Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Nature reserve in British Columbia, Canada

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve covers 36 square kilometres across 16 islands and more than 30 islets and reefs in British Columbia's Strait of Georgia. Coastal Douglas-fir dominates the forests, with western red cedar and grand fir in wetter soils and Arbutus and Garry oak on drier ground. The marine waters shelter orcas, porpoises, seals and salmon, while black-tailed deer are the largest land animals.

A 1971 feasibility study by Fisheries Minister Jack Davis examined a marine park here, and in 1973 Parks Canada and the US Park Service proposed a transboundary reserve with the San Juan Islands. The 1995 Canada-British Columbia Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy pledged $30 million from each government. The park was announced on 9 May 2003, and in April 2004 nine former provincial parks were transferred to Parks Canada.

The islands were home to Coast Salish peoples for thousands of years, who lived by fishing and gathering shellfish from these waters. Visitors can still notice signs of this long history in archaeological remains scattered across the islands.

Access to these islands requires taking a ferry from nearby departure points, with regular services connecting the mainland to the park. Plan your visit in advance and check ferry schedules before going.

Sidney Island surprises visitors with extensive sandy beaches created by natural sand spits, offering peaceful shorelines among these otherwise rocky islands. This sandy formation stands out as an uncommon feature in the area.