British Columbia's Beautiful Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands, mostly in the Straight of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia, are considered to be B.C.'s vacation destination. The beauty of their shorelines, lush forests, orchards, sheep farms and awe-inspiring views are unsurpassed. And the lifestyle is peaceful and relaxed with the opportunity for outdoor adventures.

Pender Island (North and South), Saltspring Island, Maine Island, Saturna, Galiano and Gabriola Island are the largest of this group of islands. Some of the smaller islands include Texada, Hornby, Denman, Quadra, Cortes, Thetis, Vales, DeCourcey, Mudge and Lasqueti. There are approximately 200 gulf islands, some so small as to be invisible on most maps and many that are uninhabited are accessible only by private boat, or kayak.

Saltspring is the largest of the gulf islands with a population of over 10,000 year-round residents, a large population of sheep and deer, and the occasional bear. It is the most populated of all the islands and is home to many artists, musicians and sculptors.

Ganges, on Saltspring, is one of the largest towns on all of the gulf islands and is a popular destination for boaters. This busy town is where most of the businesses are located. On our visit, we stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast and watched as orcas cruised through the off-shore waters. Sea lions are occasional visitors to the island as well. We were surprised to discover there are eight lakes, 22 beaches and 225 farms with beautiful rolling pastures.

Gabriola Island is another of the gulf islands dotting the western coastline. The rugged shoreline and sandstone beaches almost ensure that beachcombing will be a wondrous adventure. Nature flourishes with starfish, jellyfish, anemones, sea otter and seals being in abundance. Setting up chairs at waters edge, we enjoyed the tranquility of waves lapping at our feet, eagles soaring overhead and the ocean sounds of seagulls and oyster catchers. From the bluffs above the shoreline there are spectacular views of ships and pleasure craft and the spirit-lifting beauty of sun glistening on gentle waves. In the evening we enjoyed the breathtaking sunsets with the soft lights of Nanaimo and Sechelt twinkling in the distance.

Gabriola Island is known as the Queen of the Gulf Islands and there is much to see and enjoy on this enchanted island. One of interests is Malaspina Galleries. It is a rare geological feature. It was once named Galiano Gallery, after the Spanish explorer, Dionisio Alcala Galiano, who visited the area in 1792. The gallery has been carved into the sandstone over hundreds of years of high tides and is one of the not-to-be-missed sights.

Many of the other islands are much smaller than these two but each has its own history, culture and attractions. On one visit to Hornby Island we found a clean sandy beach where clams were plentiful but knowing nothing about clam digging, we looked for the largest ones. Taking a pail of these delectable creatures to the home of friends, they informed us that instead of the melt-in-your-mouth clams we had been anticipating these large ones would be tough as old shoe leather; they were the soup-making variety.

Traveling from one island to another is relatively easy but to really get the island feel, it is important to allow at least one or two days to explore each island thoroughly in order to see it the way it should be seen.