Sometimes called the "Canadian San Juan Islands", because they are part of the same island chain, the Southern BC Gulf Islands have their own unique charms.
If you are a sail-boater, by the way, crossing the Strait of Georgia is an easy reach whether the wind is from the North West (most common) or South East (less common).
Once inside the outer barrier islands, the waters are almost always calm.
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Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring, the largest of BC's Southern Gulf Islands, has 50 per cent of all the island chain's population and features several freshwater lakes, high peaks, and beautiful parks. Ganges, the main town, offers a marina, great restaurants and shopping -- including a famous summer market with locally-grown produce, artisan cheeses, gourmet foods, and a variety of displays by island artists and craftspeople. Fulford Harbour also provides a marina, while docking facilities are located in more remote locations around the island, such as Burgoyne Bay, Musgrave Landing, and Fernwood.
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Mayne Island
Mayne Island, a historical and scenic island, offers more solitude than Salt Spring. Village Bay and Miners Bay are the agricultural island's two main wharves, while Horton Bay is a perfectly-protected anchorage. Miners Bay is the main town of the island, offering some restaurants and amenities.
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The Pender Islands
The Pender Islands, north and south, have many lovely bays and beaches, perfect for picnics on a relaxing afternoon. There are government wharves at Port Browning, Hope Bay, Port Washington and Browning Harbour, a particularly beautiful stop. Bedwell Harbour provides access to Beaumont Marine Park, and includes a wharf and lots of commercial activity.
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Saturna Island
Sparsely-populated but scenic Saturna Island is one of the more remote Southern BC Gulf Islands. A government wharf is located at Lyall Harbour, as is a BC Ferries terminal. The best protected moorage is available at Breezy Bay and Winter Cove.
Galiano Island
Galiano Island, at the outer edge of the Southern BC Gulf Islands to the east, is the location of one of the most popular marine parks in the area at Montague Harbour on the south end. The whole island provides wonderful protection from easterly winds, and offers the driest climate of all the Gulf Islands. Galiano's main town center is at Sturdies Bay, where there is a full service marina, and stores for provisioning. There are government wharves at Retreat Cove and Whaler Bay.
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Gabriola Island
Almost directly across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver, Gabriola Island is a small, picturesque Southern Gulf Island known for its sandstone formations. There are three provincial parks and many accessible beaches. Silva Bay at the south end of the island offers full-service marinas, a restaurant, and an art gallery while government docks are located in Degnen Bay and False Narrows. There are two main shopping areas on Gabriola and a summer farmers' market.
» Click here to book your Southern BC Gulf Islands Yacht Charter.
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