Explore the spectacular coast, mountains and pastoral farmlands of the Vancouver Island region on a scenic drive. The Gulf Islands in particular provide a unique getaway - within a getaway.
Nestled along the sheltered eastern coastline of the Vancouver Island Region, the Northern and Southern Gulf Islands are known for their serenity, pristine beauty, and mild climate. Each of these islands is unique in character yet shares a relaxed lifestyle cherished by locals and admired by visitors.
Vancouver Island, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands are accessible from Vancouver Island centres via BC Ferries. Those planning to explore all five Islands should allow at least five days as each has so much to offer. However, if time is limited, choose one or two islands or take the BC Ferries day trip from Swartz Bay that makes several stops on a circle route.
Scenic Drives
from Victoria/ Sidney
BC Ferries’ Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in the South Island region is the starting point for excursions to five of the Southern Gulf Islands. On Salt Spring Island, the most populated of these islands, take a self-guided tour of the artisan studios and art galleries and sample local produce at the famous Saturday market in Ganges. Mayne Island used to be a resting point for gold miners en route to the mainland; now it’s a treasure for anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the rush of everyday life. Pender Islands are a beachcomber’s paradise with more than 20 ocean-access points leading to quiet, romantic beaches and picturesque coves.
Saturna Island is a rural hideaway with tremendous natural beauty, great hiking, and a new winery. Galiano Island will leave visitors breathless with its pristine beauty, abundant wildlife, and outdoor adventure options.
Scenic Drives from Crofton
The friendly community of Crofton in the Cowichan region is another departure point for hops between Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island. Crofton is also a great starting point for an up-island tour after an excursion in the Southern Gulf Islands. From Crofton, the Island Highway leads north to Nanaimo or south to Duncan. Scenic Drives from Chemainus
After touring the charming seaside town of Chemainus, take a trip to Thetis Island, popular with cyclists, kayakers, and boaters. Scenic Drives from Nanaimo
Both Gabriola Island and Newcastle Island are accessible from Nanaimo, Vancouver Island’s second largest city. Gabriola Island is known for beaches, amazing sandstone formations, and its variety of art. Newcastle Island is an ideal spot for family day trips and offers cycling, hiking, swimming, camping, wildlife watching, a provincial park, and a Historic Pavillion. Scenic Drives from Parksville/ Qualicum Beach
From French Creek, located between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on the Oceanside Route (Hwy 19A), take the passenger ferry to Lasqueti Island, a small, relatively undeveloped island with easy hiking and cycling options. Scenic Drives from Comox Valley
From Buckley Bay, just south of Courtenay, a 15-minute ferry ride takes visitors to peaceful, pretty Denman Island where a 15-minute cross-island drive leads to the departure point for Hornby Island. Both islands are very popular among kayakers, hikers, cyclists and art studio browsers. Scenic Drives from Campbell River
The world-famous fishing and outdoor adventure city of Campbell River is the departure point for both Quadra Island and Cortes Island. Quadra features a number of excellent fishing lodges and an outstanding First Nations museum and cultural center. Cortes is a quiet, rural island very popular with boaters. Scenic Drives from Port McNeill
Alert Bay on Cormorant Island and Sointula on Malcolm Island are both accessible from the friendly fishing and forestry town of Port McNeill. Alert Bay is renowned for its First Nations heritage and is the home of the famous U’mista Cultural Centre, containing one of the finest mask and Potlach collections in the world. The village of Sointula has a fascinating history, excellent fishing, and beautiful scenery.