In the spring of 2004 the Gulf Island National Park Reserve was opened. This Reserve protects one of the most sensitive ecological areas in Canada. Garry oaks and arbutus trees, tide pools, sea birds, orca whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions all live in and are protected by the Reserve which covers 33 sq. km (20.5 sq. mi.) of parkland on a number of islands.
The Gulf Islands produce a supply of specialty foods and farm products are available at local markets on most of the islands.
Hiking golf, tennis, scuba diving, fishing are all among the Gulf Island attractions. While each island is unique in character you may want to choose one island as a day trip or overnight getaway. Check each island for the type of accommodation available and be sure to book ahead, particularly in the summer season. There are several wellness centres and spas located on the islands, taking advantage of the restful ambience that each island provides.
Gulf Islands Accommodations vary from 5-star resorts to humble off-the-beaten-track Bed and Breakfasts that may just include teaching you a craft, perhaps forging.
The Gulf Islands are divided into North and South. Were you to look at a map of Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands are east of the distance between Victoria and Nanaimo, in the Strait of Georgia. The Northern Gulf Islands continue into the Johnstone Strait and into the Queen Charlotte Strait, covering a total of about 490 km (304 mi.).
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** Featured Listing **
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Quarrystone House is situated on 5 acres on a ridge, with stunning ocean & sunset views to the west & open pastoral views to the east. This dramatic yet peaceful setting creates the perfect escape where you can enjoy tranquil luxury and ensured privacy all year round. Relax on your secluded balcony or soak in your own Jacuzzi tub and enjoy the spectacular sunsets behind Vancouver Island.
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** Featured Listing **
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Luxury waterfront makes it a prime location in the pristine Southern Gulf Islands. A popular destination for worldwide travellers. One of the finest, this Salt Spring Bed and Breakfast has been offering guests luxury accommodation in a casually elegant atmosphere for 18 years
. a perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea.
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This Salt Spring Island hotel features a day spa, a 15-acre organic farm and on-site restaurant with live entertainment. Rooms include free Wi-Fi and coffee-making facilities. The restaurant offers organic and locally grown produce and weekend entertainment. The hotel provides each room with a colour TV and a work desk. Classes are available at the yoga studio.
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This Salt Spring Island seaside resort offers a private beach area, a variety of spa services and villas with a patio and fireplace. The spacious villas provide a two-person mineral bath. Each villa has a fully equipped kitchen, barbecue grills and a living room with a sofa. Some offer an ocean view. Row boats and bikes are available for guests.
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With a private terrace, boat mooring and beach, this completely non-smoking Salt Spring Island accommodation includes suites with a kitchenette and an electric fireplace. An oceanfront hot tub with bathrobes and slippers is available. A 40-inch flat-screen satellite TV and a selection of DVDs are included. The bathroom features heated porcelain tile floors.
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Hastings House Country House Hotel -- a small luxury country resort, spa and restaurant - sits on 22 acres on the waterfront of Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Enjoy luxury lodging, fine dining, wellness and relaxation in a casually-elegant atmosphere. Explore British Columbia's natural beauty, Salt Spring's mild climate and the warmth and creativity of its people.
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Offering beautiful views over Ganges Harbour, this Salt Spring Island suite features access to a number of outdoor activities. Free Wi-Fi is provided. A fully equipped kitchen, cable TV and a DVD player are found in the spacious suite. The accommodation is located above an outdoor store and offers a selection of hiking, kayaking and sailing excursions. Massage services can also be arranged.
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This waterfront accommodation is located on Salt Spring Island. It offers a private pebble beach and contemporary rooms with free Wi-Fi. A flat-screen TV, DVD player, and iPod docking station are included in the guest rooms. Each has a patio and select rooms have a kitchenette. River otters, seals, and eagles can be seen along the shoreline.
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Our Bowen Island cottage offers an inviting getaway for two in a warm décor of natural wood, tile and stained-glass. Amenities include a small fridge, microwave, electric kettle, coffee maker, George Forman Grill and a two-burner stove. Guests are also welcome to dine in our covered ceremonial rock garden and have use of the outdoor kitchen and barbeque.
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This Denman Island, eco-friendly hostel/hotel is attached to Earth Club Factory which produces eco-friendly products and roasts, grinds and serves its own coffee. The bistro serves organic and local food products. The guesthouse has 5 rooms and features a hot tub and bicycle rental and offers free wifi, and pancake breakfast. The inn is located on Denman Island and is 5 km from Buckley Bay.
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This Denman Island B&B features two rooms, ocean-view and four course breakfast including home baking. It also features a self-contained suite and private bathroom. No pets. No smoking. Adult-oriented. The common room has a fireplace, kitchenette, and a TV with a DVD player. Table tennis and hot tub are available to guests. Free public parking and free WiFi.
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Unique and affordable B&B accommodation on Gabriola Island. Our two luxurious rooms look out on a panoramic ocean view. On clear days enjoy your breakfast from a private deck overlooking Pylades Channel, Valdes and Thetis Islands. Watch the eagles soar and the ever changing display of boats on the water. For more information and reservations please call 250-247-9170 or e-mail info@arbutusbluff.ca.
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** Featured Listing **
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Oceanfront camping at its best! Great views & friendly neighbours are what you can expect in the RV Park & Tent Campground at the Heriot Bay Inn on Quadra Island just off Campbell River, BC. Seaside RV campsites & tent campsites, the ocean view, the affordable rates, the dappled shade & the amenities close at hand all make our Resort a "for sure" on RV'ers "must visit" list for Vancouver Island.
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** Featured Listing **
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Quadra Island is one of the idyllic Northern Gulf Islands & is located just a 10 minute ferry ride from Campbell River off the central east coast of Vancouver Island, BC. Quadra Island is well known for beautiful scenery and a casual atmosphere and there is no better place to relax and enjoy the ocean views and warm island hospitality than the Heriot Bay Inn & Resort on the waterfront!
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Tranquil park-like setting on Mayne Island with Ocean views from the property, steps to beach and just minutes from beautiful Bennett Bay and the new Southern Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Kitchens, decks, barbeques, many with wood burning fireplaces. Designated pet cottages. BC Approved Accommodation. Recommended by "Frommer's Best Places" and other fine Travel Guides!
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This Quathiaski Cove resort offers an outdoor pool, hot tub and a variety of outdoor activities. Each room is equipped with a kitchenette and free Wi-Fi. Boasting a bay window with harbour views, each room features a flat-screen TV with cable. All en suite rooms include tea and coffee making facilities. Four covered decks complete with a seating area and BBQ facilities are available.
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This Quathiaski Cove bed and breakfast offers guests a spacious, 3-bedroom suite and the opportunity to be guided by a local artist. Guests have access to a large library with bay windows overlooking the garden. The inn offers air conditioning and laundry services. The inn offers art workshops year-round taught by guest artists.
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This oceanfront Quathiaski Cove guest accommodation offers a restaurant and sauna located on site. All rooms include free Wi-Fi. A private deck or balcony with ocean and mountain views is featured in all rooms. Offering plush furnishings and large windows, all rooms include tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can take a stroll on the walking trails surrounding the accommodation.
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A west coast paradise away from the crowds, April Point Resort & Spa combines natural beauty and adventure to create the ultimate vacation experience. Situated on beautiful Quadra Island, the resort lets you set your own pace. Enjoy a thrilling whale watching tour or a peaceful sunset wine and cheese cruise. Relax with a massage at the Aveda spa or enjoy a cocktail on the patio.
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