Must-Visit Attractions in the Gulf Islands: Top Destinations to Explore

Discover British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, a premier destination for both US and Canadian cruisers. These islands are renowned for their charming marinas, scenic hiking trails, delightful winery tours, and picturesque anchorages bordered by sandy beaches. During the summer months, the islands buzz with activity as families and chartered vessels seek to soak up the long, warm, sunny days on the water.

Each island boasts its own unique atmosphere, making it essential to explore more than just one! Be sure to venture ashore with a basket to collect wild blackberries—there’s nothing quite as satisfying as picking and tasting these sweet berries in the wild.

During the dry summer months, many islands experience rationed potable water or may have no access at all, so it’s crucial to plan accordingly. Not all docks and marinas provide potential refilling options for water tanks, so ensure you are well-prepared before your journey.

If you’re new to the Gulf Islands, this guide to popular marinas and favorite anchorages will help you decide where to visit with whatever time you have available. Starting from the Nanaimo area, this list travels southward, intentionally skipping Victoria and Sooke due to the overwhelming number of beautiful locations to explore.

As always, I’ll present marinas, docks, and anchorages for your consideration without lengthy details. For more in-depth information about accessing these marinas, along with details about rates and services, check out our Salish Sea Pilot e-book guides.

Saysutshun (Newcastle Island): This island features fantastic trails winding through ancient forests, offering various swimming spots during high tide. The popular Dinghy Dock Pub, located on neighboring Protection Island, is just a short distance from the numerous mooring balls, docks, and anchorage available in Mark Bay. It’s easy to take a dinghy to Nanaimo for provisions or catch a ferry directly from the Saysutshun dock.

Silva Bay, Pages Marina: Enjoy a picnic area, a shop featuring locally crafted pre-made meals, fresh produce, baked goods, and books by local authors. Visit the nearby artists’ collective showcasing works from local creators. Don’t miss the summer farmers market on Sundays!

Pirate’s Cove: Explore rocky shores in search of hidden treasures while hiking along the stunning sandstone beaches and over 12 hectares (31 acres) of parkland. There are plenty of stern-tie pins available. Our grandchildren love this charming cove!

Ladysmith: Whether you choose to anchor or utilize one of the several marinas, you’ll have easy access to all the community offers: excellent restaurants, a new craft brew pub, Transfer Beach Park, winery tours, and a stroll through the historic downtown, plus nearby grocery stores. A popular family destination for good reason!

Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park: This park features popular spots like Princess Cove and Wallace Cove, ideal for both hikers and paddlers. Stern tying is available to accommodate more boats, but keep an eye on forecasts as strong winds can occasionally sweep into the coves. Bask in the beauty of summer sunsets here.

Clam Bay: A favored anchorage while awaiting favorable flows out to Georgia Strait, Clam Bay also offers a peaceful spot to drop your anchor. Explore The Cut during a rising tide with your dinghy or kayak, leading to dining options and pubs in Telegraph Harbour.

Montague Harbour: Enjoy a day on the sandy beach, venture along the scenic trails, dine at the marina, or take a fun bus ride to the Hummingbird Inn. Don’t miss the stunning sunset view from the west side of Gray Peninsula—this spot is popular for a reason!

Ganges: Aside from its bustling Saturday market, Ganges offers wine tasting at nearby vineyards, outstanding restaurants, golfing options, bike and scooter rentals, a public swimming pool, and the chance to explore farther afield via the island bus. Choose from various marinas and docks, or be cautious when anchoring outside the harbor traffic flow.

Otter Bay: Families flock to this marina, which features heated swimming pools, lawn games, and a cozy fire pit. Enjoy hiking trails, visit Panda Bay Beach, and check out a nearby public nine-hole golf course and the unique farmhouse/museum—all part of the attraction!

Winter Cove: A lovely anchorage that comes alive during the July 1 Canada Day long weekend thanks to the extraordinarily popular lamb barbecue where all are welcome. While you’re there, take a stroll to the point for stunning views of Georgia Strait—keep an eye out for boats passing through Boat Pass!

Port Browning: Choose to anchor or stay at the marina while indulging in the pool, enjoying a pub, bistro, and convenience store. A short walk takes you to Driftwood Centre, which stocks liquor, bakery items, and groceries. Both a winery and cidery are within walking distance of the public dock.

Burgoyne Bay: As avid hikers, we adore this bay, where stunning sunsets and views abound. Though it’s less suited for those uninterested in hiking uphill.

Tod Inlet: Though it may require a bit of a detour, this inlet is well worth the visit. Revel in its beautiful beach, enjoy swimming opportunities, and explore the park’s trails. The world-renowned Butchart Gardens is just a stone’s throw from the public dock. There are often mooring buoys available near the gardens, although they tend to fill quickly. This inlet is ideal for protection and offers a public bus route directly to Victoria.

Bedwell Harbour: This harbor features a Canada Customs check-in available from May to September. Choose to anchor, grab a mooring buoy, or stay at the marina, which offers a pool, hot tub, café, and all necessary amenities. Explore Beaumont Marine Park, which boasts hiking trails, including a one-hour climb to a breathtaking mountain-top viewing platform.

Narvaez Bay: While it’s best to avoid this location during a southeast blow, it provides solid protection from most summer winds. Enjoy breathtaking views on a clear day that stretch to the mountains across northern Washington. The scenic trail to Monarch Head is a must-explore, and you’ll likely find this peaceful spot largely unoccupied.

Cabbage Island: A serene destination featuring a beautiful south-facing sandy beach. Explore Tumbo Island, which is accessible by foot at low water, and wander its charming trails. Enjoy mooring ball options; this typically peaceful spot can become bumpy during northerly winds. Always check the forecast and find shelter from northerlies in nearby Narvaez Bay.

Portland Island: As a popular destination, it can be challenging to find anchorage at either Royal Cove in the north or Princess Bay in the south. Stern-tie pins are located at both sites. Delight in the extensive trails around the island park, uncovering secluded coves, middens, and flat rocks. Expect a bustling crowd on summer weekends.

Russell Island: This island is distinguished by its stands of fir, pine, Garry Oak, and old orchards, making it a unique destination. Perfect for tidal pool exploration, visit the old farmstead turned small museum. It’s a fair-weather anchorage, and kids particularly enjoy this lovely spot!

Sidney: A vibrant community offering shopping, a fun aquarium for kids, a distillery, fantastic dining options, boat repair services, and a BC Ferry terminal. Experience the Thursday evening street market and the downtown marina, which provides all necessary amenities. Sidney also boasts public transportation to Victoria and convenient access to Victoria International Airport via bus or taxi.

Sidney Spit: Opt to anchor, pick up a mooring buoy, or dock at the seasonal harbor. Enjoy the stunning, long sandy beach that is perfect for swimming and paddling. Walking trails abound in this must-see park, as does the opportunity to take the ferry service in the summer to Sidney. Witness wonderful sunset views here as well.

Note: This post was originally published on SalishSeaPilot.com and is shared courtesy of the authors.