the Saturday Market for seasonal fruits, vegetables, and handmade delicacies
  • Enjoy a cozy café with ocean views while sampling local baked treats

Galiano Island
  • Warm up with seafood chowder or freshly caught local fish at a waterfront restaurant
  • Visit local farm markets for seasonal produce and artisanal products
  • Try a tasting experience featuring island ingredients at Pilgrimme 

Mayne Island
  • Explore small cafes serving locally sourced dishes with seasonal flair
  • Enjoy a picnic at Campbell Point with locally made charcuterie and baked goods
  • Visit local markets or farm stands for winter vegetables and artisanal treats

Saturna Island
  • Sample a tasting of local wines at Sage Hayward Vineyards
  • Explore small farms and artisanal markets for fresh winter produce and handmade treats
  • Enjoy a picnic along the shoreline with locally baked goods and seasonal charcuterie

 Wellness

 

Fall and winter on the Southern Gulf Islands invite slowing down, grounding, and nourishing the body and mind. From hot-cold hydrotherapy rituals to soothing massage and mindful forest walks, each island offers unique ways to restore balance in the quieter months.

Pender Island
  • Indulge in hydrotherapy and healing treatments at Poet’s Cove Resort & Spa
  • Book a restorative massage at WOODS on Pender
  • Take a gentle walk at Brooks Point or Mount Norman to complement your treatments with mindful time in nature

Salt Spring Island
  • Take a mindful forest walk through the trails at Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, pausing to breathe deeply and soak in sweeping views over the Gulf Islands
  • Relax in private forest sauna barrels at Salty Pear or book a hydrotherapy session at Arbutus View Thermal Spa
  • Join a meditation or yoga class, or practice your own on a quiet trail or beach

Galiano Island
  • Unwind with oceanfront treatments at Madrona del Mar Spa at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn
  • Book an RMT session for therapeutic massage
  • Reconnect with yourself through forest bathing along Galiano’s mossy, mist-filled trails

Mayne Island
  • Soothe tension with massage or bodywork
  • Enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna facilities at Mayne Island Resort
  • Take a slow, mindful walk through the Japanese Gardens, especially peaceful in autumn and winter
Saturna Island
  • Reconnect with nature on quiet forest trails or along East Point
  • Enjoy mindful shoreline walks at Sunset Beach or Veruna Bay, listening to waves and winter winds
  • Pause for reflection and meditation at secluded coves or scenic lookouts
 

Exclusive Hotel Deals

Bookable from October 6 to November 20, for travel between October 6, 2025 and March 31, 2026, unless specified otherwise.
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