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Journey to the Gulf Islands to sit back and relax in the peaceful
tranquility, to breathe deeply the clean ocean air and to rejuvenate your
soul. Many of Canada's artists have been charmed by the beauty and
serenity of the peaceful Gulf Islands and you, too, may find yourself
visiting the local real estate office before the end of your stay! |
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Salt Spring Island (Population: 10,000)
Salt Spring Island is famous for sunshine, scenery, and art. Lots of art.
A number of Canada’s most renowned artists, inspired by the beauty and
the tranquil lifestyle, have made their homes on Salt Spring Island.
Galleries and artisan studios in the villages and along the country roads
offer everything from paintings, sculptures, and prints, to weaving,
pottery, stained glass, basketry, and jewellery. ArtCraft, a summer-long
exhibition and sale, showcases works by more than 250 Gulf Island
artisans. |
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The wellness movement is strong on Salt Spring Island whether you are
looking for yoga retreats and mineral spas, gentle outdoor activities, or
simply absorbing the stunning scenery for a few days, Salt Spring Island
is the perfect place to restore your personal balance.
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| On
Salt Spring Island, BC Ferries operates out of three terminals: Fulford
Harbour ferries sail to Swartz Bay, near Sidney on Vancouver Island; Long
Harbour serves ferries to and from Tsawwassen Terminal, just south of
Vancouver on the mainland; and Vesuvius Bay ferries sail to Crofton, near
Duncan on Vancouver Island.
Salt Spring Island offers a full range of quality accommodations and many
excellent restaurants. |
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Mayne
Island (Population: 900)
When gold was discovered in the Fraser River in 1858, Mayne Island played
a part in the fervour as a stopping point for marine traffic en route to
the mainland. Boatloads of miners with the sparkle of Gold Rush fever in
their eyes tied up along the docks and filled saloons and hotels in Miners
Bay. Now, the historic buildings are preserved as landmarks and Mayne
Island has taken its place as a quiet getaway island with a rich,
colourful history.
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Boaters
can find docking facilities at the government dock and can walk into the
village of Miners Bay; there are also docking facilities at Horton Bay.
Choose from a unique selection of accommodations, including delightful bed
and breakfasts, country inns, cabins, campsites, and resorts, as well as
plenty of recreational opportunities.
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Galiano Island
(Population: 1,000)
Named after a Spanish explorer who sailed these waters 200 years ago,
charming Galiano Island welcomes visitors with its relaxed atmosphere and
natural beauty. A haven for naturalists and bird watchers, peaceful
Galiano is home to more than 130 species of birds and many rare and
protected plants. Quiet country roads through the predominantly Douglas
fir forest lead to arts and crafts galleries, cafes and restaurants,
cottages, inns, and bed and breakfasts. Outdoor recreation ranges from a
challenging round of golf to a picnic at a scenic viewpoint, kayaking
along the shoreline to relaxing on the beaches at Montague Harbour or Coon
Bay.
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Saturna Island
(Population: 326)
Saturna Island's moderate climate, quality
accommodations and services make it an ideal year-round destination for
that special retreat or quiet getaway. Cycling, hiking and kayaking are
popular pastimes and there are scenic walks and easy access to beaches. |
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| Saturna's thirty-one square
kilometre area includes forests, wet lands, mud flats, rock bluffs, reefs
and beaches. There are over one hundred and eighty bird species from
hummingbirds to bald eagles. Deer, favourites among the island's wildlife,
are seen everywhere. A rich and abundant marine life is visible on rocks
and in tidal pools. River otters, seals and sea lions are seen along the
costal waters and orca whales are frequently spotted in the waters off
East Point. Winter Cove, site of the Saturna Lamb Barbecue, features
sheltered anchorage and boat launching, with trails through mixed forest,
marsh land shoreline, to a view point at Boat Pass. Below the rock
bluffs on the south side of the island are Saturna Vineyard and Winery,
Thomson Park and Taylor Point. There are beach areas for unsupervised
swimming at Veruna Bay, East Point Regional Park, and Thomson Park. |
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| The permanent population on
Saturna has remained small, preserving the charm and rural character of
the island. Come to Saturna and experience the rhythm of island life for
yourself. |
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Pender
Islands (Population: 2,200)
Known as the “friendly islands” and the “islands of hidden coves and
beaches,” the Penders are actually two islands joined together by a
bridge. The Penders are the perfect place for family vacations, romantic
escapes, seminars, and retreats and offer an intimate and pastoral setting
popular with nature lovers.
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Accommodations
include campsites at Prior Centennial Provincial Park and Beaumont Marine
Park, cabins, bed and breakfast inns, and resorts. Boaters can find
marinas at Port Browning, Otter Bay, and Bedwell Harbour. Bicycle, and
boat rentals are offered, as well as a variety of other enjoyable
activities.
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Gabriola Island
(Population: 4,500)
Beautiful Gabriola Island, known as the Queen of the Gulf Islands, is
located just offshore from Nanaimo and offers a wonderful variety of
activities in a lovely setting of forested parks and serene beaches. The
Malaspina Galleries are one of the island’s biggest natural attractions
and are an amazing series of sandstone formations carved by the surf into
unusual caves and caverns.
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Ferries operates a vehicle and passenger ferry between Gabriola Island
Nanaimo; there are numerous trips each day with a sailing time of
approximately 20 minutes.
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Retirement Communities Directory |
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Select an area to find a Retirement Community:
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