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About the Region
Nestled into the eastern side of Vancouver Island, these islands are perfect for a slower paced vacation. Pastoral landscapes abound, rolling country roads cutting through lush rain forest, white shell beaches on secret little
islets are some of the islands delightful treasures.
The Gulf Islands are moderately inhabited giving way to a good variety of funky restaurants and interesting shops. Some of the larger islands, with more year round residents, means you are likely be able to get a specialtycoffee on Sunday morning accompanied by a regional or international newspaper.
BC’s gulf islands are broken into two primary groups; those of the southern gulf islands and the northern gulf islands. Each island being slightly different from the next offers a distinct flavor and experience.
Both outdoor activities and cultural experiences are plentiful. Lakes for fresh water fishing are abundant as well as piers and docks where there are boat rentals and fishing charters should you want to try your hand at salmon
fishing. The islands are a kayakers dream with miles and miles of endless shoreline to explore as well as an abundance of smaller islets in the bays and inlets.
Travellers looking for island culture should know these emerald islands have long been home to artists, writers, crafts people, woodworkers and musicians. Festivals, farmers markets, open shops, galleries and studios are
scattered throughout the islands north and south.
Saltspring Island, the largest of all the gulf islands, is now famous for its Saturday morning market. This morning to afternoon event brings out the best in island entrepreneurs selling everything from massages and pottery to
fresh handmade goat cheese and felt hats. It’s an event you will not want to miss while visiting! The other southern gulf islands, like Gabriola, Galiano, Mayne and Pender, also support a significant artisan population by
providing the inspirational settings and a quiet, laid back lifestyle conducive to creativity.
For the traveller who needs to balance the cultural with the natural, these islands are a must. With plenty of hidden beaches, great walking trails, oceanside parks and mountain lookouts these islands are a wonderful retreat.
In the Northern Gulf islands Tribune bay, also known as little Hawaii on Hornby Island, provides some of the best swimming imaginable and Lasqueti Island’s quiet coves, which are only accessible by kayak, are just around the corner.
All the Gulf Islands have a moderate year round climate and are really spectacular in the summer months. Because of their geographical location, the islands enjoy a rain shadow provided by Vancouver Island’s mountains.
This means the islands get considerably less rain than the mainland or the west coast of Vancouver Island. Dry, moderately hot summers are considered the norm here with summer often pushing well into October. It is not
uncommon to still be in a t-shirt and shorts in late October. Winters are moody bringing clouds, mist and the occasional snowfall. The image of snow falling on cedars is breathtaking.
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Other Interesting Facts
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