Southern Photos courtesy of Alistan Cafe. THERE ARE MORE than 200 islands between the city of Vancouver and . These islands are located in the , sometimes called the Gulf of Georgia, and each one has its own unique personality. Within this group of 200 islands are 6 major islands in the southern gulf island chain that are easily accessible for both visitors and resi- dents. Ferries from both Vancouver and Victoria service them daily. Floatplanes are also frequent ways of traveling to the gulf islands from both Vancouver Island and the and also from Seattle Washington.

Each unique island destination offers safe rural environments for Salt Spring is the most accessible of the gulf islands, and the most families or individuals to visit, explore, or even settle down. While visited, with three B.C. ferry terminals taking you to two locations the islands may be small the experience they supply is tremendous. on Vancouver Island and one location in Vancouver at Tsawwassen. Every visitor to the gulf islands should plan at least a day or two Salt Spring also offers more Bed & Breakfasts per capita than any- visiting each of the major islands. where else in Canada. Salt Spring, as with most of the gulf islands, enjoys a mild tem- perate climate year round. Thus making everyday an opportunity The largest and most populated, with a population of approxi- to enjoy all of the beauty and tranquility the island has to offer. mately 10,000, island between Vancouver Island and the city of Vancouver is the alluring and charming Salt Spring Island. With 185 square kilometres of natural beauty to explore, over 130 kilo- Know as the “Isle of the Arts” Gabriola Island boasts more than metres of blissful shoreline, more than 50 unique artist studios, 55 local studios. Many of the gulf islands are know for their arts 16 stunning parks, 8 fresh water lakes, and a couple of golf cours- and culture but Gabriola is home to more artisans than any es, Salt Spring Island offers a substantial amount of recreation and other of the gulf islands. culture for both the curious visitor and the long time resident. A 20-minute ferry ride to downtown Nanaimo, on Vancouver

0097236 3006 Island, makes Gabriola very accessible for both visitors and for each each of the approximately 5,000 residents. A permanent Summer brings out a large number of vaca- population of over tioners who will find many activities to 2,000 residents occupy your time here. Kayaking, diving, make Pender their whale watching, cycling, and of course vis- home. That num- its to any number of provincial parks and ber swells to 6,000 beaches will enlighten everyday with a sense during the sum- of fulfillment. mer months with One unique “treasure” to Gabrolia is its visitors and week- ancient petroglyphs. The Gabrolia end cottagers Museum tells the story of the petroglyphs arriving to take in carved by its ancient native inhabitants. the peaceful laid- After a visit to the museum its time to go back lifestyle that explore the mythology of the more than island living has to 50 petroglyphs discovered throughout offer. the island, each ancient image telling a story of the island, its immigrants, plants, and animals. Mayne Island is considered a must visit by numerous history buffs. Although Mayne contains its fair share of artists, beaches, Pender Island is made up of, not one but and other notorious amenities that is syn- two, islands actually. Together they make up onymous with island life, it has a rich his- about 36 square kilometres of spectacular tory too. The Mayne Island Museum is scenery, copious wildlife, and a lifestyle like located in a jail that was built in the late none other. 1800's and contains artifacts from the old- A canal was created in the early 1900’s to est wreck know to occur in the gulf islands. help with the marine traffic between Pender The Mayne Mast was once a Japanese Island and Victoria thus dividing the island farmhouse. The Japanese were some of the into two. Later in 1956 the two islands first settlers here in the early 1900’s until became one again, so to speak, when a one- they were whisked away to war camps in the SATURNA ISLAND lane bridge was constructed. During the interior of B.C., during World War II, out Nestled right at the end of the gulf time of separation North Pender had of fear of espionage. The Japanese had an islands is Saturna Island. The most become more densely populated while important role in regards to the history of remote and rural of the larger populated South Pender remained mostly rural. Today Mayne Island that is still present today. southern gulf islands. With wildlife out- all who visit the Pender Islands can enjoy A strong sense of community is impor- numbering the total population of 350 what both Islands have to offer. tant to the 900 residents of Mayne and of residents by far, this quiet serene island course open arms are always extended to offers more than just a break from the visitors. daily grind. It offers an opportunity to get close to nature and take in everything that the gulf islands have to offer. No shortage of breathtaking views and When visiting Saturna Island please plan ample beaches here on Galiano Island. One ahead because there are no campsites and of the smaller and less populated gulf lodging is limited. Also there are fewer islands, with a population reaching 1,100, ferry stops to Saturna because of its lower Galiano offers solitude and relaxation any- population. one seeking “paradise”. Called the Jewel of The gulf islands have been a long time the Strait of Georgia, this long, narrow favoured destination for retirement and for island has always had a reputation for mak- vacations. They have also served as a haven ing visitors feel welcome. for numerous artists and artisans. However Climb to the top of Mount Galiano for more recently people are discovering they some of the most spectacular awe-inspir- don’t need a million dollars to live here. ing views possible. From here you can see Affordable recreational homes and retire- the coast mountain range, Vancouver ment options do exist within the gulf islands Island, the entire gulf and , but keep in mind they are in high demand and Mt. Baker in the Olympic Peninsula in so these opportunities go fast. ✩ Washington State. 2527151 3006