Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

This national park reserve protects a chain of islands off the coast of British Columbia, each with distinct landscapes of forests, grasslands, and rocky shores. The islands support a variety of plant and animal life shaped by the mild coastal climate.

The park reserve was created in 2003 in response to growing concerns about development threatening the islands' natural environments. Its establishment represented a major conservation effort to protect this fragile landscape.

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.

Location: North Saanich

Operator: Parks Canada

GPS coordinates: 48.72632,-123.37373

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53