Southern Gulf Islands: Beyond the Horizon
Now that you’ve securely moored, it’s time to delve into the quaint offerings that extend beyond the lively waterfront of the Southern Gulf Islands. Each island in this maritime paradise unveils a unique tapestry of cultural, culinary, and recreational delights that beckon exploration. Explore these Southern Gulf Islands attractions:
Events
Enjoy a vibrant calendar of island entertainment and events throughout the year.
- Salt Spring Island hosts the Salt Spring Film Festival, showcasing compelling films from around the world, and the biennial Salt Spring National Art Prize that celebrates visual arts excellence. The lively Summer Outdoor Concert Series fills the air with captivating tunes, attracting both locals and visitors, while ArtCraft showcases local wares for sale.
- On Pender Island, the Mosaic Festival brings the community together for a weekend of exceptional art and music, while Art in the Orchard is a relaxed display of local artists complemented by music and activities.
- Mayne Island hosts the quirky May Day event, a beloved community celebration, as well as the spring and fall Made on Mayne Studio Tour, and don’t miss the sellout Campbell Bay Music Fest.
- Galiano Island’s annual Galiano Literary Festival draws book enthusiasts and authors alike, fostering a literary community on this idyllic island.
- Saturna Island is home to the famous Canada Day Lamb Barbeque, where locals and visitors gather for a taste of local cuisine and community camaraderie.
Whether it’s film, music, literature, or community festivities, the Southern Gulf Islands offer a diverse range of entertainment, making them a destination where cultural enrichment and natural wonders seamlessly converge.
Shopping
Explore eclectic boutiques, artisanal markets, and charming stores. On Salt Spring Island, the Waterfront Gallery is an artist-run collective featuring locally-made crafts and goods, Salt Spring Soapworks provides handcrafted skincare products, Raven & Gold offers beautiful jewelry. In Fulford Harbour, The Pottery displays the island’s talented potters and ceramicists.
Pender Island’s Driftwood Centre offers a variety of shops, including the Talisman Books & Gallery, where book lovers can peruse a carefully curated selection, and Islnd Grl Collective has a collection of apparel and accessories.
Mayne Island’s Farm Gate Store is a treasure trove of gifts, souvenirs, and local foods, and Inis Trading Co. offers a curated collection of beautiful goods.
Galiano Island’s Now and Zen boasts a collection of clothing, accessories, and artisanal items, the Loose Leaf Tea & Papery is a unique offering within the Post Office, and Art & Soul Craft Gallery supports local artists and craftspeople.
Saturna Island’s General Store is a convenient stop for supplies and more, while the Grouchy Crab Pottery & Gifts offers a range of unique and handmade items.
These island boutiques and shops contribute to the unique charm of the Southern Gulf Islands, providing visitors with a chance to take home a piece of the islands’ character and creativity.
Dining
Dining in the Southern Gulf Islands is an exquisite journey through locally- and seasonally-inspired cuisine, highlighting the unique flavours of the region.
Salt Spring Island offers a delectable range of options, including Francis Bread, a renowned bakery known for its artisanal bread and pastries. Woodshed Provisions stands out for its farm-to-table dining experience, showcasing locally sourced and thoughtfully crafted dishes. Salt Spring Island Cheese is a must-visit, providing a delightful array of artisanal cheeses made right on the island. For a taste of local libations, Salt Spring Wild Cider offers a refreshing selection of handcrafted ciders.
On Galiano Island, Pilgrimme Restaurant captivates diners with its commitment to seasonal and foraged ingredients, while Oxeye provides an intimate setting for savoring modern Canadian cuisine.
Pender Island boasts Truss Farm Food and The Hub at Hope Bay, both celebrated for their locally-inspired menus and cozy atmospheres, while Twin Island Cider excels at local, craft cidermaking.
Saturna Island’s Feral Goat Bistro is a hidden gem, offering a unique culinary experience, while Mayne Island’s The Farm Gate Store showcases fresh, local produce and gourmet products.
On Mayne Island, The Montrose Local has become a popular community hub, while the Give Pizza Chance and Smoke & Thyme food trucks offer a casual, fun experience.
Together, these establishments weave a delectable narrative of the Southern Gulf Islands’ culinary richness, inviting visitors to savour the essence of each island.
Outdoor Recreation
The Southern Gulf Islands offer a diverse array of outdoor recreation options amidst their stunning coastal landscapes. Boaters can moor in Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island and embark on exhilarating kayaking adventures in the protected waters of Ganges Harbor, exploring hidden coves and marine life. Pender Island boasts the captivating Mount Norman Provincial Park, providing hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago. On Mayne Island, St. John Point Regional Park offers picturesque trails along the shoreline, ideal for leisurely walks and picnics near to the Horton Bay anchorages. Galiano Island offers the challenging yet rewarding Mount Galiano hike, treating hikers to breathtaking vistas of the Salish Sea. For a more secluded experience, Saturna Island’s East Point Regional Park boasts rugged coastal trails and serves as an excellent spot for whale watching.
Southern Gulf Islands Attractions
Find a wealth of unique attractions that captivate visitors with their natural beauty and cultural offerings. Salt Spring Island stands out with the lively Saturday Market in Ganges, a bustling hub where boaters can peruse a diverse array of local crafts, fresh produce, and artisanal goods. Pender Island draws culture enthusiasts to the Pender Island Museum, providing insights into the island’s heritage, while Roesland offers an educational experience in nature. Mayne Island’s Japanese Gardens and Museum provide serene respites and glimpses into settler history. Galiano Island beckons with Montague Harbour Marine Park, a vibrant spot with shops and galleries, while the Galiano Bookstore hosts literary events. Saturna Island invites wine aficionados to Sage Hayward Vineyards, and the feral goats are a must-see oddity on Brown Ridge.
Local Transportation
Local transportation is a great way to explore the eccentricities and understand the community-oriented character of the Southern Gulf Islands.
Mayne
- Use the Mayne Island Community bus by calling or texting 250-539-0851 or emailing ma******@pr********.com several days in advance
- Rent e-bikes from Home Hardware (aka the Mayne Island Building Centre), call: 250-539-2929
- Use community car stops to hitch a ride
Galiano
- Rent e-bikes or mopeds from Galiano Boat and Moped Rentals
- Take the Pub Bus between Montague Harbour and the Hummingbird Pub
Saturna
- Use the Lions Shuttle by texting 604-760-9975 or emailing sa************@gm***.com 48 hours in advance. The fare is by donation and helps the Lions Club provide services and programs for the community.
Pender
- Take the Lightning Taxi, or a tour, available on-demand between 8:00am and 8:00pm (10:00pm on weekends). Call: 250-629-2222
- Rent a pedal bike from Pender Island Kayak Adventures.
Salt Spring
- Take one of BC Transit’s 6 bus routes on the island
- Go on a tour with Tour Salt Spring or Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off
- Rent a pedal bike or an e-bike from Outspokin Bike Shop
- Use the boater’s courtesy shuttle offered by Country Grocer
- Take a Silver Shadow Taxi, call: 250-537-3030
