Gulf Islands National Park Reserve   

Contact Information:
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
2220 Harbour Road
Sidney, BC
Canada V8L 2P6
250-654-4000

Size: 35 sq. km. 

Location: Situated in the southern Strait of Georgia to the southeast of Vancouver Island (British Columbia), Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is spread out over 29 sites on 16 islands and includes more than 30 islets and reefs. British Columbia Ferries provides vehicle and passenger service to Mayne Island, Saturna Island and North and South Pender Islands through their Southern Gulf Islands routes from the Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island) and Tsawwassen (Vancouver) ferry terminals. All other areas of the park are accessible only via powerboat, sailboat or kayak.  

Description: Located between BC's largest urban centers, Vancouver and Victoria, the islands and surrounding waters are key attractions for local residents and visitors. They provide habitat for great blue heron, numerous shorebirds and waterfowl, and haul-outs for harbour seals and sea lions. 

Activities: Camping, hiking, boating, and kayaking. 

Places to Stay: There are limited camping opportunities in the Gulf Islands. Campsites can be reserved in Prior Centennial campground on North Pender Island. Accessible by vehicle, this campground is set in a thick forest of ferns, cedar, fir, maple and alder trees. Primitive camping is offered on Cabbage Island, D’Arcy Island, Isle-de-Lis, Portland Island, James Bay (Prevost Island) and Beaumont (South Pender). All these sites, except for Beaumont, are accessible by water only. Vehicle accessible camping is available at McDonald campground on Vancouver Island near Sidney, and at Prior Centennial campground on North Pender.

Services and facilities for visitors are limited. Privately-operated tourist services outside of the park are available on Saturna, Mayne, and North and South Pender islands. Arrangements for overnight accommodation on these islands should be made in advance. Fees are charged for campsites and overnight dockspace and mooring buoys. For further information on accommodations outside the park, contact the British Columbia Tourism Office online or by calling 1-800-HELLO BC (1-800-435-5622).

Operating Hours: Park lands are open year-round, but no services or limited services are available in the off-season.

History: Established in 2003.

See other Canadian National Parks
See other British Columbia National Parks